The Radavist

Fizik announced a new branch of their footwear lineup today with new flat pedal shoes falling under the newly-dubbed Gravita category. The Tensor (left, $169.99) is a mid-top, race-ready, shoe built to withstand the rigors of trail and DH riding, with a pop of turquoise and an asymmetrical lace pattern. While the Versor (right, $139.99) is a lightweight trail shoe designed for DH park laps. Both shoes come in three colorways and would be great candidates for all-mountain activities. See more at Fizik.

Longtime fans of cycling will recall how rambunctious the designs and styles of the 90s were. Sidi’s latest limited edition shoes look back at the era and inject some color into their lineup. Using the Sixty road shoe platform, these Multicolor Shoes really stand out from Sidi’s normal monotone look, which is why they are so unique. Information such as pricing and availability is scarce at the moment with some online retailers pricing these at £350.00. Head on over to Sidi to see more and your local dealer for ordering.

A few weeks ago, Adidas announced the new Velosamba “commuter” shoes. I jumped on them as soon as the press release hit our inbox and I must say, I’m impressed. Read on for a more detailed look as well as some initial impressions…

In my opinion, you don’t need racing shoes to do rides. Back when we started riding ‘cross bikes on singletrack and fire roads, the only real options were stiff ‘cross racing shoes. Footwear tech and ideologies have come a long way since with the case in point being the latest from the Rapha apparel line, the Powerweave Explore Gravel Shoes. I’ve been lucky enough to get my grubby hands on a pair to check out and post up a quick first impressions review of these beautiful shoes.

We all remember the fabled Eddy Merckx Adidas cycling shoes. Perhaps you’ve owned a pair or maybe you’ve seen them in a shop, or on this very website back in the day. When the Eddy Merckx editions came out, traditional pedals and toe clips were the ideal foot retention system. We’ve come a long way with clipless designs since, which is why the new Velosamba cycling shoes utilize an SPD design, perfect for commuting. Adidas took this pedigree and meshed it with the classic Samba silhouette in an online-exclusive model, in four UK colors (the US market gets one color – black).

The Velosamba retails for $120. Head to Adidas for all the details…

Gaerne, Italian makers of performance cycling footwear, have updated their two winter riding shoes just in time for frigid temperatures. The G.Ice Storm Road shoes have a new sole that is made of nylon-impregnated carbon that delivers a thin thickness and increased stiffness. The sole has a non-slip insert in the toe and an interchangeable pad in the back. Meanwhile, the G.Winter MTB shoes received a new “MTB 3Density Sole”, which is a hybrid material, combining nylon and fiberglass materials, making it durable, lightweight and thin. The G.Winter MTB shoes also have removable studs on the front toe for increased grip. Both shoes retain their warm cuff to keep your ankles warm and dry.

See more at Gaerne.

At $100, the new Ranger Shoe is a budget-minded dirt shoe with a silhouette developed from a classic XC MTB shoe, making it ideal for gravel and trail riding alike. The Ranger features a nylon and rubber co-molded outsole for added grip, a Synchwire mesh upper for breathability, rubber fortification in high-abrasion areas, and three, easy to use velcro straps for fit adjustment. The Ranger comes in grey, olive, and black and is in stock now at Giro.com and your local dealer.

I must say, the latest footwear drop from PEARL iZUMi really grabbed my attention. Over the years, the brand has made a big push to constantly update and redesign their classic silhouettes and one shoe that recently got a facelift is their X-Alp Launch SPD shoes. Now with a BOA closure system and this beautiful kiyote tan color, I had to try a pair out. After a few rides on our local MTB trails, I think I got the gist and can talk a bit about them, so read on below for a quick and succinct “This Just In” review…

The Synchwire-constructed shoes Giro has been developing lately are really looking great. This construction is stitchless, vented, and reinforced. The Rincon is the latest in this new family of footwear. It’s a shoe for MTB riding, gravel riding, bicycle touring, and anything dirty. The Rincon features BOA closure and lots of rubber reinforcement areas for protection. Best of all, these high tech shoes only carry a $150 pricetag and yes, they come in black. See more at your local Giro dealer.

The Santa Rita Pricklypear, Opuntia santa-rita, is a brilliant magenta-colored cactus, specific to the Sky Islands of Southern Arizona. The Ruta Del Jefe gravel race traverses this magical mountain range and this unique opuntia are the inspiration for Shimano’s new RX800 gravel shoes in a “purple and green” colorway. Pulling inspiration from the natural world brings awareness to these delicate ecosystems and the Santa Rita Mountains are still under attack from mineral extraction companies. Find out more about the fight to save these mountains at Save the Scenic Santa Ritas and see more details of these beautiful shoes at Shimano.

One of our favorite new “gravel” shoes, the Fizik Powerstrap X4 just got a facelift thanks to the team at PEdALED. Their “JARY” colorway take-over revamps the X4 in a deep blue, with PEdALED branding marked throughout the shoe in a mustard gold, complimenting the gum sole. The Powerstrap already looked great as it was but these new collaboration shoes take the cake. They retail for $192 and are in stock at PEdALED. See more high res images below…

When I hear Oxblood, I think of a pair of Doc Martins, oi boys, and this is England. Giro tapped into this color and its cult-following on their latest collection, including apparel and these tasty Oxblood VR90s. Head to Giro to see the full drop and your local shop to check them out in person (safely).

DZR, makers of casual clipless sneakers, just announced the S240 touring boots. These boots offer ankle support, added warmth, and a different look from the brand. The S240 come in mustard (pictured) and navy, retail for $149, and are in stock now at DZR Shoes.

Giro’s latest shoe, the Sector, takes up where the Ventana left off, solidifying the design, function, and fit into something more refined.

This shoe is suited for MTB or gravel riding and features a 3D Molded footbed with medium arch support, stainless hardware, a carbon-composite, 2-bolt plate formed to a dual-injected outsole, and an upper made with a dual Boa L6 dial, with both steel and soft lace guides.

The entire shoe is molded from a one-piece Synchwire and thermo-bonded exo structure. In short, it’s like the Ventana, but more advanced. The Sector is available in black or olive drab and retails for $225. Yes, there is a women’s version too! The Sector W. See more at Giro.

MTB shoes don’t have to look like 1990’s era skate shoes. Case in point is Specialized’s Recon shoes, the pinnacle of the brand’s MTB footwear. The Recon utilizes a Body Geometry sole and footbed for comfort and power transfer. These shoes have a stiffness index of 10, thanks to the Carbon STRIDE toe-flex technology and the fully-welded upper body reduces seams, so you don’t have to worry as much about blisters. The Recon 2 ($160.00) features one BOA closure, while the Recon 3 ($225.00) features two. See more at Specialized.

Rapha’s Pro Team road shoes have long epitomized functionality and style in the lightweight road shoe category. Their newest edition features a fabric, Powerweave, designed by weaving technologists Avery Dennison for a modern look with a high-tech feel.

Bontrager just announced the newest addition to their footwear catalog, marketed towards gravel riding and bicycle touring. The GR2 is an off-road specific shoe, with lace closure, a grippy sole and visual cues to the outdoor industry. This vibrant mustard-yellow with red laces and a speckled sole is quite the looker, or there’s a more muted all-black model. A Tachyon rubber outsole gives the shoes plenty of grip, while the Gnarguard upper reduces wear and tear from hike-a-bikes. The GR2 retails for $139.99 and is in stock now at Bontrager stores.

If you’re like me, you’re discontented with the mountain bike industry’s offerings when it comes to footwear. With most options looking like a mid 90’s skate shoe, they tend to feel bulky and heavy, which is not ideal if you’re the type that enjoys bigger backcountry loops with hiking usually involved.

The same can be said about gravel shoes, with most being adopted from ‘cross racing shoes. They’re narrow and not ideal for hike-a-bikes or long days in the saddle. This is all ATMO, of course, but I’m always on the hunt for the ideal in-between shoe for gravel riding and mountain biking.

Giro’s latest shoe, the Ventana seems to be the perfect in-between shoe for both activities. Can it replace your gravel and mountain shoes? Read on to find out.