Ideal for beginners and advanced users: Top-quality gravel shoes from under 100 euros

Gravel riding is booming —and beginners are faced with a multitude of equipment decisions. Today we'll discuss… We answer one of them: Which sporty clipless pedal shoe under €100 is right for me? We offer an overview of the 15 best shoes for clipless pedals in the gravel and cross-country categories!

Especially in the sporty realm, the choice often falls – and for good reason – on clipless pedal shoes. Using metal cleats under the shoe sole, riders can clip directly into special "clipless" pedals. Clipless pedals offer the advantage of keeping the foot in a consistently stable position on the pedal and enabling efficient power transfer. Furthermore, they virtually eliminate the risk of the foot slipping off the pedal – a significant benefit, particularly on rough terrain.

Having your feet firmly planted in the pedals might sound intimidating at first. But you quickly get used to the feeling and soon develop the knack for quickly unclipping your feet from the pedals. For many, the look of wide platform pedals simply doesn't suit a sleek drop-bar bike – but ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference.

Clipless pedals are a given; now you need the right shoes. We've compiled 15 models with a recommended retail price of €100 and up, which we believe are suitable for beginners and advanced gravel and XC riders.

The correct cleat position

Having your feet relatively firmly anchored to the pedals has certain advantages, as described above, but it's not without risks. The cleats, the metal connecting piece between the shoe sole and the pedal, can be freely mounted in different positions. Scales pressed into the sole help to tighten the cleats in reproducible positions – but they don't tell you which position is the correct one. Fixing your foot in an unergonomic position on the pedal can lead to discomfort. Therefore, cleats with a float of about 5 degrees or more are particularly suitable for beginners. This allows the foot to rotate slightly to the left or right.

Manufacturers such as SQLab and Ergon, or also crankbrothers They offer adjustment masks that further simplify the installation. When mounting the cleats, they can sometimes twist slightly. Cleats are usually mounted symmetrically; the nose can optionally point slightly inwards so that, viewed from above, the foot points slightly outwards. However, care must be taken to ensure that the heel doesn't rub against the rear triangle.

What clipless systems are available?

In the off-road sector, two systems are particularly relevant: Crankbrothers "Standard Release" and Shimano "SPD." The latter is probably the most widespread, especially in the gravel sector, and is also the oldest system. Shimano has over thirty years of experience with the clip-in system. The Crankbrothers system enjoys great popularity, particularly in the MTB gravity sector. The shoes in our overview are compatible with cleats from both manufacturers, as they both use the same thread size. It's important to note that SPD cleats cannot be used with Crankbrothers pedals, and vice versa.

Which lacing technique is best?

Besides classic shoelaces, there are also drawstring closures, of which the BOA click-and-twist closure is particularly noteworthy. These closures are sometimes combined with additional Velcro straps; some entry-level shoes even rely exclusively on Velcro closures. Ultimately, the choice of lacing system is a matter of both personal preference and budget.

Our overview of 15 gravel and cross-country shoes starting at 100 euros

Cube – OX Pro

The Cube OX Pro shoes are suitable for everyday wear and, thanks to their stiff sole and secure lacing system, also perform well on gravel bikes or sporty mountain bikes. Their major advantage is the rubber outsole, which makes them suitable for use off the bike as well. For those who commute to work on a gravel bike or whose tours include walking sections, the Cube OX Pro are a reliable companion.

• Features Everyday-suitable sole, cleat cover included.
• Sizes EU 36 48
• Colors Green, white, black
• lacing BOA-like train system
• cube.eu
• Price (RRP) EUR 99,95

Cube – Peak

Also in the portfolio of the Waldershof-based bicycle brand is the Cube Peak – a gravel shoe designed for sporty use. Equipped with an even stiffer sole compared to the Cube OX Pro, the Cube Peak is suitable for extended gravel tours and hugs the foot in an aerodynamically optimized fit. The BOA-like closure is complemented by a Velcro strap. The shoes, weighing 360 g (as weighed by us, without cleats), have a recommended retail price of €99,95.

• Features Sporty design for gravel riding
• Sizes EU 36 48
• Colors White black
• lacing BOA-like pull system + Velcro strap
• cube.eu
• Price (RRP) EUR 99,95

Endura – Hummvee XC

Despite the "XC" in its name, the Endura Hummvee XC is designed as a multi-discipline option. The shoes are intended to be a good choice for trail and cross-country bikes as well as fast gravel bikes. Thanks to the triple Velcro strap, the shoe can be adjusted to the foot, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. For improved power transfer, the Scottish manufacturer has incorporated a "Power Arch Strap" to stabilize the foot. Price: €130 (RRP).

• Features Multi-discipline option, Power Arch Strap
• Sizes EU 38 47
• Colors Olive green, black, grey-blue
• lacing velcro tape
• endurasport.com
• Price (RRP) EUR 130

Physics – Ergolace 2

We've had the opportunity to test the Fizik Ergolace 2 for some time now and can confirm that these off-road adventure shoes are suitable for everyday wear while also being ideal for sporty activities on and off-road. Thanks to the Ergolace lacing system, the shoes are very easy to slip on; contrary to expectations, the Ergolaces also do a very good job of keeping the shoe securely in place. Off the bike, the Ergolace 2 feel almost like normal shoes when walking. They are priced at just under €150.

• Features Everyday off-road adventure shoes
• Sizes EU 36 48
• Colors Forest Green-Caramel, Off-White, Dark Blue-Black
• lacing Ergolace
• fizik. com
• Price (RRP) EUR 149

Physics – Terra Atlas

The Terra Atlas is a sporty all-terrain and all-road cycling shoe. It's designed for use on trails as well as, of course, gravel bikes. Whether bikepacking tours, extended gravel rides, or gravel races – the Terra Atlas can handle it all. The price for this off-road all-rounder is €159 (RRP).

• Features Race shoe for gravel racing
• Sizes EU 36 48
• Colors Army Black, Black-Black, Grey-Black, Orange-Green
• lacing BOA
• fizik. com
• Price (RRP) EUR 159

Northwave - Hammer

The Northwave Hammer shoes feature arch support and a three-strap Velcro closure. They are aimed at riders seeking a simple and functional solution. Available in three colors and a wide range of sizes from EU 36 to 50, at an entry-level price of just under €100, the Northwave Hammer shoes are a standout. For an additional €35, the Hammer Plus is available, which utilizes the BOA-like X-Dial adjustment system.

• Features Budget-friendly racing shoe for off-road use
• Sizes EU 36 50
• Colors Black, dark grey, green
• lacing Velcro
• northwave.com
• Price (RRP) EUR 99,99

Northwave - Razer

The Northwave Razer is positioned slightly higher in the manufacturer's portfolio and is designed as a sporty off-road shoe suitable for both gravel and XC riding. According to Northwave, the sole is quite stiff. The closure system combines an X-Dial dial with an additional Velcro strap at the forefoot.

• Features Stiff XC sole, unibody construction
• Sizes EU 36 48
• Colors Black, sand, light grey
• lacing X-Dial rotary closure + Velcro strap
• northwave.com
• Price (RRP) EUR 169,99

Scott - Gravel Pro

Scott's Gravel Pro is a shoe designed – as the name suggests – specifically for use on gravel. The outsole is made of a grippy rubber compound (Sticki-Rubber) intended to make walking sections easier. A BOA closure system is also included. The manufacturer also offers a women's model, priced at just under €150 (RRP).

• Features Gravel-specific profile, Sticki-Rubber outsole
• Sizes EU 40 48
• Colors white/black, white/grey, black matt/white, matt grey/black
• lacing BOA
• scott-sports.com
• Price (RRP) EUR 149,95

Scott – MTB Comp Boa

As an alternative in the slightly lower price segment, Scott positions the MTB Comp Boa. This model is said to offer the same sole stiffness as the Gravel Pro. Inside, Scott incorporates an ErgoLogic footbed. Visually striking is the combination of the BOA system and an additional Velcro strap at the toe box. Price: €129,95.

• Features ErgoLogic footbed
• Sizes EU 40 48
• Colors matt black/sulfur yellow, beige/brown
• lacing BOA + Velcro
• scott-sports.com
• Price (RRP) EUR 129,95

Shimano – SH-XC102

With the SH-XC102, Shimano offers a reasonably priced entry into the world of off-road shoes. Instead of dial closures, the manufacturer uses a classic three Velcro straps. These are asymmetrically arranged to reduce tension on the foot. The synthetic leather upper is also perforated to improve ventilation.

• Features Perforated synthetic leather, asymmetrical strap design, fiberglass-reinforced sole
• Sizes EU 38 50
• Colors black, olive
• lacing 3 Velcro straps
• bike.shimano.com
• Price (RRP) EUR 119,95

Shimano – SH-XC302

 

Shimano positions the SH-XC302 slightly above the entry-level model, the SH-XC102, and offers the gravel and MTB shoes not only in more sizes but also in a wide version. Shimano states the sole has the same stiffness rating as the model mentioned above. The BOA closure system is intuitive to use and ensures a comfortable fit. Comfortable yet race-oriented, the XC-302 is priced at just under €140.

• Features Perforated synthetic leather, asymmetrical strap design, fiberglass-reinforced sole
• Sizes EU 36 52
• Colors black, ice grey, brown, white
• lacing 3 Velcro straps
• bike.shimano.com
• Price (RRP) EUR 139,95

Specialized – Recon 1.0 Gravel & MTB

The Recon 1.0 is Specialized's entry-level model for gravel and mountain biking. A special feature of this shoe is the so-called STRIDE Toe-Flex technology: The sole is designed to be flexible enough in the toe area for a more natural walking motion, while remaining sufficiently stiff in the pedaling area for efficient power transfer. The sole is coated with SlipNot rubber. The iconic US manufacturer is asking €119 for these gravel shoes.

• Features STRIDE Toe Flex Technology, Body Geometry Design
• Sizes EU 36 49
• Colors black, dune white, spice, crushed emerald / dove gray
• lacing BOA
• specialized.com
• Price (RRP) EUR 119,00

Spiuk – Senda MTB

 

The Spiuk Senda MTB takes a slightly different approach visually, resembling a lightweight approach or hiking shoe. While marketed as an MTB shoe, the robust Senda performs just as well on a gravel bike. The EVA insert in the rubber sole provides cushioning. It uses the widely adopted BOA closure system. The Senda is also available in a particularly small size, EU 34.

• Features Hiking and everyday wearable look, EVA rubber sole
• Sizes EU 34 49
• Colors black, white, brown
• lacing BOA
• spiuk.com
• Price (RRP) EUR 109,90

Spiuk – Loma MTB

The Spiuk Loma has a slightly sportier look than the Senda model. Its sole is made of a fiberglass-polyamide blend. An interesting detail is the asymmetrical design of the upper, which Spiuk claims provides a better fit. The shoe again uses a BOA dial closure system. Spiuk prices the Senda at €129,90 (RRP).

• Features Asymmetrical design, fiberglass-polyamide sole
• Sizes EU 37 49
• Colors Black, white, khaki
• lacing BOA
• spiuk.com
• Price (RRP) EUR 129,90

Vaude – MTB Kuro

 

 

Vaude takes a slightly different approach with the Kuro, opting for certified leather as the upper material. It is said to have been produced in an environmentally friendly manner. Classic laces are also used for the lacing. The stiff sole features a deep tread pattern designed to provide traction on the €150 gravel shoe, should you encounter sections where you need to carry your bike.

• Features Leather surface
• Sizes EU 36 48
• Colors black/coconut
• lacing shoelace
• vaude.com
• Price (RRP) EUR 150,00