Nimbl launches Urano gravel shoe, pushing performance at a cost

Nimbl Urano gravel shoe white

Nimbl has introduced the Urano, marking its first foray into gravel shoes with a model aimed at those willing to pay for premium weight-saving and high-performance features.

At ยฃ465 a pair, the Urano joins Nimblโ€™s Italian-made line-up as a premium gravel option, drawing on the brandโ€™s road-shoe technology but retooled for mixed terrain. The shoe weighs in at just 508 grams a pair, notably light for gravel shoes, which typically require a more durable build. This low weight is achieved with a carbon sole featuring a stack height claimed to be under 2mm, combined with Boa Li2 dials for a snug fit.

“We concentrated on developing a model with the character and top-tier performance that our riders expect,โ€ said Nimblโ€™s CEO Francesco Sergio. He described the Urano as โ€œfast and versatile on any terrain,โ€ adding that its lengthy development focused on three elements: โ€œlightness, performance, and elegance.โ€

Despite the toe, mid-sole, and heel grips, the Urano isnโ€™t intended for extended walking stretches, and Nimbl notes itโ€™s โ€œnot designed for long stretches of hike-a-bike.โ€ Instead, the TPU grips are aimed at offering stability in the short dismounts typical of gravel races.

Nimbl Urano gravel shoe white rider ride off road

Available only in white and limited to 300 pairs, the Uranoโ€™s microfibre upper is geared towards easy maintenance. Nimbl advises riders to wipe the shoes down with a damp cloth after rides to keep them looking fresh. However, the premium price tag and limited sizingโ€”between 41 and 46โ€”may narrow its appeal to the most dedicated of gravel riders who prioritise performance and low weight above all else.

The Urano adds to Nimblโ€™s reputation for producing lightweight, race-ready shoes, following the success of its road-focused Feat Ultimate model, which reviewers praised for its performance and durability. Whether the Urano can live up to these standards in the rougher gravel environment remains to be seen.