Northwave Hammer Plus review: Flexible gravel shoes for all-day comfort

The Hammer Plus shoes have made me rethink about what I need from my off road shoes

Northwave Hammer Plus gravel shoes
(Image: © Tom Wieckowski)

Cyclingnews Verdict

The Northwave Hammer Plus are very comfortable shoes that deliver on the bike. A quality overall package at a competitive price point.

Pros

  • +

    Flexible, comfortable soles

  • +

    A soft interior boosts comfort

  • +

    Hardy, durable outers

  • +

    Competitive price point

Cons

  • -

    The toe box could be a little rounder to suit more feet

  • -

    The Velcro strap is a little redundant

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Non-carbon fibre-soled cycling shoes can be seen as something of a backward step or even a downgrade at times. I know I've been guilty of thinking this in the past. Once the 'upgrade' to a carbon-soled shoe has been made, why would you need a nylon or rubbed-soled shoe?

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Design and Aesthetics A simple, unfussy design that works. I find the velcro closure strap doesn't do much really and is a bit redundant 8/10
Performance Very comfortable, and great to walk in but stiill deliver good performance on the bike for a range of riding 9/10
Comfort and retention Very soft and comfortable shoes, the SLW3 dial tightens things down well, not a rock solid hold but that isn't really what the shoes are about 8/10
WeightHeavier than some of the more performance focused gravel shoes, but is anyone going to be gram counting here? 8/10
Value I think the Hammer Plus are really good value for the money, they are comfortable and durable but still deliver strong performance at a good price point 9/10
Overall rating Row 5 - Cell 1 42/50
Tom Wieckowski
Tech writer

Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn’t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it’s made of. 

He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport's biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Alberto Contador. He's also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing. 

Read more
A black gravel shoe on a wooden stool against a white background
Lake MX333 cycling shoe review: Incredibly hard wearing, extremely comfortable, but quite heavy
A black Northwave Flagship GTX shoe on some gravel
Northwave Flagship GTX winter gravel shoe review: Northwave's most expensive off-road shoe
best gravel shoes
Best gravel shoes 2025: All the best options for every kind of gravel cycling
Shimano XTR pedals
Shimano XTR M9100 Race pedals review: High performance, durable, and decent value all in one
A purple and black Canyon Grail CF SLX in woodland
Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 AXS review: A gravel race bike that can do it all
A yellow Guava Spot gravel bike leans against a wall
Guava Spot gravel bike review: Tested over 200km of Girona's toughest gravel at the Santa Vall stage race
Latest in Tech
Apple AirPods Pro 2 and charging case
At $169.99 the Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2 have hit the cheapest price we've seen this year – a must-buy in Amazon Big Spring Sale?
A Fizik Tempo Beat cycling shoe on some gravel
Fizik Tempo Beat shoe review: Road shoes for gravel, or gravel shoes for road?
A close up of a rear bike light with two bulbs and one bulb underneath
It's back! The best rear bike light on the market is 34% off – at its best ever price in this Amazon Big Spring Sale deal
Best power meters group image
I test bikes for a living and I never use a power meter: Here’s why you shouldn’t either
Leni Martinez winning stage 5 of Paris Nice
The new Vision Metron RS carbon wheels have been hiding in plain sight since Paris-Nice
A BMC Masterpiece road bike
The peloton's priciest road bike – Alaphillipe and Hirschi race on $18,000 BMC Masterpiece at Milan-San Remo
Latest in Review
A Fizik Tempo Beat cycling shoe on some gravel
Fizik Tempo Beat shoe review: Road shoes for gravel, or gravel shoes for road?
A man wearing a pair of Pearl Izumi Pro Air mitts
Pearl Izumi Pro Air mitt review: A modern glove with a retro twist
A black gravel shoe on a wooden stool against a white background
Lake MX333 cycling shoe review: Incredibly hard wearing, extremely comfortable, but quite heavy
-
Cervélo S5 review: Crazy fast, but not a bike I’d want to own
A pair of silver gravel bike pedals on a stone surface
Shimano M520 pedal review: Solid, dependable, and brilliant value
A pair of black gravel bike pedals on tarmac
Crankbrothers Candy 7 pedal review: A more free pedalling feel, but with reduced durability