Originally Posted by
Camilo
How are they designed to be gravel specific? I've always just used my MTB shoes but might be in the market for a new shoe. I ride a lot more on my gravel bike than my MTB, so I'm interested in the new niche if it provides actual differences/advantages.
Among Shimano's mid-level offerings, the gravel shoes have slightly stiffer soles than the MTB shoes but lack the mounts for toe spikes. On Shimano stiffness rating: SH-RC702 (road) 10; SH-RX801 (gravel) 10; SH-XC702 (MTB) 9; SH-RX600 (gravel) 8; SH-XC502 (MTB) 7. The sole lugs are also bigger on the gravel shoes than the MTB shoes; I guess Shimano expects gravel riders to have to walk on less gnarly terrain. But I don't ride MTB and have not tried MTB shoes on any bike (only in the store) so there may be additional subtle differences that I do not appreciate.