Rapha Gravel Shoes
 

I know the word Rapha is a trigger for some. Whatever. :rolleyes:

Anyway, they have come out with what is essentially a gravel shoe and the price isn't out of line with other high-end brands such as Giro or Sidi.

Or maybe they have been out for a while and I've just never seen them?

"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.

https://www.rapha.cc/us/en_US/shop/e...uct/ESH01XXBLK

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9afe72af21.jpg


-Tim-

I think they're new as of late this Spring.

Remind me of the Giro Empire VR90s I bought (Competitive Cyclist codes/sales are terrible enablers). Laces are a bit tricky to get adjusted right, but muy comfortable--and unlike BOAs they don't choke when fouled with mud that dries. Being so new I hadn't yet seen stiffness comparison, the VR90 is the siffest out there and with the Raphas costing the same I'd expect similar.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f8e98cbb62.png
Available in Hi Viz pink! Not far off the price of the new Shimano Gravel Grinder News: Shimano Announces New RX8 Gravel Shoe -

The most remarkable thing about those shoes is that they're priced similarly to other brands in the same category. No Rapha Tax stuck on top. They actually look a whole lot like my Giros.

Would never even be a consideration for me though-- they only make 'em up to EU47/US13.

Laces? Huh.
Only up to 47? Lame.


I don't understand how they are a gravel shoe. I want to call it shallow marketing, but hopefully I'm missing something that makes these better on gravel than any of the dozens of similar priced mtb shoes to choose from.

Well....they're not really proper MTB, as they don't have toe-spike lugs. They're not road-racing as they don't have 3-bolt cleats, and they have proper treads, they're not "touring" as they're not walkable much with the carbon sole. They're really best suited to, well, light-offroading AKA gravel.


Question is how they fit....the Giros VR90 for example are for narrower feet.

$300.00......??

I see this shoe and it looks like what would work for 80% of cyclists I ride with or see on roads and trails.

They use mtb shoes and pedals on road bikes/hybrids for paved riding because of the walkability into bars and restaurants compared to road shoes.

This would work great for that exact style of riding...which is recreational paved.

Oh well. Not like I would buy an anyways due to price, size, etc.

I'm rapidly becoming less surprised with each new product that is midway between "road" and "MTB" being introduced and marketed as "gravel." That "gravel" stuff generally meets the needs of most cyclists better than the previous extremes keeps me from being more cynical about the marketing. :)

Specialized S-Works Recon are $425, and Shimano S-Phyre are $400. The MSRP on my Diadoras was $349. Rapha's pricepoint puts them right up against similar offerings from Giro, Bont, Fizik, PI, etc.

I was genuinely surprised that the Rapha offerings were only $300. For a full-carbon soled 2-bolt shoe, 300 bucks is fairly typical.

Enlighten me to the wonder of $300 plastic shoes!
https://www.rei.com/product/129017/p...ike-shoes-mens

:foo:

I take EU 47 and US size 12.

Actually, you can often buy Rapha stuff at very reasonable prices in the sale section of their website -usually after a season ends. It wouldn’t surprise me if these shoes are eventually available at <$200. One of my fave jerseys is a Rapha that I bought for (I think) about $65.

Yep, I love my $89 Rapha bibs. :)

So, does anyone own these shoes?


-Tim-

No but think you will own a new pair soon look like great shoes tho

I don't think anything that doesn't have ankle gaiters should be marketed as gravel shoes.