Road, MTB or gravel
The difference is the sole and the cleat drilling. Road shoes take a three-bolt SPD-SL cleat that sits proud of a smooth, very stiff sole — maximum power transfer, minimum walkability. MTB and gravel shoes take a two-bolt SPD cleat recessed into a treaded sole, so you can walk normally and put a foot down on loose ground.
Gravel shoes sit between the two: nearly road-stiff, but with tread and a recessed cleat for the sections you end up pushing.
Why a stiff sole matters
A flexible sole lets your foot bend around the pedal, which wastes effort and concentrates pressure into a hot spot under the ball of the foot. That burning sensation at hour three is usually the shoe, not the pedal.
Boa dials are worth having: you can adjust tension one click at a time while riding, which matters because feet swell over a long day.
Sizing varies between brands and cycling shoes should be snug without pressure on the toes. Come and try them at our shop, and see pedals for the matching cleat system.
