Rated 5 out of
5
by
JJJH from
Comfortable Quality classy shoe
Terrific shoe. Very comfortable once I got the right size. I used Rapha’s size guide, I’m a solid 45 in a Sidi, so Rapha recommended 44. Not even close so I returned them for a 44.5 I used those last year but this year I decided they were still too close to call them a good fit. This year I bought these in a 45 and perfect! Long story short, the guide didn’t work in my case. Heel cup is great, but these are narrow in the toe box.
Date published: 2024-04-18
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Tajrossi from
Light and functional
Light and Functional these shoes initially looked far too small for me but were okay once worn in a little. They are very narrow so if you have wide feet you will have problems with sizing. They are light but cool to wear in warmer weather and good protection in cold/wet. They are not good for walking in which was disappointing for an explore shoe. The closures look fragile but are great and keep the foot in correct place
Date published: 2021-04-23
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Adriankn from
Exudes quality
I was very pleased to see these can with extra arch inserts, as I have a high arch and have to buy insoles for all my shoes. There are also superbly build. I was so impressed that even though the bike I had planned to use these with fell through within my return window, I decided to keep them for next year. Even though my Fizik road shoes are basically brand new I may also replace them with Raphas next season. Great job!
Date published: 2023-07-11
Rated 2 out of
5
by
Carlos Deperù from
DISAPPOINTED
It is very nice and eye catching and very comfortable, but the thread on the toe of the shoe on one outing started to fray...a shame really, I don't know how long these shoes will survive. I saw that you can burn the frayed thread ... but for the price this should not happen and there is no guarantee. A protective toe cap on the toe of the shoe would have been the best shoe I ever owned instead of the worst,,,,
Date published: 2024-05-05
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Fondo Bob from
Fab Footwear
Great shoes! Always on the lookout for something new and cool to try, was eager for these to finally appear. Style is stately yet very pleasing, especially closeup; comfort is fabulous I think in large measure due to the fabric upper; the BOAs are amazing (most of my gravel shoes are lace-up variety). Really impressed, yet it's a Rapha product, so why wouldn't i be. I've recommended them to several friends.
Date published: 2021-05-04
Rated 4 out of
5
by
WarrenB from
Powerweave Performance
Awesome fitting performance shoe, comfortable from the first ride. I bought these for an 8 day endurance MTB event and had mostly success with them. Whilst riding they’re 100%, on the hike-a-bike part not so much, a little rubbing occurred on the heel. The fabric did wear pretty quick when up against some rough terrain. Overall a top shoe that due to the light nature I would wear for road and gravel too.
Date published: 2024-03-29
Rated 5 out of
5
by
WyoStoke from
I finally found my shoe
My old shoes were finally reaching end of life and I have tried several to find something else that fit my feet for long gravel days. I heard about these on a review from the Gravel Ride podcast and liked what I heard. I pulled the trigger and am super happy! I have been riding in them for about 6 weeks now before writing the review and believe that I absolutely found the winner, thanks Rapha!
Date published: 2021-11-09
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Gravel gal from
Numb toes
Really wanted to like these shoes and was hopeful as I initially thought the toe box had more room but once riding in then realized they are super tight from the top to the bottom at the ball of the foot and I can’t ride more than 10 minutes without losing feeling in all my toes. Very disappointed I spent so much money on these. The product does seem to be high quality materials/build however
Date published: 2023-03-13
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Craigie from
Powerweave excellence
The most comfortable cycling shoes I’ve owned. Super comfortable fit from the off - for riding and walking. Ordered two sizes to get the fit just right then sent other pair back. Boa allows great fit for both lightweight and winter (waterproof) socks. Able to double up supplied arch supports to suit my needs. Looks great with shorts or trousers - so good I’m tempted to buy a second pair!!
Date published: 2021-09-29
Rated 5 out of
5
by
MarcinC from
Great shoes.
They look amazing! Very comfortable. The ventilation is at a high level, even at temperatures above 30 Celsius it was well inside the shoe. They mask dirt and dust very well. Loosening BOA stripes is not a problem, the effect only occurs at the beginning, after putting on your shoes and walking before getting on the bike. During the ride, it is already ok. This is normal as the straps conform to the foot. The sole is well formed and walking is fine. You can collect pebbles and sticks in the forest, but this is common in mtb shoes. The tongue of the shoe is also perfectly designed and does not put pressure on the foot. What often is a big issue in other brands. After a few rides, the shoes have adapted to the foot and now I can forget that I have them on my foot. An extra thing, additional inserts for the insole additionally solved a problem of metatarsal pain which often occurred in the first 20 km of my cycling. Incredible!
Date published: 2022-07-07
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Mostly great...
Great shoe...very stylish and stiff but comfortable to walk in.
One thing though is I am very concerned about the long term durability of the outside of the shoe.
After only 1100k the toe on both shoes is showing damage..the fibres are coming up from the body of the shoe.
I would reconsider using that fragile material on a shoe sold as a Gravel bike shoe.
Date published: 2021-08-10
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Rob React from
Light, comfortable and tough
I've been wearing these throughout the spring here in the northeast of the US and they are as advertised. It's a really light, comfortable shoe that has worked well in all sorts of weather. The combo of the BOA system and the woven uppers is a winner. I can really dial in the fit. I'm really looking forward to seeing how they perform on an all-day ride.
Date published: 2021-05-05
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Bob Perls from
Good choice or real MTB shoes with some fashion
Very light MTB shoes for a fully lugged version. They are nearly as light as my racing XC shoes like Giro VR90 and Shimano S Phyre MTB shoes that I use for CX and XC, but truly lugged for when you have to walk on rocky and steep rocks. Very stylish and they seem robust, but I don't know yet. Carbon soles and a great interesting fabric like finish
Date published: 2023-04-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Stansmers from
Great gravel shoes
I have few pairs of bike shoes and the Powerweave shoes is as comfy as the old Rapha GT shoe I’ve had for years. Bought a pair of these at the same time as a pair of Shimano RX8s. The big S shoes are for slightly stiffer but overall the Rapha ones take the best shoe tag. Double boa easy to adjust tension making them great for long distance.
Date published: 2022-08-06
Rated 1 out of
5
by
Tom87 from
Disappointed
Happy with the initial fit, feel, quality of these shoes. However, after a brush with the front wheel the power weave material on the toe of one of the shoes was damaged / unstitched. Approached Rapha about a repair or replacement and they don’t want to know about it. Very disappointing customer service and quality of this product.
Date published: 2024-04-25
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Solid purchase
Really happy with this purchase. My 2nd pair of Explore shoes- 1st were the original black ones. Extremely comforable from the get go. No break in period and never any discomfort, even after 3500 miles on the original. Advantage to the Powerweave model is the boa closures, with easy tightening over selective areas of the foot.
Date published: 2021-05-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
lawnton flyer from
Even better than expected - and I expected a lot!
These are my first pair of Rapha shoes, and I am absolutely delighted. Have worn them mountain biking and gravel biking with crank bros pedals - and they are a beautiful fit. Boa dials work like a dream and the comfort is outstanding. As of yet, I cannot fault these shoes. Now it’s time for some Rapha Road shoes me thinks!
Date published: 2024-02-26
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Romain Romain from
Great shoes
Great after-sale service when I had issues (change of size and color). Great shoes, rode approximately 250 km in 3 rides before riding this review with mixed weather (+30 Celsius degrees and bright sun as well as rain). Great fit, never felt compressed thanks to adjustables boa's. Didn't slip in muddy terrain or gravels.
Date published: 2021-08-15
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Daniel Markwig from
Best cycling shoes I've ever owned
The best cycling shoes I've ever owned; light, breathable, comfortable, reasonable stiff sole, still easy to hike your bike with them! Great fit as well (really appreciate the wedges of different heights that come with the inlay sole).
All things considered: great shoes, would buy them again without hesitation!
Date published: 2021-12-20
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Gazhump from
Simply outstanding shoes
I have a pair of powerweave Road shoes which I love, so when I bought a CX bike the explore powerweave were my first choice. They are very comfortable, with great styling and perform very well. They make me want to get out on my CX bike almost more than my road bike…almost. Another piece of fantastic Rapha gear.
Date published: 2022-05-10
Rated 5 out of
5
by
T25lemonn from
So comfy and beautiful, built very well
So glad I paid the extra for these, worth every ££ the build quality is fantastic, thicker around the toes which protects from those Little Rock’s. Look great, space for cleat is idea, you can walk in them pretty well and I would recommend these 100% for anyone wanting a high quality shoe, that looks great
Date published: 2023-07-07
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Paul55 from
Comfort Plus
I’m a social rider and since I brought these shoes I can’t believe how much of a difference they have made to my riding. I can get power to the pedal now and the comfort level is amazing on long rides. Other riders have commented on my improvement as well. The quality of the shoes is outstanding.
Date published: 2023-03-26
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Simonski from
A road shoe for the path less travelled
Great pair of shoes, style can’t be faulted and the fit is flawless for my UK size 12 feet (I’ve typically been wearing a Lake wide race fit). Cleat is the only issue and I can’t simply stamp in the pedal as I’ve done in my old shoes, it’s more like my road shoes with an active clip in process.
Date published: 2021-05-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
tim_b from
A step up from the original Explore shoe
I have the original Explore shoe (w/ laces) and have wanted to give these a try to take advance of the BOA dials. They are great and a nice step up from the original. I've used them most mountain biking and find them great for that. They are super comfortable for all day riding and walking.
Date published: 2023-04-26
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Nick WW from
Performance fit - size up if you are used to Giro
Really excellent quality shoe and looks great too. Unfortunately the fit was not for me and my feet went numb after about 45mins even with custom insoles. I’m used to Giro Empire VR90 which have much more room. These are narrower and feel more like a road show. I would suggest sizing up.
Date published: 2021-05-04
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Ohio from
Best cycling shoe I’ve ever purchased
This is easily the best cycling shoe I’ve ever purchased. It’s fits last or a glove and feels like I’m riding on a cloud. I don’t get any of the weird numbness/sore spots from typically cycling shoes. The BOA system is ideal for tweaking to get fit just right. Worth every penny!
Date published: 2021-07-21
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
You won't regret - brilliant shoes
I initially had the lace version with no complaints, the powerweave with the BOA is fantastic, great fit, comfy, can alter the tension to suit as you are riding and really grippy sole in wet or dry. I had concerns about these being water resistant but they have that covered too!
Date published: 2021-08-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
KushKidd from
High expectations and this pair surpassed them!!!
I own the Pro Team Powerweave Road shoe so when I needed a gravel/mtb shoe, it was a No-brainer to get this pair. The colour is unique and always get compliments how special they look. Super-comfy and I wore them all morning at work once coz I forgot to pack my workshoes.
Date published: 2021-12-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
LT West from
All day comfort with race day performance
Bare none the best mountain shoe I have ever worn. This shoe is near perfection. Snug fit in the heel through midsole with a bit more room in the toe box without feeling remotely sloppy. The materials, finish, and overall aesthetic are the cherry on top! Thank you, Rapha!
Date published: 2021-05-12
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Solid little shoe.
Overall great shoe, comfortable, stiff and great style. I will say it's either the fit on my foot or the fabric of the upper but I find myself needing to adjust and re tighten more often than I would on some of my other shoes. Still a great shoe and would recommend.
Date published: 2023-04-04