Gravel running shoes are the newest footwear to hit the shoe store shelves. This new niche is made specifically for mixed-terrain runs, a hybrid that splices off-road toughness with on-road performance. These do-it-all shoes work, whether you’re tackling less technical off-road terrain or warming up on your way to the trailhead.
If you regularly log mixed-terrain miles across compacted gravel paths, forest roads, hardpack trails, and regular old roads, these shoes might well be the weapon you’ve been looking for. In testing, some of them have also proved to be pretty good at “keeping the roads open” when the tougher winter conditions hit.
We’ve logged hundreds of miles in the latest gravel shoes from brands big and small, to bring you our expert pick of the best gravel shoes you can buy right now. Be sure to check out our other health and fitness reviews, including the Best Running Shoes, the Best Running Socks, and the Best Fitness Trackers.