One aspect that doesn't get enough attention when it comes to Ultra or long-distance riding, is the choice of shoes. Unlike long gravel races, in ultras, you'll essentially be living in your shoes and clothes for several days. Many gravel shoes are actually MTB shoes, and even more of us opt for performance shoes, which are ultra-stiff and ensure that every pedal stroke is transferred directly to the pedals. However, these shoes are not designed for walking. Try walking 200-300 meters in them, and you'll quickly find out how uncomfortable it gets.
That's why spending some extra time researching shoes is crucial. In ultras, you'll be wearing them constantly for 2, 3, 4, or even 5 days. Your feet need to be comfortable, which means the shoes need to be comfortable too. But they also need to be efficient, ensuring optimal power transfer with each pedal stroke. Additionally, you need to be able to walk in them because, during ultras, there will be times when you'll have to dismount and walk – maybe because it gets too steep or you're exhausted and need to stretch your legs and give your backside a break.
You'll also be entering cafes and supermarkets – and how many times have you tried doing that in performance road or gravel shoes, feeling like Bambi on ice? But the most crucial times are on technical sections. These hike-a-bike segments are impossible to ride and almost as difficult to walk through. Here, you need a shoe that you can walk in because, add in the fact that it might be night, you're tired, and you haven't slept in 25-30 hours. Without proper shoes, this is where the risk of twisting an ankle, falling, or just wasting a lot of energy becomes very real.
One of the shoes you see often in ultras are the shoes from the UK brand QUOC, and for good reason – it has a stiff sole, is incredibly comfortable, and, most importantly, is great for walking. We use them ourselves, and they’re quite popular; once people try them, they swear by them. They're just as good for ultras as they are for bikepacking or regular gravel rides.
We have a wide selection in our shop, We're particularly excited about their model with laces called XC lace, which also is QUOC latest addition to their selection of premium off-road shoes. Their off-white model would normally be a no-go for us since we swear by #indirtwetrust, but the laces are coated, so just rinse them after a muddy ride, and they're white again. Just one of the many details we love about Quoc.
