Video summary

What's the difference between the MX239 and the MX239 Gravel?

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product Reviewed

Shimano MX239 shoe, specifically the differences between:

  • MX239 Regular (example: size 42)
  • MX239 Gravel (example: size 44)

Key Differences / Features

Weight

  • MX239 Regular: 436 g (size 42)
  • MX239 Gravel: 373 g (size 44)

Claim: The Regular is the bigger/heavier shoe, but the Gravel version feels noticeably lighter.

Upper Material

  • Regular MX239: Hellcore treated leather (positioned as more hardwearing vs earlier models)
  • Gravel MX239: microfiber upper (positioned as lighter)

Lug Pattern / Traction Behavior

  • Gravel version:
    • lug pattern is slightly less aggressive
    • less open space between lugs, which may reduce how much water slush gets trapped or cycles in/out
  • Regular version:
    • more aggressive lugs for off-road mud traction
    • better suited to deeper/wetter mud
  • Both versions:
    • designed to support spikes installation (spikes sold separately)

Sole Coverage / Underside Protection

  • Gravel:
    • less underside coverage
    • shows raw exposed carbon fiber where the Regular appears covered
  • Regular:
    • full underside coverage
    • more protection

Closure / Fit Experience (Same on Both)

  • Double BOA system:
    • one BOA for the ankle/lateral area
    • one BOA for the forefoot/midfoot
  • LI2 BOAs on both
    • BOAs can be swapped (e.g., different colors such as gold/white)
    • lifetime warranty mentioned for BOAs
  • Fit/feel:
    • closure pulls/supports the instep
    • arch support is slightly more than a fully flat base
  • Visibility:
    • reflective strip on the back

Breathability & Moisture

  • Regular (leather):
    • described as breathing slightly better
    • described as wicking moisture better
  • Waterproofing note:
    • leather requires ongoing treatment, especially after long/rainy/muddy rides

Pros Mentioned (Implied)

  • Gravel version:
    • lighter weight
    • less aggressive lugs may reduce how much mud/water interacts with the tread and gets trapped via lug design
  • Regular version:
    • more durable/heavier-duty protection (Hellcore leather)
    • better traction for messy off-road/wetter mud
    • more robust underside coverage

Cons Mentioned

  • Gravel version:
    • less aggressive traction
    • less underside protection (exposed carbon fiber noted)
    • lighter weight may imply reduced ruggedness
  • Regular version:
    • leather requires more care/treatment to maintain waterproofing performance

Comparisons Included

A direct side-by-side comparison focusing on:

  • weight
  • upper material (microfiber vs Hellcore leather)
  • lug aggression / water management
  • sole coverage and exposed carbon fiber
  • both models share the same general closure/fit system and accessories options (including spikes and color BOAs)

Overall Recommendation (Verdict)

  • Choose MX239 Regular if you expect wetter, muddier, more off-road conditions and want maximum durability/protection.
  • Choose MX239 Gravel if you prioritize lighter weight and a lug setup that’s slightly less aggressive, potentially reducing how much mud/water interacts with the tread.

Unique Points (All Mentioned)

  1. One shoe is MX239 Regular and one is MX239 Gravel.
  2. Weight comparison: 436 g (Regular size 42) vs 373 g (Gravel size 44).
  3. Weight difference attributed to microfiber upper (Gravel) vs Hellcore treated leather (Regular).
  4. Regular framed as more hardwearing than Gravel.
  5. Main noticeable difference: lug pattern—Gravel is less aggressive.
  6. Lug spacing described as affecting water slush out/in behavior.
  7. Regular traction described as better for off-road mud needing grip.
  8. Spikes can be installed on both.
  9. Underside coverage differs: Gravel shows exposed carbon fiber, Regular has more coverage.
  10. Fit/closure differences are minimal: both use double BOA.
  11. Double BOA layout: - ankle/lateral BOA - forefoot/midfoot BOA
  12. Tongue/instep system described as integrated on the inside.
  13. Closure effect provides instep support, holding across the arch length.
  14. Built-up sole provides extra instep support vs flat shoes; may not interfere with custom insoles.
  15. Reflective strip on back for visibility.
  16. LI2 BOAs on both models; BOAs are changeable.
  17. Lifetime warranty for BOAs and ability to buy different colored BOAs.
  18. Gravel described as less rugged; Regular framed as better for impacts (e.g., logs/rocks scuffing).
  19. Hellcore leather described as better at wicking moisture and breathing.
  20. Leather needs treatment to keep waterproofing performance.
  21. Gravel version felt noticeably lighter in-hand.
  22. Core differences summarized as: upper material, weight, lug pattern, mud grip, underside protection, exposed carbon fiber, full coverage on Regular.

Speakers / Separate Views

  • Single speaker throughout the video; no distinct multiple-person perspectives presented.

Original video