Bontrager GR2 Gravel Shoe Review: 500 Miles Later

After catching wind of a new dedicated gravel bike shoe from Bontrager, I was quick to get my hands on a pair to try them for myself. My first impressions were positive. Enough to spark Lucas’ curiosity, and he ended up picking up a pair as well. Collectively, we’ve now logged more than 500 miles in the new Bontrager GR2 Shoes—throwing as much as we could at them for just under two months. Although the GR2 Gravel Bike Shoe is distinctly marketed towards those riding gravel, it’s proven to handle all types of terrain effectively, and is a great option for bikepackers as well.

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This is the first lace-up cycling shoe I’ve used. Even my first pair of shoes had some sort of ratcheting buckle designed to secure my foot in even the harshest of terrain. Since then, I’ve always used BOA dials, velcro, and speed-lace systems on my shoes, replacing the old fashioned lace-up shoe for good. Or so I thought. I was eager to give a lace-up clipless cycling shoe a shot, partially due to their more casual, coffee-shop-appropriate style, and partly out of a growing frustration with buckles and dials wrong.

Bontrager’s GR2 is designed around a synthetic leather upper, lace-up closure, and their slightly roomier inForm Race last. Both the heel and toe box are protected by a rubberized coating, and the Bronze Series sole is said to be “stiff yet walkable.” I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the lace-up closure, which has required no adjustment or tightening on numerous multi-hour rides. The elastic lace keeper does in fact keep the laces, and I’ve found the fit to be noticeably roomier than other clipless cycling shoes I’ve worn. The lace-up closure also allows for a wider range of fit, meaning I’ve had no problem riding with heavyweight wool socks or my bulkier Showers Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Socks.

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There’s not much to the synthetic leather upper—it’s thin and very pliable. Although I have yet to see any signs of early wear, it’s the one aspect of the shoe I could see failing. That said, I think the pliable upper partners well with laces and allows the shoe to really hug the foot. The only other gripe I have are the toe spikes, or rather, the toe spike placeholders. They provide no grip on their own, as they are constructed from a harder rubber than the rest of the sole. As a result, I’ve slipped several times during brief moments of unclipped pedalling. I believe the shoes would be better off without them, but perhaps those who sprint up muddy inclinces would feel differently. Otherwise, the remainder of the sole has held up well.

The GR2 shoes are flexible and comfortable enough for short hike-a-bikes, but wouldn’t be my first choice for loose, rocky terrain. In that regard, they’re better suited to gravel riding. They feature Bontrager’s nylon composite bronze-series sole (a stiffness index of 6 out of 14), which I found to be just a touch more flexible than what I prefer. I could see the GR2 shoes as a great option for someone seeking an ultra comfortable and versatile shoe, which may include those newer to riding clipped in. If you’re worried about purchasing a pair online, or perhaps this is your first time wearing Bontrager, their 30-Day Unconditional Guarantee means you can use the shoes for up to 30 days from the purchase date—if they aren’t doing it for you, you can get a full refund.

I’ve noticed the colour of the shoe has mellowed after a few good rides, and truthfully I like how they look now better than when I first received them. They’re less mustard-yellow now, more of a sandy yellow. I’m sure this will change when I finally decide to wash them.

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• Sizes available 3.5 to 14.5
• Size Tested 11
• Weight (as tested) TBD
• Place of manufacture China
• Price $139.99
• Manufacturer’s details TrekBikes.com