Product test
My feet like the Scott Gravel RC Carbon
by Patrick Bardelli
Scott Gravel Pro: the best of both worlds
28-4-2026
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli
As cycling shoes made for training and leisurely rides, Scott’s Gravel Pro combine functionality with comfort – comfort being the priority. I’m a fan.
I’ve got a cycling shoe problem. And by problem, I mean I’ve got mountains of them at home from all sorts of brands that I trip over on the daily. The adventure that began on two feet has since switched over to two wheels.
The latest addition to my collection are shoes from Scott Sports – a brand that wasn’t previously on my radar. I had a great experience testing the premium Gravel RC Carbon, which are designed for performance on gravel paths and the like. You can read about it here:
Gravel Pro: functionality and, above all, comfort
As the name says, the Scott Gravel Pro were developed for gravel riding. According to Scott, these shoes combine «the best from the MTB and the Road world». At just 350 grammes per shoe, the Gravel Pro are lightweight, and their sole – made from Sticki Rubber compound – wins me over when walking.
Other features
- Closure: Boa Fit System
- Cleats: SPD (2-bolt)
- Stiffness index: 6
Riding feel
Of course, cycling shoes are mainly for riding, not walking. But if you do you any offroad riding, every now and then you’re bound to get into a situation where you have to carry your bike. And at that point, it makes a difference if you’re covering those metres on foot in the typical duck waddle style caused by super stiff soles, or in a shoe that flexes a little with each step.
The rule of thumb is that the stiffer the sole, the better the power transfer to the pedals. Brands often use their own rating scales, which makes comparisons tricky. For example, Shimano’s stiffness index ranges from 2 (maximum flexibility) to 12 (maximum stiffness). Scott rates the Gravel Pro a 6. In contrast, the Gravel RC Carbon I reviewed are rated 10, which is the max stiffness on Scott’s scale.
In other words, the Gravel Pro are relatively flexible, making them a good choice for training and more leisurely rides. Or for routes that involve a lot of walking.
Ergonomic fit
Scott has equipped the Gravel Pro with an ergonomically pre-shaped insole designed with the anatomy of the foot in mind to ensure the best possible fit and support. A stable foundation should provide greater comfort and improved power transfer. I didn’t really notice it in particular, though.
What I did notice, however, is that the numbness in my feet was much less pronounced. My forefeet are quite wide, which often causes them to press against the edges of the hard carbon plates in cycling shoes and go painfully numb. Mind you, I think the fact my feet don’t go quite as numb in the Gravel Pro is more likely down to their soft sole rather than the insole.
In a nutshell
The Scott Gravel Pro are a good compromise
With a bad compromise, both sides lose out. In the case of the Gravel Pro (provided to me by Scott Sports for testing), I don’t see any losers. Quite the opposite. These shoes combine functionality with comfort – a good choice for gravel bikers who prioritise comfort over performance. With that, they’re a great addition to the ultra-stiff shoes you’d use in a race, for instance.
Pro
- Comfortable thanks to the soft sole
- Good grip when walking thanks to special rubber compound
- Good value for money
- Good as everyday cycling shoes
Contra
- Only one single Boa dial
Header image: Patrick Bardelli
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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