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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.”

– Paul Norman, Cycling Weekly

“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.”

Tom Hill, Technical Editor Singletrack Magazine

“The result is impressive, right out of the box […] when we wanted pure comfort, we usually laced up the Explores.”

Spencer Powlison, Velonews

“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

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

SIZING

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

4.6

4.6 / 5

284 Reviews

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Rapha Explore Shoes

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