Which shoes for gravel bike ride?

Which Shoes For Gravel Bike Ride?

Intro

When gravel riding in Europe, only one of these shoes won't absolutely ruin your trip. Let's find out which before your feet say, "We're walking." Hey everyone, it's Hanman, your cycling guide to not suffering unnecessarily in France. Today, we're going to figure out which shoes you should bring with you for a summer riding trip along the rivers of France. I've tested them. I've argued with them. I've checked them out after long rides so you don't have to. Let's break down the contenders.

Low-Cut Hiking Boots 

Let's start with low cut hiking boots. These look serious. They make you look like you're about to lead a rescue mission.

But France says "non". Let's go through the pros. Great grip, good support. They're perfect for the "I know the camp is just another 100 m". The cons, they're hot. Hot like a baguette left in the car in the summer hot. They're heavy. Your panniers will scream at you. So, final verdict. Save these for the Pyrenees or something in the fall. They're not great for summer trips beside a river. 

BMW Recreational Shoes

Next up, hard sole TPU upper. Pretty stiff walking shoes or all recreational shoes. These are the "I came to ride, but I occasionally hang out at the bakery" shoes. The pros, they're great on the bike cuz they're flat. They're great for going for walks that start out short but end up being 8 km. They're breathable, they're light, and they won't cook your feet. Cons: Well, they're not great in water, and they dry slower than a French train leaving on time, which is about never. Well, the verdict, this is your main shoe, hands down.

Sandals

All right. One of my favorites, sandals. Okay. Well, if anything, pros are these these have a a map of the world in case you get lost. These are really good as long as you're not trying to climb a mountain. But for camp life, the best. The pros? Well, very breathable. Your feet really thank you. No soggy socks to worry about. They're great for chilling, cooking, and pretending that gravel riding is fun and relaxing. The cons? Well, while you're on the bike, gravel between your toes, it's kind of like medieval punishment (torture). Final verdict: bring these as your second backup shoe. They're worth every gram.
AliExpress version

Water Shoes

Water shoes. They exist.

That's their biggest strength. Pros: Well, other than really looking funky at the sole, they're great for water. They protect you from those mysterious objects in the water that you don't know are there. The cons, they're just too soft to ride in on the pedal. Zero support. You're going to look like you escaped from a kayak rental shop. No offense to kayakers. Final verdict, bring these along if you plan to be in the river.
AliExpress version 

Conclusion

My conclusion is bring the stiff walking(recreational) shoe as your main shoe. Have sandals as a backup or if you're on a perfectly clean asphalt cycling path trail. This setup will give you all day comfort, walkability for when you're in the villages and towns or near a bakery or have a pastry emergency you need to deal with. And as a backup, you've got these in case the others smell like an old cheese cave. and you've got some flexibility to make riding alongside a river fun. So, if you want me to look at a specific model, put a comment down below. And remember, ride smart, pack light, and never trust a dry river crossing in France.​