SPD vs. Road Cleats: Can You Use Gravel Shoes on a Road Bike?

So, you’ve found a killer pair of cycling shoes that feel amazing, offer incredible power transfer, and look great. There’s just one catch: they’re gravel shoes. This begs the question we hear all the time: can you actually use gravel shoes like the Scott Gravel RC for your road rides?

The short answer is yes, but with some important things to know. The deciding factor isn't the shoe itself, but the cleat system it uses. Let's break it down.


The Great Divide: 2-Bolt vs. 3-Bolt Cleats

Most dedicated cycling shoes fall into two camps:

• 2-Bolt System (SPD): This is the standard for mountain biking, commuting, and gravel riding. It uses a small, metal cleat attached to the shoe with two bolts. SPD pedals are typically dual-sided, making them easier to clip into.1 The cleats are recessed into the shoe's sole, which makes walking around off the bike feel normal.

• 3-Bolt System (e.g., Look Keo, Shimano SPD-SL): This is the dominant standard for road cycling. It uses a larger, plastic cleat attached with three bolts. This wider platform is designed to maximize power transfer and spread pressure across the foot for long road rides. Walking in these is awkward and slippery, as the cleat protrudes from the sole.

Case Study: The Scott Gravel RC Shoe

Our recent review of the Scott Gravel RC highlighted this exact scenario. It's a phenomenal shoe with a stiff "Power Plate" for incredible power transfer and a micro-adjustable BOA® Fit System. It performs brilliantly on paved roads, feeling light and efficient.

However, the key detail is right in the specs: The Scott Gravel RC is compatible with 2-bolt SPD cleats only.

This means if your road bike is equipped with standard 3-bolt pedals (like most are), these shoes simply won't be compatible. You would need to swap the pedals on your road bike to an SPD-style pedal to use them.


So, Should You Use Gravel Shoes on the Road?

Swapping your road pedals for SPDs to accommodate a shoe like the Scott Gravel RC can be a great move for certain types of riders.

It's a great idea if:

• You ride multiple disciplines: If you have one bike for road, gravel, and commuting, using one SPD-based shoe and pedal system is convenient and cost-effective.
• You value walkability: If your road rides include coffee stops or walking around, the recessed cleat of a gravel shoe is a massive advantage.
• You're a cyclocross or mixed-terrain racer: For events where you're frequently clipping in and out or running, an SPD system is essential.

You might be better off with a dedicated road shoe if:

• You are a dedicated road purist: If all your riding is on tarmac and you want to eke out every possible watt of performance, the larger, more stable platform of a 3-bolt road system is generally considered superior.
• You don't want to swap pedals: If you have multiple bikes or just don't want the hassle, sticking with one cleat system makes sense.

The Verdict

A high-performance gravel shoe like the Scott Gravel RC can absolutely pull double duty as a fantastic road shoe, provided you run SPD-compatible pedals. For the rider who values versatility and practicality, it's a one-shoe quiver that can handle almost any adventure you throw at it.


Want to learn more about this versatile gravel and road warrior?

--> [Read Our Full, In-Depth Review of the Scott Gravel RC Shoe Here]