What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying: “On fast gravel days, these feel incredibly efficient without being harsh. That carbon composite sole transfers power really well, but the outsole still grips when I’m scrambling up loose terrain. The BOA dial tightens evenly with zero hot spots, and the wider fit gives my feet room to breathe on long rides.” We grab the Shimano RX801 Wide Mountain Bike Shoe when our gravel rides blend long miles, spirited climbing, and the need to hop off and explore rough terrain. Shimano combines a featherweight feel with impressive stiffness, so every watt pushes us forward while the wider fit keeps things comfortable for all-day efforts. The breathable upper stays cool on warm, dusty climbs, and the BOA Li2 dial gives us that precise, pressure-free lockdown that makes a real difference over mixed terrain. Off the bike, the high-grip rubber outsole makes short work of rocky connectors and steep hike-a-bike sections, giving us the confidence to move quickly without feeling slippery or unstable. A reinforced toe adds protection on technical routes, while the carbon composite sole ensures the efficiency we want during race days, fondos, or ambitious weekend loops.