Rapha Explore Powerweave Shoes review: stylish and comfortable, but worth the money?
By Leon Poultney (image credit: The Gear Loop)
Trail finder
Rapha might be best known as a purveyor of some of the finest road cycling clothing and accessories money can buy, but it also does "gravel" and does it well. (image credit: The Gear Loop)
A tight-knit community
The Explore Powerweave Shoe takes a similar approach to Rapha’s Pro Team footwear, with both featuring an innovative 3D woven TPU-reinforced upper. (image credit: The Gear Loop)
Fast and light
Sleek, stylish and relatively simple, the shoe is designed for “fast paced off-road riding”, according to its maker. (image credit: The Gear Loop)
A bespoke fit
At the rear is a toughened nylon loop for getting the shoes on and off, while at the side you’ll find two micro-adjustable BOA Fit System with new Li2 dials. (image credit: The Gear Loop)
Flexing its muscle
On the sole you’ll find the lightweight carbon plate that doesn’t run the length of the shoe, but instead cuts short at the toe and heel for added flexibility. (image credit: The Gear Loop)
Titanium finish
Both the cleat bolt plate and hardware is fashioned from anodised titanium for greater longevity. The overall build quality is fantastic. (image credit: The Gear Loop)
First impressions
First impressions are great and it feels every bit the premium shoe the £260/$355 price tag would suggest. (image credit: The Gear Loop)