Announced this morning, Rapha’s Explore Powerweave Shoe is the latest addition to the brand’s growing collection of adventure-focused gear and apparel. Find photos and specs here…

Rapha’s freshly launched Explore Powerweave Shoes are high-performance, all-terrain cycling shoes designed with fast-paced off-road riding in mind. Built from a reinforced version of Rapha’s proprietary 3D-woven Powerweave fabric with a carbon sole and a BOA Li2 Fit System closure, they’re unabashedly high-end and pack in loads of features to minimize weight, ensure a comfortable fit, and stabilize footing on any surface.

  • Rapha Powerweave Explore Gravel Shoes
  • Rapha Powerweave Explore Gravel Shoes

Before launch, riders tested the Explore Powerweave Shoes over tens of thousands of kilometers during ultra-endurance races and bikepacking expeditions on multiple continents. We spotted Lachlan Morton wearing them in the Badlands video we posted last fall, who says they strike the perfect balance of riding stiffness and walking comfort. “They do it all. You can wear them on any day, on any bike, for any kind of riding, and you’re covered,” he said.

A sculpted heel cup is designed to hug your foot and keep it in place while walking or pedaling, and the midfoot has a wide range of micro-adjustment by way of the BOA dials and braided laces, which you can dial in to pull the upper securely around your foot. Reflective accents around the outside add a bit of low-light visibility. Inside, a cushy Rapha EVA foam insole provides support, and the shoes come with inserts to match your foot’s arch. A lightweight carbon footplate offers efficient power transfer on the bike but stops short of the toe and heel to provide flex for comfortable walking and pushing. Underneath, the shoe’s grippy rubber sole is recessed to house a titanium SPD-compatible cleat plate.

  • Rapha Powerweave Explore Gravel Shoes
  • Rapha Powerweave Explore Gravel Shoes
  • Rapha Powerweave Explore Gravel Shoes

Features

  • High-performance Powerweave upper reinforced with TPU yarn
  • Lightweight carbon sole, cut shorter for flexibility at toe and heel
  • BOA Li2 fit system
  • Durable and grippy natural rubber tread
  • Lightweight anodized titanium hardware
  • Signature woven Rapha toe strap
  • 2-bolt compatible cleats
  • Reflective heel for visibility at night
  • Reinforced heel for durability
Rapha Powerweave Explore Gravel Shoes

Sizing, Prices, and Availability

Rapha launched the new Explore Powerweave Shoe with a limited number of pairs that are likely to be snatched up by Rapha Cycling Club members before the sale opens up to the public at midday on March 11th. According to Rapha, there will be more stock coming sometime in April. There are two colorways available: black and white with a grey sole (as pictured here) and navy and white with orange accents and a tan sole. The Explore Powerweave shoes come in whole sizes from US men’s 4-13 (EU 36-47) and half sizes from US men’s 7.75 to 11.5 (EU 40.5-45.5). As for the price, the shoes fetch a whopping $355 (310€ / £260), putting them squarely in the luxury category.

You can find additional details about the Explore Powerweave Shoe over at Rapha.cc. And stay tuned for my review later this season. I’ve been testing them over the past couple of weeks, and although my initial impressions are positive, I want to make sure they stand up to at least another 500 miles of riding before weighing in on them, given they’re a high-ticket item.

FILED IN (CATEGORIES & TAGS)

Dispatch

New Bikepacking Gear

 bikepacking-shoes  

Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.