Reports I have read about the Velosamba is that if anything they are comfortable....they have a recycled nylon inner to improve stiffness...Don't think they will replace true gravel shoes but as a casual commute shoe that will walk well off the bike, they got style! and BTW, almost impossible to find already unless you pay premium on Ebay...and Adidas.com does not ship internationally so you gotta go thru all sorts of hoops to get them direct online.... if they even got your size!
As for the Road Shoe (their name, not mine), they are really comfy, stiff and feel really close-fitting. Like the Velosamba, they also made from recycled products. Only thing I did notice is that the heel is a bit low so when you walk, they do tend to slide a bit so you got to go fairly tight with the laces at the end. Apparently they not too great in the wet cause they not as waterproof as traditional uppers made from closed cell material...these are that mesh/weave style, so you will get wet socks in a big down pour but I'm sure they will dry quick...same story for the Giro and Fizik woven ranges so there you go!
Edit: for real gravel comfort and coolness look no further than the Rapha Explore....the originals, not the new Powerweave version...weave for anything offroad is not going to look great after few rides...seen reports of fraying, the toe boot is not protected or lined outside to protect against stone strikes, stick with leather uppers...
