Chiming in from the perspective of a brand.
We're releasing a gravel show in the fall for the 2021 model year.
https://theradavist.com/...-at-their-new-shoes/ Our development of this product was completely different from the mountain bike perspective and we had different goals that we were trying to achieve. In the beginning I wrote it off as nothing a mountain bike shoe couldn't do and while this is true, these gravel specific shoes do some things much better.
In general, as compared to mountain bike shoes:
Plates tend to be both stiffer and lighter: This is both due to materials but also less protective elements as we assume you are not scrambling over (many) rocks and we also figure that riders want an option prioritizing weight and power transfer.
Rubber Compounds: Tend to be lighter, firmer for better power transmission, but less grippy: Again, we assume that you are not hiking a section of trail too steep to pedal up.
Uppers: Tend to be lighter, less protective and more supple. As you're less likely to be scraping along a rock wall or cactus or tree, we can make uppers that conform to your foot better and offer all-day comfort from both a fit and breathability stand point.
I've been living in our upcoming gravel shoe for almost a year. What I original wrote-off as an unneeded product has become the solution I reach for the majority of the time. (Granted I tend to ride my Aspero on road / trail more than my other bikes)
We understand that not everyone needs / sees the need for a shoe of this nature, but that is why it is a part of a well-rounded product line up. If you want something more burly, there are plenty of great mountain bike shoes. Less burly than there are many great road options. However, there is a legitimate lull between those ends of the spectrum that a "gravel" shoe fills well.
Our job is to try to understand and predict what consumers are going to be looking for, knowing the consumer has the power to buy, or not buy, product as they see fit.
I talk a lot - Give it a listen:
http://www.fasttalklabs.com/category/fast-talk I also give Training Advice via
http://www.ForeverEndurance.com The above poster has eschewed traditional employment and is currently undertaking the ill-conceived task of launching his own hardgoods company. Statements are not made on behalf of nor reflective of anything in any manner... unless they're good, then they count.
http://www.AGNCYINNOVATION.com