The gravel bike shoe market has exploded with almost every other shoe manufacturer. That means there is a wealth of choice no matter whether you prefer Boa dials or laces, chunky treads, or stiff soles.
For the fast action gravel riding and racing we like to ride, there are two shoes that are consistently our pick of the best gravel bike shoes. Shimano’s RX8s are specially designed for the task at hand, while the Specialized S-Works Recons have proven to be top performers at elite level cross country and cyclocross racing. So can Specialized’s over-achieving off-road race shoe beat the RX8s at their own game? Shimano’s top gravel shoes and make them look that which is best.
Design and specification
Specialized’s S-Works Recons are made from Dyneema, selected for its hard-wearing, non-stretch and low weight. The Recons follow a traditional shoe format, with the uppers opening wide and a padded tongue up the middle. This is all possible using two fancy aluminum Boa S3 Snap dials, which are tightening and loosening micro-adjustments, and cables that hook over their corresponding anchors.
Shimano’s RX8s are a little different; there is no traditional tongue, instead the Synthetic leather upper wraps over the outside of the foot and secured on the inside of the arch with a piece of elastic. The upper comes over the top of the foot and is secured using a single IP1 cable and a single IP1 Boa, which has dual adjustment and can be popped completely open.
Velcro strap across the toes for further adjustments. Both shoes are specifed with a stiff carbon sole that runs the length of the shoe for maximum power transfer, but only the Recons have provisions for toe studs if you want to dabble in some cyclo-cross.
It is worth pointing out that there are many more for its S-Works Recon with a retail price of £ 370. That’s a considerable amount of cash. If you are looking for the same performance and are happy to trade Boas for laces, Specialized’s S-Work Recon Lace is a great alternative, although they still cost £ 300. Shimano’s RX8s, Specialized offers the Recon 3.0 which foregoes the Dyneema uppers, super-stiff sole and fancy Boa dials of the S-Works model.
While the fancy materials, ultra-premium Boas, and general layout of the Specialized shoe are better than the RX8, it’s hard to justify the extra £ 150 asking price. The S-Works Recons by 46g.
Comfort and fit
Specialized’s hooked Boa system means they are extremely easy to get on and off as they allow the shoe to completely open up. This is a significant boon when compared to the Shimano RX8s that require a little pitching and rolling to get your foot in. Luckily getting back out of the RX8s is an easier process thanks to the pop-open Boa.
Once on, both shoes tighten snugly around the foot with very even pressure and no pinching. Shimano is traditionally a narrower shoe so you have wider feet you will probably get a better fit with Specialized, though Shimano does do a wider version.
Specialized’s decision to use two Boas really works in its favor though, allowing better zonal tensioning when first fitting or mid-ride. The RX8s can also be easily adjusted mid-ride, but having the option to tighten just the forefoot was something that I miss in the RX8s.
Specialized’s final party trick is the Body Geometry concept, which uses a combination of lumps and bumps to add support and improve blood flow. Like many people, I’ve always found the Body Geometry in Specialized shoes to work well. Specialized features Body Geometry across all its shoes too, which is a bonus for those who aren’t dropping S-Works money. It can sometimes feel like a little aggressive, but as soon as you start to clip it all starts to make sense.
For me, the combination of a less narrow fit, double Boa and Body Geometry means the Specialized comes out on top. The RX8s are likely to work really well too.
Performance
On the bike both shoes are really stable and supportive, providing a great connection with our Shimano XT pedals and allowing you to take full advantage of the stiff soles and secure fit. Driving watts into the pedals, and in my experience offered equal performance. Over long distances though, the Recons’ slightly softening and flexibility with retention give them a slight comfort edge for me.
The Recons definitely feel a little smoother over rough surfaces too, though it’s hard to pinpoint whether that’s the best fit distributing vibrations or the Body Geometry at work. The Recons also sit a little lower on the pedal for a little more planted feel, though this was only really discernible when I wore it for a direct comparison.
Being a MTB shoe, there is a little more protection with the Recons, and the stiffer toe and heel box will help deflect rocks and a little better should your gravel ride start to get a little lairy.
Neither shoe is particularly notable for its walking ability, although it is not sure that the wider pad is positioning in the metatarsal area and that heel and toe treads. Due to the shape of the narrowness of the RX8s they have a tendency to try and roll ankles on hard flat surfaces, though they certainly work a little better on softer surfaces. Ultimately being stiff cycling shoes, this isn’t your feature, something like Rapha’s Explore gravel shoes.
It ‘s a good call, I think you have to climb or sprint after friends, but for my feet the comfort of the Specialized seals the deal here.
Verdict
One of the most difficult things about deciding what makes a grape product is that it varies wildly. For some, it simply means riding a drop-bar bike on the occasional graded off-road section, while other riders are squeezing the most tires into their frames and giving mountain bikers a run for their money.
Both the Shimano and Specialized shoes are excellent gravel shoes. Both are stiff, direct and well suited to stamping on the pedals, but the more your Specialized S-Works Recons shine.
It is very telling that I have generally found myself grabbing the Specialized S-Works Recon. While most of this is down to the fit suiting my feet a little better, I also really like the extra adjustability of the double Boa, especially on long rides. The gravel around my parts is extremely varied, and has a little more protection, and more sure has been left on the pedals, and surely they have gone amiss either.
The Specialized S-Works are very expensive, but they are more expensive to buy in the market for either discipline. The RX8s are more of a one-trick pony, so if you’re looking for a dedicated gravel shoe and the narrower last, the RX8s are still a fantastic shoe.
Tech Specs: Shimano RX8 vs Specialized S-Works Recon gravel shoes
| Shimano RX8 gravel shoe | Specialized S-Works Recon gravel shoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Bronze, Silver, Black | Rocket Red, Black, Taupe / Doppio / Bronze, Tropical Teal / Maroon / Silver |
| Retention | 1 Boa (IP1), 1-strap | Two Boa S3-Snap dials, 1-strap |
| Uppers | Synthetic leather | Dyneema |
| Outsole | Carbon fiber composite + TPU | Carbon fiber composite |
| Weight | 565g (actual, size 43) | 611g (actual, size 43) |
| Sizing | Standard: 38-50 Wide: 38-48 | 36-49 |
| Price | £ 219 / $ 260 / € 229.99 | £ 370 / $ 425 / € 430 |