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 Nimblโs Italian-made line-up as a premium gravel option, drawing on the brandโs 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 Nimblโs CEO Francesco Sergio. He described the Urano as โfast and versatile on any terrain,โ adding that its lengthy development focused on three elements: โlightness, performance, and elegance.โ
Despite the toe, mid-sole, and heel grips, the Urano isnโt intended for extended walking stretches, and Nimbl notes itโs โnot 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.
Available only in white and limited to 300 pairs, the Uranoโs 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 sizingโbetween 41 and 46โmay narrow its appeal to the most dedicated of gravel riders who prioritise performance and low weight above all else.
The Urano adds to Nimblโs 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.