Introducing the new Rapha Explore Powerweave gravel shoe. With its new Explore Powerweave shoe, Rapha adds style and substance for gravel and adventure riders. Rapha debuted its Powerweave material on the Pro Team shoe in 2020 and now extends it to the gravel cycling world.
Demand for gravel, adventure and bikepacking accessories shows no sign of slowing and Rapha has responded by upgrading its Explore gravel shoes, adding its Powerweave technology, and aiming them squarely at becoming the best gravel bike shoes on the market. As the name suggests, the new shoes are targeting riders who explore way beyond the conventional tarmac route, often requiring a bit of hike-a-bike portaging or walking over uneven, loose terrain.
The TPU-reinforced yarns of the Powerweave fabric provide high durability and weather resistance, whilst keeping weight down and comfort high. A strong, lightweight carbon footplate transfers power efficiently when pedalling, but finishes before the toe and heel to provide flex just where you need it for comfort while walking. The footplate is set into an extremely grippy rubber sole with a recess for the cleat that ensures you will remain surefooted on any terrain, in all weather conditions.
The sculpted heel cup has been designed to hug your foot, keeping the shoe comfortably in place on and off the bike, while the midfoot is hugely adjustable thanks to BOA’s new incremental Li2 dial platform, which is fully integrated into the shoe’s upper for a secure fit that’s tailored to your foot. Adjustable arch support allows for a range of foot shapes while a spacious toe box with a toe strap for micro adjustments means all-day comfort when riding.
Despite the mountain bike type sole design, with its grippy rubber surface, Rapha has not diverged from the principle of efficiency. The Explore Powerweave has a carbon footplate in the shoe’s sole to ensure adequate stiffness and power transfer when pedalling.
Tested over tens of thousands of kilometres on bikepacking expeditions and ultra-endurance races, from Dolomite trails to the sands of the Sahara, the Explore Powerweave Shoes are ready for your fastest dirt rides and adventures.
Rapha website
Priced at $355.00, the Rapha Explore Powerweave is available in either black or navy at Rapha.cc.