Gravel running shoes are bridging road and trail uses. WTiN explores why hybrid styles are booming, with case studies from Salomon, Scarpa, Keen, Decathlon and Hoka.

You should read this if you are…

• A brand, looking at emergent product categories within performance footwear and how competitors are positioning product amidst road and trail styles.
• An ingredient provider, examining shifting performance demands and product specifications in running shoes – including trends which may proliferate into sport style and athleisure models.
• A retailer or buyer, gauging market interest in versatile, multi-terrain footwear and where specs and price points sit across the category.

Key takeaways

• Trend direction – Gravel running shoes are increasingly finding prominence as a bridge between road and trail disciplines, attaching to trends in versatile, multi-purpose sports products. Proponents market their urban and outdoor running relevance, with features suited to both pavement and dirt paths.
• Prominent product features – Influenced by cycling, the category draws from the success of the gravel biking space: many gravel shoes specifically showcase outsole designs inspired by cycling tyre treads. Otherwise, the category blends many typical road and trail features, including high cushioning levels, reinforced uppers, deep outsole lugs and rocker sole geometries.
• Industry lesson – Use versatility is the USP of the gravel shoe, generally suiting casual to moderate running on both road and trail environments. While perhaps not the choice for the most technical or speed-orientated runs, they’re often positioned as a great everyday training shoe for short to medium distances. Design focuses on comfort, a smooth ride and strong traction, promoting unhindered freedom to run confidently across various surfaces.

Trend radar: Why is gravel growing?
Running segmentation
Running is increasingly following the footsteps of cycling, whereby road, gravel and dirt are forming distinctive product identities and categorisations. For running, gravel is the more emergent concept, bridging aspects from both road and trail disciplines.