Adidas continues to build its revived cycling shoe portfolio, with its latest offering set to battle the best gravel bike shoes.

With growth prospects for the gravel cycling market remaining strong, Adidas has responded with a product it calls "Gravel Shoes." While this may not be the last word in indirect German naming (like the brand's road shoes), it is indicative of the production capacity of this dominant active footwear company.

Available in a practical charcoal and two more vibrant aqua and coral colors (called Pulse Aqua), the gravel shoes are designed with comfort and durability foremost in mind.

Construction adheres to strict sustainability goals by adidas. The upper is made from 50% recycled material, known as the brand's Prime Green. Strikingly, no virgin polyester is sourced or spun in the construction of the gravel shoes.

Experienced gravel riders will know the annoyance of debris and hard sediment getting into their shoes. Adidas designers incorporated a prominent cuff seal to keep dust and pebbles out.

The gravel shoe's cuff may look like a sock pinned to the ankle, but it should make gravel riding more enjoyable.

The industrial designers at adidas have employed the simplest of fastening mechanisms for these new shoes. The shoelaces of the gravel shoes are threaded through loops and stored in tow tabs to prevent them from digging into the drivetrain.

Underneath the gravel shoe is a traditional two-bolt cleat box that is adjustable forward and backward and provides a sole that is conducive to a comfortable gait.

Adidas product planners clearly recognize that gravel riders have more dismounting movements during gravel rides than road cyclists.

Gravel shoes have thermoplastic polyurethane soles. Gravel shoes have thermoplastic polyurethane soles with ergonomically shaped and positioned grippers in the front and rear to prevent slipping on loose rocks, roots, and coffee shop floors.

The Adidas gravel shoes are priced at US$170 / £160 / €180. Sizes range from 4 to 14 for women and 5 to 15 for men.