HEZO Wolfland 01 Review: 3D-Printed Gravel Shoes from Germany
- James Ion
- 9 hours ago
- 6 min read
Words and Photography by James Ion
Pros & Cons
Pros
Fully custom fit using 3D scanning — truly tailored to your feet
Excellent comfort and power transfer over long rides
Modular, repairable design with replaceable sole elements
Strong sustainability credentials — made-to-order in Germany, minimal waste
Secure Fidlock closure and natural “barefoot” toe box feel
Easy to clean and performs well in mixed conditions
Cons
Long lead time (12–14 weeks) and small-batch production
The finish is not as polished as mass-market carbon shoes
The wide toe box takes time to get used to
High-end price (€229) despite minimalist construction
Slightly utilitarian aesthetics
About HEZO Cycling – The German 3D Printing Pioneers
HEZO Cycling is a young German brand from Saarbrücken with a simple mission: to rethink how cycling shoes are made. Founded by product designer Helen Wiehr and engineer Carsten Kaldenhoff, HEZO set out to challenge the waste and conformity of mass-produced footwear.
Instead of pre-set sizing and glue-heavy assembly, each shoe is 3D-printed on demand using advanced polymers such as polypropylene (PP) for durability and flexibility, and TPU for cushioning and outsole grip.
Every pair begins with a foot scan—three smartphone photos taken via the HEZO App—translated into a digital model that drives the print. The result is a one-off shell designed to match the rider’s anatomy, produced locally in Germany and assembled with replaceable components rather than discarded when worn. It’s a sustainable, modular approach aimed at reducing waste and extending product life.
The Wolfland 01, their first gravel-specific shoe, brings this concept to the rough-and-ready world of off-road riding.
The Review
I came across the HEZO Wolfland 01 by complete accident. As with most modern obsessions, an algorithm decided I needed new gravel shoes — and up popped HEZO. What stopped me from scrolling was the 3D-printed element: a shoe constructed to fit my feet, made to order in a lab in Saarbrücken, Germany.
My curiosity got the better of me, so I reached out to the company to learn more about what they were doing. After a few conversations, they offered to send me a pair for testing, with no obligation to leave a positive review.
First step: scan my feet.
Unlike standard cycling shoes that come in fixed sizes, the Wolfland 01 is designed to be moulded to each rider’s unique foot shape. I expected a special in-person scan, but it’s all done via the HEZO App: three photos with your phone, upload them, and their 3D printers take it from there.
You can also customise the design to a degree — choosing both the outer shell and inner colour. I went for white and brown because, well, I’m cool and don’t mind cleaning my shoes.
HEZO quotes a lead time of around 12–14 weeks from scan to delivery. That sounds long, but let’s not forget: these shoes are made to order, from scratch. It’s also worth noting that delays can happen. HEZO is still a small operation — two-and-a-half employees, a dog, and a room full of printers. Any delay can be forgiven, though, if the final product meets expectations.
When they finally arrived, my first impressions were mixed. In hand, the finish wasn’t flawless: small rough edges here and there. HEZO explained this comes from using polypropylene (PP), a challenging material for 3D printing but one that offers excellent durability and flexibility. A perfect smooth surface isn’t always possible. After a few rides, some of those rough sections smoothed out naturally — likely leftover support material from printing rather than flaws.
The toe box also caught my eye. It looked bigger than usual, giving the shoe a slightly “relaxed,” almost slipper-like appearance. Again, there’s a reason: more toe room means fewer hot spots and greater comfort. More on that later.
These are, at most, cosmetic quirks — and common in 3D-printed products, especially when the shapes are so anatomical. The design itself is striking: a contrasting TPU-foam inner, stitched black fasteners, Fidlock magnetic closure, and rugged sole grips. It makes a very cool picture.
Still, cool tech and good looks mean nothing if the shoes don’t fit.
That’s where I hit the first real snag. Being gravel shoes, they use a two-bolt cleat system. I run standard Shimano SPD cleats, but the normal bolts weren’t long enough to install them. I even ordered extra-long bolts to fix it — and briefly cursed what seemed like a design oversight.
Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. After contacting HEZO, they politely told me to check the box again. Sure enough, there were longer bolts included — perfectly matched to the shoe. Lesson learned: always check the box before assuming the worst! (At the time of writing HEZO informed me that the screws are delivered attached to the shoes, so for people like me, it is even easier now!)
Putting them on for the first time — indoors — felt strange. I’d imagined a snug, glove-like fit. Instead, they were surprisingly roomy. The Fidlock system works smoothly, allowing quick on-the-fly adjustments, but even when fully tightened, the shoes never felt constrictive. At first, that looseness felt odd compared to my usual shoes that grip tightly. But comfort soon won out.
Of course, these shoes aren’t made for walking around the house.
Clipped in, everything changed. The moment I pedalled, I felt a strong, stable platform. The shoes moved with my feet — not against them — and power transfer was excellent. Despite the “looser” fit, they never slipped; instead, they flexed naturally with my pedal stroke. After that first ride, I was impressed.
I’ve now logged over 500 km in the Wolfland 01 — long endurance rides, interval sessions, indoor training, and easy spins. Not once have I had hotspots or pressure points. Comfort has been consistently excellent. The generous toe box took some getting used to, especially when my feet would occasionally shift forward on out-of-saddle efforts, but I’ve come to appreciate it. The extra space allows the foot to flex and move more naturally, almost like riding barefoot — a blessing on long rides.
The shoes have faced every condition: sunny, rainy, muddy, damp, dusty, and cold. They’re not waterproof, but they keep out dirt and spray as well as any other non-waterproof shoe. Some people have questioned the Fidlock closure, suggesting the overlapping section might let in dirt or water — but in my experience, it hasn’t. My feet have stayed just as dry as in fully enclosed models. Cleaning is also remarkably easy; the material shrugs off mud and grit with minimal effort.
Now, the price: €229. That’s a significant investment. You can get a decent SPD shoe for €80–100, and top-tier models like the Shimano S-Phyre gravel shoes reach around €390. The Wolfland 01 sits firmly in the high-end range — but remember, you’re paying for a custom-fit shoe with replaceable parts. In theory, they should last much longer.
Overall, I’m genuinely impressed with the Wolfland 01. On the bike, they perform exactly as promised: comfortable, secure, and efficient. Power transfer is excellent, the fit feels adaptive, and the modular design means you can replace components or even refresh the look with a new inner liner.
The toe box takes time to get used to — and it won’t suit everyone — but give it time and your feet will thank you. Personally, I’d like a slightly sleeker, racier aesthetic, but that’s a matter of style over comfort. And at the end of the day, comfort makes you faster.
Custom shoes are always a big commitment, but HEZO’s 100 per cent fit guarantee offers reassurance. If you have any issues within the first 60 days, they’ll make it right. Just one top tip: pay extra attention to your scan. The accuracy of those three photos is everything.
Conclusion
The HEZO Wolfland 01 isn’t a gimmick; it’s a glimpse at where cycling footwear could be heading — personalised, repairable, and made close to home. It’s not the lightest or flashiest shoe on the market, but it brings innovation that actually matters.
If you value comfort, sustainability, and individuality, the Wolfland 01 is a seriously compelling option.
For more information visit the HEZO homepage HERE
*This is not sponsored content. The article was independently produced and reflects the unique view of the author.
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