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Explore Shoes
Tread new ground.
Description
Designed in-house from the ground up, the Explore Shoe is not an adaptation of a road shoe but purpose-built for the rigours of off-road riding.
A strong, lightweight carbon footplate transfers power efficiently when pedalling, but finishes before the toe and heel to provide flex just where you need it for comfort while walking. The footplate is set into an extremely grippy rubber sole with a recess for the cleat that ensures you will remain surefooted on any terrain, in all weather conditions.
The sculpted heel cup has been designed to hug your foot, keeping the shoe comfortably in place on and off the bike, with a low-cut upper that avoids rubbing your ankles. The midfoot is hugely adjustable thanks to a unique double-wall lacing system, with durable eyelets integrated in the shoe’s upper and robust laces, for a secure fit that’s tailored to your foot. Adjustable arch support allows for a range of foot shapes while a spacious toe box with a toe strap for micro adjustments means all-day comfort when riding.
Tested over tens of thousands of kilometres on bikepacking expeditions and ultra-endurance races, from Dolomite trails to the sands of the Sahara, the Explore Shoes are ready for a sure-footed getaway.
Please note: Pedals and cleats are not included.
View the story behind the design »
“The Rapha Explore shoes are a well designed, quality option for the off-road rider. They are exceptionally comfortable with the laces providing a secure fit.”
“The sign of a good product is always that we want to keep using it; the Explore Shoe feels like it has been designed precisely for what we love doing on gravel bikes.”
“The result is impressive, right out of the box […] when we wanted pure comfort, we usually laced up the Explores.”
“Overall, the Rapha Explore shoes are a very good option for times when you're likely to be off the bike as well as on it, whether that be gravel riding, adventuring, bikepacking, touring or commuting... You know, those times when lightweight, minimalist cycling shoes aren't the best option. They're rugged, durable and grippy, and above all they're highly comfortable.”
★★★★☆ Matt Brett, road.cc
Features
Details and Materials
- Signature reflective Rapha toe strap
- Lightweight carbon sole, cut shorter for flexibility at toe and heel
- Durable and grippy natural rubber tread
- Elastic loop keeps laces neatly away from your chainset
- Lightweight anodized titanium hardware
- Lightweight at 300g (size 42)
- Compatible with 2-bolt cleats
- Supple perforated, seamless one-piece microfiber upper
- Reflective heel for visibility at night
- Reinforced toe and heel for durability
- Upper: 100% microfibre
- Laces: 100% polyester
- Sole footplate: carbon fibre
- Outsole cover: 100% rubber
- EVA insole with soft antimicrobial microfibre top layer
- Cleat bolts: 100% anodized titanium
| EU | UK | US (M) | US (W) | JAPAN / CM | MM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 22.5 | 225 |
| 37 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 23.5 | 235 |
| 38 | 4.75 | 5.75 | 6.75 | 24.3 | 243 |
| 39 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 25 | 250 |
| 40 | 6.25 | 7.25 | 8.25 | 25.6 | 256 |
| 40.5 | 6.75 | 7.75 | 8.75 | 26 | 260 |
| 41 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 26.3 | 263 |
| 41.5 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 26.6 | 266 |
| 42 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 27 | 270 |
| 42.5 | 8.25 | 9.25 | 10.25 | 27.3 | 273 |
| 43 | 8.75 | 9.75 | 10.75 | 27.6 | 276 |
| 43.5 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 28 | 280 |
| 44 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 11.5 | 28.3 | 283 |
| 44.5 | 9.75 | 10.75 | 11.75 | 28.6 | 286 |
| 45 | 10.25 | 11.25 | 12.25 | 29 | 290 |
| 45.5 | 10.5 | 11.5 | 12.5 | 29.3 | 293 |
| 46 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 29.6 | 296 |
| 47 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 30.3 | 303 |
Q&A
View questionsRapha Explore Shoes
The world’s most comfortable cycling shoes
Just for you
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Frank Enstein from
Sweet Kicks
I really enjoy riding in these shoes. Cleat interface with my Candy pedals is great. The laces have been fine, I don't think I've had to make adjustments mid ride yet, and I've got a few 4+ hour rides in. These are the best performing shoes, off bike, I've ever owned. The sole is not too stiff, but I haven't noticed any lack of stiffness when I'm giving it the beans. Ventilation has been adequate, but I haven't really had them out in summer heat yet. Fit is as indicated...pro tip, know your size in mm, while US size 10.5 means different things to different manufacturers, 285mm is 285mm.
I'm just disappointed Rapha discontinued the white ones
Date published: 2020-03-29
Rated 3 out of
5
by
rangefinder from
Excellent quality - not the fit I expected
I'm mindful of reviewing shoes or clothes based solely on *my* fit but I think it's justified in this case. The shoes are marketed as having extra forefoot volume but they are NOT for wide feet. They may have a little more volume above your feet but these shoes are as narrow as anything else I've owned. Maybe unfair to dock Rapha points here but they are supposed to be wider! Would it kill shoe companies to actually post a 100% PDF of their inner sole / shoe last so customers can actually make fair comparisons??? It can't be hard.
On the other hand, the heel retention is wonderful and everything screams quality. They're an exceptionally well-made shoe and for people with narrow / normal width feet, I couldn't rate these highly enough.
Date published: 2020-02-06
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
These shoes right here...?!?!?
I LOVE these shoes. They have lived up to their billing and my expectations. I will do everything I can to take them to the end of the road...and beyond as suggested. Look, I am neither a pro nor an amateur, but I know that these shoes are right for road and casual rides and I can tell that they are also technical enough for power and fit. The more important part is the Rapha experience. You know what you are going to get and the support is tremendous. Even in this instance I needed to exchange the product, but it was smooth, fast and easy. I can't wait to see where the shoes will take me, and what the brand has for me next. DEE
Date published: 2021-06-02
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Hugo Rodrigo from
Great looking shoes.
I have used these shoes just once but I'm very happy with them, they look great and I can walk without trouble (I don like road shoes because you can't walk "normal"). I got some irritation in the front of my ankle, but I think this problem will be gone with more time on the bike. The sole is stiff enough for me, coming from the first Recon shoes from specialized. These are more confortable IMO, I'm a size 41.5 but I had to go with a 42 in the Recon because they are so narrow, I have the Rapha Explore in 41.5 and the fit is better, they have more room around the toes.
Date published: 2020-01-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Fantastic gravel/mtn bike shoe
These just might be the best mountain bike shoes I’ve ever worn and I’ve been riding since 1988. I can feel the power going straight from my body to pedals to bike, no sloppiness in the sole or uppers for force transfer. The fit is just generous enough for a good toe box, but narrow heel cup – perfect for a woman’s foot. The outer sole is nice and sticky, which is more than an added bonus appear in the Pacific Northwest when things are greasy 3/4 of the year. When I have to sneak back in the house (because I inevitably forget something) I don’t hear the cleats against the floor, that’s another added bonus.
Date published: 2023-03-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Liberator from
Impressive shoe
I am a size 11 in a “normal” shoe and purchased these in size 47 (in keeping with my Specialized road shoe sizing) and they fit perfectly. A comfortable and sturdy shoe yet surprisingly lightweight. They feel like a quality product and have some nice design features around the tongue and upper. Shoes come with an additional insole arch support, should you need it, and extra set of laces. Good chunky sole which present zero issues clipping in and out using Shimano SPD (MTB) cleats. Highly recommended show for gravel/adventure riding.
Date published: 2020-03-31
Rated 5 out of
5
by
donnervetter from
Comfortable and great looking!
I've had problems with my Giro vr90 - they felt too stiff and those carbon soles wouldn't help when off the bike. One would say that cycling shoes are for cycling and not for walking but it's nice to be able to walk freely when off the bike.
I wouldn't say the sole of Rapha shoes is too flexible but it just feels different - it feels like the shape of the bottom of the shoe allows to walk comfortably.
The black pearl colour also looks stunning although from the distance it looks like it's just glossy black.
Date published: 2019-04-10
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Sanmiguel from
Great cycling shoes!
I wasn't sure if these shoes would fit the bill for me, I'm very unconventional in the sense that I wont wear cleats! (don;t right me off, I've climbed almost 5,000 feet and have a large collection of QM's).
The shoes have proved brilliant, excellent quality leather and well made and look good. I would suggest they are supplied with a shoe horn as they are a little tight to put on but once on a really good fit. After some tough climbs the laces do need to be tightened again but I've already done 5,000 miles and think they're great. Saving up for another pair!
Date published: 2019-09-08
Would you be able to explain the differences between this model and the one with Powerwave? Are both having same sole and stiffness? Is this model also water resistant? In terms of durability of material, which is a better version? Thanks
Both our Explore and Powerweave shoes feature a strong yet lightweight carbon footplate that provides efficient power transmission. Both shoes have been built for fast paced off roading. The Explore shoes are compatible with 2-bolt cleats whilst the Powerweave shoes feature replaceable Ti cleat bolt plates. No forgetting a reinforced toe and heel for extra durability. Also featuring a double walling lacing system, which has been incorporated to distribute tension, to eliminate Pinch Points to improve fit.
In addition, it's also a good idea to read customer reviews and ratings for each product. This can provide valuable insights from other customers who have purchased and used the shoes, giving you a real-world perspective on their performance, comfort, and durability.
Date published: 2024-06-26
Can we walk comfortable with the shoes or is it mainly to push on the pedals?
These are designed so that you can walk short distances in them, however they are primarily designed for cycling and therefore would not be comfortable, or durable, over longer distances.
Date published: 2024-05-31
Hi, my foot measures 233mm long and 92mm wide. Normally I wear a EU size38. What are the dimensions of a 38 in this shoe? How does the width compare to other brands ex Liv/Giant
The length of the shoes in size 38 is 243mm and the width is 82.6mm.
Date published: 2024-09-03
How wide is the size 47?
The explore lace ups measure as follows for a size 47 internally:
Ball Width - 98.8mm
Heel Width - 62.5mm
Length - 249.96mm
Date published: 2024-04-23
Just recived the shoes. With it it was a shoe bag with extra laces. At the show bag there was some instructions that I did not understand what is. It says #511 thread lightly. Could you explain. Looked like lacing up the shoe sole or something.
Hi, Thread lightly is in regard to attaching the cleats on your shoes. We always suggest that care be taken when attaching the cleats to be sure that you avoid cross threading or over tightening to ensure a long life of use.
Date published: 2024-04-23
May I please have width measurements for these shoes in EU sizes 42.5 and 43? Thanks! P.S. Pls, ignore my previous message.
The widths are as follows.
Size 42.5: 89.8mm
Size 43: 91.6mm
Date published: 2024-04-23
I'm a freak chasing a size 51EUR wide fit. Any ability to custom order? Severely lacking options...
We do not have the ability to custom build larger shoes sizes. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Date published: 2024-04-23
I have bought Rapha Climber's Shoes and the size is EU43.5+27.75. I would like to ask if you would suggest a suitable size for Explore.
We recommend a size 43.5 in our Explore Shoe as well.
Date published: 2024-06-23
Thank you for your request. We’ll contact you when your Explore Shoes is available.