Craft Explore 2 Review: A Smarter Upper Makes All the Difference

Introduction

On paper, the Craft Explore 2 looks almost identical to the original Craft Explore Hybrid, and that initially raised some concerns. The first version had a phenomenal ride underfoot, but a thin, overly flexible upper undermined the whole package once you left smooth gravel paths for actual trails. Craft’s update goes exactly where it needed to: the upper. The result is a gravel shoe that genuinely transitions from pavement to gravel roads and paths onto light trail, which is what the category is really about in the broader sense.

Craft is a young footwear brand, only about five years in, but it carries a long legacy of high-quality outerwear for running, skiing, and cycling. That attention to detail shows in how the brand approached this fix, correcting the original’s flaws while keeping what already worked.

A Redesigned Upper That Fixes the Original’s Weak Spot

The new upper still uses a fine, soft mesh, but it is far less flexible and now built with multiple layers and strategic stitching, both inner and external supports, plus a reworked heel. A brand-new last makes the fit noticeably more consistent. The moderately padded tongue keeps a racer-style look while being much more substantial than it appears.

The practical outcome is confidence. On pavement, gravel paths, and smooth dirt trails, the foot stays planted over the midsole, and even on sweeping corners the lateral slipping that plagued the original is gone. Fit is generous, so wider feet should be fine, and there is enough room that some runners could go half a size down for a more locked-in feel.

Two small complaints remain: on steeper downhills the forefoot can slide into the toe bumper, and an extra eyelet on the lacing chain would help create a proper heel-lock lacing. Neither ruins the experience, but both are worth knowing before you buy.

Ride and Midsole: Soft, Stable, and Responsive

The midsole is unchanged, and rightly so. This supercritical steamed TPE beaded PX foam is Craft’s softest experience yet, while still being stable and offering genuine energy return. Compared with similar beaded TPE midsoles in the gravel category, this one stands out for balancing softness, responsiveness, and a hint of stability.

The broader outsole contributes to that stability and to the generous fit. The shoe is a little weightier than the original, but the balance feels better because the upper no longer feels flimsy against a heavy outsole.

Outsole, Grip, and Durability

The Victoria U gravel outsole carries over unchanged, with the same pattern and rubber modeled after a gravel bike tire, essentially a fat tire bike feel. Grip was excellent across pavement, gravel, light trail, and even muddy sections, helped by both lug depth and the broader outsole footprint. Wear after testing was barely visible, and the midsole should hold up well over time.

The lighter mesh will inevitably be the first thing to show wear for anyone concerned about durability, but no signs of breakdown appeared during testing. Overall, the shoe feels like it will last.

Buying Advice

If the original Explore Hybrid’s loose upper turned you off but you liked everything else, this version deserves a second look, because that was the only real problem and it has been fixed. Sizing runs generous, so consider a half size down if you want a more secure fit or expect lots of steep descents. If you need something more tenacious for moderately technical terrain, the Explore Pro with its more technical upper may be the better fit, especially since this midsole and outsole recipe could handle longer distances.

Scoring 12 out of 15 overall, with a 4 for form, a 4 for fit, and a 4 for ride, the Explore 2 is a strong result in a category that is growing fast. It is versatile at the lower end of the spectrum, happiest on pavement, gravel, and light trail, and it can dip into moderately technical ground.

Conclusion

The Craft Explore 2 is essentially a half update in the best sense: one focused change, executed well. The upper now matches the quality of the proven midsole and outsole, delivering comfort, security, and durability in a shoe that finally lives up to the gravel-to-light-trail promise.