Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jimbofitz from
Premium gravel shoes
I bought these for off road gravel adventures and so far I've not been disappointed. The quality seems genuinely very good indeed, the dual boa closure works well and unlike some other reviews I've had no trouble with it slipping over time. They fitted great out of the box, zero hot spots and have so far racked up several all day rides with no issue whatsoever. Highly recommended
Date published: 2021-07-18
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Steve from Frankston from
First class after sales service!
Found these shoes to be really comfortable to ride and walk in and breathable. Only problem was they squeaked badly, almost thought my bottom bracket bearings were the source of the noise. However the after sales service was absolutely first class and a zero fuss exchange was immediately organized by Rapha. Haven’t set up my new shoes yet but don’t expect another faulty pair.
Date published: 2023-03-07
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Wesol from
Boa is awesome. They look and feel good
I am size 8 UK and have tried 43 and 42 in the previous Explore laced shoes... They did not fit well. After these Boa came out I was straight there and ordered 42.5. Very good fit even though my feet are on the wider side. Boa is brilliant, grip also. Carbon sole was a bit fiddly to mount cleats to but with correct torque they’re finally in place.
Really happy with them.
Date published: 2021-05-08
Rated 5 out of
5
by
HerbertLim from
Comfortable and stylish
I used the Pro Team Powerweave shoes a lot, so I also bought the Explorer Powerweave shoes because I wanted to be able to ride a weak gravel course or walk comfortably even though it is a road bike.
First of all, it has two boa dials, so it is comfortable to finely tighten and loosen while riding a bicycle.
It wraps your feet comfortably. When you go to the store near your house, you can wear it barefoot and the shoes will wrap your feet well without locking the boa dial.
It's nice to walk into a rocky place to take pictures while riding. With Pro Team Powerweave shoes, I wouldn't do that because I was afraid of getting scratched.
They are heavier than the Pro Team Powerweave shoes, but even when riding 130-170km a day for 3 days every day, I did not feel lacking or uncomfortable compared to road shoes.
It seems to be more prone to damage when scratched compared to shoes made of general leather material. So, I would not recommend it for serious mountain bike riders.
Date published: 2022-08-23
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Wong never Wrong from
Best MTB/Gravel shoes
One of the best Gravel or MtB shoes I have bought. So comfortable to wear for long rides. I did the Convict 100kms ride and river crossing, walked up steep hills. No sand went inside the shoes. Plus it is so easy to clean with high pressure hose. Voila.
Most importantly didn’t give me any blisters first time wearing.
Date published: 2021-05-02
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Dalila from
A great shoe but size up
A great shoe but don't expect it to stay looking perfect for long. It was the perfect shoe for a ridiculously long hilly section of hike-a-bike, with absolutely no discomfort or difficulty during extended periods of walking. The only downside is that after using them for a 700km ultra, the powerweave outer is looking quite roughed up, it doesn't affect the performance of the shoe, but still it would be nice if it was a bit more resilient. Also I had to return my usual size for a half size bigger as these run small.
Date published: 2023-04-05
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Tony Helmore from
Rapha gravel shoes
Brilliant shoe, aesthetically so so good!
It is a nice stiff shoe, closure system rocks but the only down side is the sizing is way small, almost a size down. I must have 20 size 44 shoes these are by far the smallest ever, l had to ditch the inner.
Test first is my recommendation but other that Brilliant!
Date published: 2023-02-16
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Angga from
Great Upgrade
Big upgrade to the original laced version of the explore shoe. With the powerweave upper, the shoe feels lightweight and fast while still retaining the lugged outer sole. The thread used for the boa system is extremely comfortable. The fit is similar to the original Explore shoe, true to size.
Date published: 2022-03-07
Rated 5 out of
5
by
AFarias from
Probably the most confortable bike shoe ever!…
Been riding for over 30 years and have used many bike shoe brands before. Always had issues with numbness in my toes after a few hours. Tried many things, from bike fits to positions, etc. So far Raphas is the most confortable yet. Highly recommend for cross, gravel and mtn biking.
Date published: 2022-02-19
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Kecsi from
Nice product for the road biking crowd
It is a very handsome product aesthetically. I was misled by the review in Pinkbike that the shoes are suitable for mountain biking and in my opinion they are not. During my first ride one of the soles teared away on the front side and it was difficult to repair.
Date published: 2021-05-27
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Sagitkuka from
Got the comfort, vibes, style & the stiffness
When I shifted my bike from road bike to gravel bike, I knew I had to had a pair of THESE- these kicks got the vibe, the stiffness, esp the comfort I’m missing out from a roadie setting.
With this price tag you may wanna spoil yourself with some style as well.
Date published: 2022-10-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
dyno from
Top Gravel shoe
This shoe is extremely comfortable and the best I have ever had. The quality is absolutely top-notch, as is typical for Rapha. I would definitely order the shoe one size larger. I normally wear a 44 and ended up wearing a 45. Otherwise a clear recommendation!
Date published: 2023-02-15
Rated 3 out of
5
by
factisplastic from
A hard shoe to love
This is a tight and narrow shoe. On longer rides I have developed hot spots at the cleat fixing. They do appear stretching slightly but these are not comfortable shoes for me.
Not to be purchased unless sure of size and fit. They are a relief to take off.
Date published: 2023-02-22
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Great all round shoe
Was really happy with the fit of this shoe - the two boa dials offer quite a decent amount of flexibility in getting the fit right. Much prefer having dials than having to properly lace up each time. Seems like the boas are quite robust too
Date published: 2022-07-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Karlos Clark from
Gravel shoes
So first time I’ve purchased shoes from rapha and it was an online purchase
Spoke with staff first before buying as wanted there opinion on true sizing and they were bang on with advice
The quality of the shoes are top notch and have a really fresh unique look about them and stand out from others
Superbly made look good feel good
I’ve never received a parcel as well packed as this with shoe bag included the cleat area of shoe protected with clear film and packed with care
Thank you to rapha
Date published: 2021-11-02
Rated 5 out of
5
by
WEVCT from
Comfortable
Nice shoe. Easy entry with a tongue that opens wide. I ordered the 44; I usually wear a 10.5 in Nike and I like the fit. Not quite as breathable as you would expect, but a lightweight shoe nonetheless.
Date published: 2022-08-11
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Marco CB from
Jesus Christ is King of kings
What an amazing shoe. I owned a more budget friendly mtb shoe before this and you can tell the difference in quality, performance, and durability. The double lace lock compared to a single is pretty crazy. Only con's that come to mind after a couple dozen hours of using the shoe: the heal slightly rubs while climbing off the bike. There aren't metal nipples in the lower front of the shoe as well, so I'm assuming the sole will wear quicker. Definitely recommend investing in these shoes 👌
Date published: 2024-03-29
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Jolz from
Good shoes
Great looking, breathable, easy to use, lots of tread
Very stiff synthetic upper, hard/impossible to break in and mold to foot.
Material on shoe easily scuffs threads
Date published: 2022-12-07
Rated 2 out of
5
by
Penelopepitstop from
Painful after 10kms
Shoes look great, I normally buy female specific as I have narrow feet but I thought with the 2 boas and choice of insoles they would be fine. All my other shoes are size 40 so that’s what I ordered and they felt fine when I first put them on. It’s hard to know if the size down would have been better as I had no way to compare (Covid restrictions). After 10kms though I was in agony, the shoes dig in below the ankle bone on the outsides of my feet, by the end of my ride I had them completely undone. I’ve now used them for about 400kms and tried all insole combinations (even though I know I need the ones for high arches) and they are no better and haven’t worn in. To make them bearable I have cut up dishwashing sponges which I put over my ankles before doing up the boas. I’m not sure whether to sell them (they look a bit scruffy as they got muddy and are still a bit discoloured after cleaning and the outer weave has a small frayed bit where a blackberry thorn caught it). My next step will be to cut the corners off the shoes to see if that helps. Such a shame, I had high hopes for these shoes but I guess they just aren’t for my feet.
Date published: 2022-01-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Hawk of the plain from
Go on...treat yourself!
Having got great use out of a cheaper pair of cycling shoes, I thought hard about treating myself to a higher specification but pricier replacement. I can say with 100% assurance, it was worth it. The fit is great & I love the dial lacing mechanism, as I previously had velcro straps. The weave material also cleans easily after gravel track riding. Finally, I love the fact you can slip them on with a pair of jeans if heading out for an urban ride & they blend in nicely.
Date published: 2021-11-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
JAJM from
Wow! Quel confort !
Très certainement les chaussures les plus confortables que j’aie portée ! De vraies pantoufles !
Date published: 2023-08-13
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Vilma Ron from
Recommendation order one size bigger then
Bought one size bigger than usual wearing and then fit ok👍🏻 boa system works very well.
Date published: 2023-09-22
Rated 1 out of
5
by
Dave Slikk from
Too narrow.
Too narrow and tight. Unlike the road Rapha shoes that I have loved for 4 years
Date published: 2023-04-13
Rated 4 out of
5
by
lacorb from
Good gravel biking shoes.
The suggested size is perfect. Very confortable and great shoe for gravel biking.
Date published: 2023-09-26
Rated 4 out of
5
by
123willo from
Good Shoe.
Very happy with the shoe. But the tongue will want to slide to one side.
Date published: 2021-10-11
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Stath66 from
Anticipation justified
Great construction and design a bit on the small and narrow side
Date published: 2023-01-02
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Steve4567 from
Shoes are great
Great fitting ,easy to slip off , great adjustment mechanism
Date published: 2023-09-05
Rated 5 out of
5
by
pedalmike from
Pleased So Far.....
I own the Pro Team Shoes...the last provides a comfortable fit for my feet. The Explore Powerweave appears to use the same last as the Pro Team, so the fit is terrific. The big question to be answered over time is how the shoes hold up to off-pavement riding. The material used for the BOA closure wires appears fragile at first look....will have to see how it fares over time. They feel great though right out of the box. For me, no hot spots or pressure points.
Date published: 2022-07-01
Rated 5 out of
5
by
dougpvt from
Great gravel performance AND walkability. Really!
Checks all the boxes for a gravel and clip-in bikepacking shoe. Comfortable, breathable, and (finally!) a stiff shoe with good power transmission that is walkable for hike-a-bikes. Fit is spot-on per the fit guide recommendations. I'm a 9.5 US and size 43 fits well- tight enough for good performance but with enough toe room to allow foot to expand or a slightly heavier sock in cooler weather. For reference, my usual sock is a lightweight, unpadded merino.
Date published: 2021-08-02
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Nathan Tweed from
If they fit well, they’re great.
I personally found the advice translating SIDI shoe sizes to Rapha shoes misleading. It recommended I need a 43.5, but the 44.5 ended up being the right size for me. This mainly seemed down to the quite rigid toe box, which is in my view a great feature for gravel shoes. Unfortunately despite me not previously feeling like I have wide feet, I found that with the perfect fit across the top of the foot (in a 44 same size as SIDIs) my little toe was squashed by this toe box. I settled on a 44.5 which with thin socks leaves me ever so slightly wider than perfect across the forefoot.
That said, in every other way these shoes are perfect for Gravel riding / bike packing. I love the appearance of the uppers, the soles are grippy, and hike a bike sections are very comfortable in them. The powerweave is cool, I do suffer from cold feet, but with mid weight socks I found them absolutely fine. The also dry very quickly, perfect for multi day outings.
Date published: 2022-05-05