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Men's Gravel Cycling Shoes

A road shoe has one job. A gravel shoe has three: transfer power efficiently on the bike, grip confidently when you are off it, and hold up to terrain other shoes were not built for. Our gravel shoes are engineered around all three, with soles, closures, and uppers chosen for long hours over rough and variable ground.

Choose Your Shoe

Men's Expedition Shoes: the adventure pick for bikepacking and unpredictable terrain. The 1:1® Next Step Nylon composite sole balances pedaling efficiency with enough flex for hike-a-bike, and a single-dial BOA® wrap locks in the heel for efficient power transfer.

Expedition PRO Shoes: road-shoe efficiency without giving up gravel capability. The 1:1® EX PRO Carbon sole maximises power transfer, dual BOA® L6C dials give independent mid and forefoot adjustment, and a mud-shedding open tread keeps the sole from packing up.

X-Alp Mesa: a versatile SPD shoe that walks easily and suits mixed-surface days and commuting.

Sole Technology

1:1® Next Step Nylon composite: our purpose-built gravel sole. Stiff enough to transfer power at the pedal but flexible enough to walk confidently on dirt and technical terrain, with TPU lugs integrated into the outsole for off-bike grip without full MTB tread bulk.

1:1® EX PRO Carbon: the performance tier. Carbon construction minimises energy loss at the pedal, comparable to a dedicated road shoe, while TPU wrapping at toe and heel plus a mud-shedding open tread handle off-road durability and traction.

EVA vibration damping: gravel transmits far more chatter than pavement, and over four or five hours it adds up. An EVA insert at the heel absorbs it before it reaches the foot.

Closure & Fit

On long rides your foot volume shifts with terrain and temperature, so the ability to micro-adjust tension without stopping is a real advantage. The BOA® Fit System gives even pressure distribution and releases with a single pull. Dual-closure models let you dial the midfoot and forefoot independently, so tightening one does not affect the other.

Fit should lock the heel, support the midfoot, and leave room for toes, with no hot spots. Feet swell on long rides, so measure at the end of the day and use our Size & Fit Guide.

Cleats & Compatibility

Our gravel shoes take 2-bolt SPD cleats, the standard for gravel and mountain pedals. The cleat recesses into the sole, which is what allows the off-bike walkability gravel demands. That is different from the 3-bolt road standard, which is stiffer but sits proud of the sole and makes walking awkward. If you are coming from road cycling you will need to change pedals unless you already run SPD. The Cycling Shoes Buying Guide compares the platforms.

Care After a Muddy Ride

Clean mud off with a damp sponge while it is still fresh, since dried mud is harder on the materials. Stuff the inside with paper to absorb moisture and hold the shape while drying, and air-dry at room temperature only. Direct heat from a dryer, radiator, or hot car can dry out and crack synthetic leather uppers and sole materials. Scrub the outsole with a soft brush to keep the lugs clear, and never put cycling shoes in a washing machine.

Finish the Kit

Pair these with gravel bib shorts, a gravel jersey, cycling socks, and shoe covers when the weather turns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about PEARL iZUMi products.

  • 2-bolt SPD, which is the standard for gravel and mountain bike pedals. That is distinct from 3-bolt road cleats, which use a wider interface optimised for maximum stiffness but are not walkable. The 2-bolt system recesses the cleat into the sole, which is what allows the off-bike walkability gravel riding demands. If you are coming from road you will also need to switch pedals unless you already run SPD. See the Cycling Shoes Buying Guide.

  • Both share the same adventure DNA but are tuned differently. The Expedition uses the 1:1® Next Step Nylon composite sole, balancing pedalling efficiency with walkability. The Expedition PRO uses the stiffer 1:1® EX PRO Carbon sole, which performs more like a road shoe at the cost of some flex. For bikepacking and adventure riding where you walk frequently, the standard Expedition is more comfortable. For gravel racing or riders who prioritise efficiency, the PRO earns its place.

  • 1:1® is our sole platform naming. Next Step Nylon is the composite version, tuned so neither pedalling stiffness nor walkability has to give ground, with TPU lugs integrated for off-bike grip. EX PRO Carbon is the performance version, maximising power transfer with TPU wrapping and a mud-shedding tread for off-road durability.

  • Yes for everything short of racing. A gravel sole gives up a little stiffness to a dedicated road shoe and gains a walkable recessed cleat, which is a trade most riders come out ahead on. If you ride both surfaces on one pair of shoes, gravel is the more versatile choice; road shoes cover gravel poorly.

  • Because foot volume shifts over a long ride as terrain and temperature change, and a dial lets you micro-adjust without stopping. It also distributes pressure more evenly than a strap and releases with a single pull. Dual-dial models let you adjust the midfoot and forefoot independently, which is useful if one area gets tight before the other.

  • Yes, if your bike takes 2-bolt SPD pedals, which most studio and smart bikes do. The recessed cleat walks well and the soles breathe reasonably. Purpose-built indoor cycling shoes ventilate better if you ride inside often.

  • Clean mud off with a damp sponge while it's fresh, stuff the inside with paper to absorb moisture and hold the shape, and air-dry at room temperature. Avoid dryers, radiators, and hot cars, since direct heat can dry out and crack synthetic uppers and sole materials. Scrub the outsole with a soft brush to keep the lugs clear, and never machine-wash cycling shoes.

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