[Rapha has added Powerweave fabric to one of its most popular products, the Explore gravel shoe, creating the Explore Powerweave. [The demand for gravel, adventure, and bikepacking accessories shows no sign of abating, and Rapha has responded by adding Powerweave technology to the Explore gravel shoe, upgrading it to make it the best gravel bike shoe on the market.

As the name suggests, the new shoes are targeted at riders who explore far beyond traditional pavement, often requiring hike-a-bike portages and walking over uneven, loose terrain.

Rapha debuted Powerweave material in the Pro Team shoe, which joined the brand's product portfolio in early 2020, and our review of the Rapha Pro Team Powerweave shoe was impressed with its performance.

However, the Explore uses an advanced version of Powerweave, with thermoplastic polyurethane yarns intertwined with a base 3D woven polyester construction. The result is a smoother feel to the touch and superior resistance to chafing and abrasion, two important aspects of a cycling shoe for all terrains.

Securing the fit is a Boa Li2-spec dial, with tension wires finished in the same color as the Powerweave upper.

Flipping the new Explore Powerweave shoes over reveals a two-bolt cleat box, clearly intended for gravel and adventure bikes.

The outsole design is also shaped with huge traction lugs to ensure walking stability when exploring off-road routes, such as crossing rivers or pushing through very technical terrain.

Despite its mountain bike-type sole design, Rapha does not deviate from the principles of efficiency with its grippy rubber surface; the Explore Powerweave ensures adequate stiffness and power transfer during pedaling, and the shoe's sole carbon footplate.

Priced at £260, the Rapha Explore Powerweave is available in black and navy.