How to Choose Cycling Shoes

Choosing the right cycling shoes comes down to four things: your riding discipline, sole stiffness, closure system and getting the size right. This guide walks through each one, so you can pick the pair from Giro's cycling shoes range that actually matches how you ride.


1. Type of riding and outsole

The first choice is what kind of riding the shoe needs to handle. Road shoes use one cleat system, mountain bike and gravel shoes use another, and mountain bike also comes in a flat-pedal version with no cleat at all.

Road shoe sole with a 3-bolt cleat system
3-bolt cleat system
Road shoe sole with a universal 3/2-bolt cleat system
3/2-bolt cleat system

Road

Road cycling shoes use smooth, rigid soles with no lugs and a 3-bolt cleat system (Look or SPD-SL style) that maximises power transfer straight into the pedal. They're clipless only, there's no flat-pedal option for the road. One exception is the Stylus II, which uses a universal 3/2-bolt outsole, so it also works with 2-bolt mountain bike cleats.

New
€ 449,99
New
€ 389,99
New
€ 169,99
New
€ 124,99
New
€ 124,99
New
€ 169,99
Mountain bike shoe sole with a 2-bolt clipless cleat system and lugged tread
2-bolt clipless cleat system
Flat-pedal mountain bike shoe sole with sticky rubber tread and no cleat
Flat pedal, no cleat

Mountain Bike / Gravel

Off-road, there are two options: clipless and flat. Which one you need depends on the terrain and how much you expect to walk off the bike.

  • Clipless: Mountain bike clipless shoes use a 2-bolt SPD-style cleat and a lugged rubber sole so you can still walk comfortably off the bike.

    Within the clipless range, some models lean specifically towards gravel and cross-country riding, lighter and faster-rolling than a trail or enduro shoe, but still built around that same 2-bolt clipless system. Browse Giro's gravel shoes if that's your discipline.

  • Flat: Mountain bike flat-pedal shoes skip the cleat entirely. A sticky rubber outsole grips directly onto the pedal pins, making them the easiest option to get in and out of, and a natural fit for commuting or e-bike riding too.

Not sure which you need? Browse Giro's mountain bike shoes to see the full range before deciding between clipless and flat.

New
€ 209,99
New
€ 189,99
New
€ 429,99
New
€ 174,99
New
€ 119,99
New
€ 164,99
New
€ 144,99
New
€ 164,99

2. Sole Stiffness

  • Nylon and composite soles: More flexible and more affordable, these are a comfortable choice for long or casual rides, and a sensible starting point if you're new to clipless pedals.
  • Carbon soles: Very stiff and light, built for performance and racing, since a stiffer plate loses less energy with every pedal stroke. Across Giro's range, stiffness runs from around 90Nm on gravel and cross-country shoes like the Empire XC and Gritter, up to 140Nm on race-focused road shoes like the Empire SLX II. The trade-off is that a stiffer sole asks more of your leg muscles and gives less cushioning off the bike.

3. Closure System

Laces

A tried-and-true option that gives a customised fit across the top of the foot. Some Giro shoes use a Fastlace pull-tab for quicker, single-pull tightening.

Laces with a strap

Combines a traditional lace with a Velcro® strap over the forefoot for extra lockdown, as on the Chamber III.

Single BOA® dial

One dial and cable-lace system across the midfoot, like the BOA® L6 on the Regime XC, adjustable in 1mm increments and guaranteed for life.

Dual BOA® dial

Two independent dials for separate control over the forefoot and midfoot, like the BOA® Li2 setup on the Imperial II, the most precise option and generally the one we'd recommend for performance riding.


4. Choosing Your Size

  • Measure your foot with your heel against a wall, marking the tip of your longest toe on a piece of paper.
  • Check the size guide before you buy. Giro shoes use a true-to-size Performance Fit last from 36 to 48, with half sizes from 42.5 to 45.5 available on performance and race models.
  • Always try shoes on with the socks you actually ride in, fit can change noticeably with a thicker or thinner sock.
  • If your shoes include the SuperNatural Fit Kit, fine-tune arch support with the Large, Medium or Small inserts provided. Start with Medium, then move to a lower support if you feel discomfort on the outside edge of your foot, or a higher one if your arch feels unsupported.

5. Compare Popular Giro Cycling Shoes

Now that you know what to look for, put it into practice. Compare a few popular models side by side within your discipline, road, gravel or mountain bike, and decide which one is yours.

Imperial II
Imperial II
Imperial AS
Imperial AS
Empire SLX II
Empire SLX II
Regime II
Regime II
Cadet II
Cadet II
Stylus II
Stylus II
Price€ 449,99€ 449,99€ 389,99€ 249,99€ 169,99€ 124,99
TaglineA class of its ownTotal performance, all-seasonIconic minimalist style, maximal performanceFull-featured performance and comfort, take charge of the roadPremium performance for all ridersAll-new upper, ventilated, supportive fit, versatile 3/2 cleat outsole
Specs
Cleat system3-bolt road3-bolt road, 5mm fore/aft adjustment3-bolt road, 5mm fore/aft adjustment3-bolt road3-bolt roadUniversal 3/2-bolt pattern
Sole / outsoleForged carbon fibre, +20Nm stiffer140Nm carbon composite plate140Nm carbon fibre plateCarbon composite plateCarbon fibre reinforced plateNylon and glass fibre plate
ClosureDual BOA® Li2Dual BOA® Li27-eyelet lacesDual BOA® L6Single BOA® L6 + forefoot strapLaces
Weight (size 43)220g265g195g275g270g230g
Half sizesYes, 42.5 to 45.5Yes, 42.5 to 45.5Yes, 42.5 to 45.5Yes, 42.5 to 45.5No, whole sizes onlyNo, whole sizes only
Gritter
Gritter
Empire XC
Empire XC
Regime XC
Regime XC
Cadet XC
Cadet XC
Stylus XC
Stylus XC
Chamber TR
Chamber TR
Chamber III
Chamber III
Empire TR
Empire TR
Latch
Latch
Tracker BOA
Tracker BOA
Tracker
Tracker
Gauge BOA
Gauge BOA
Gauge
Gauge
Price€ 429,99€ 339,99€ 249,99€ 169,99€ 124,99€ 209,99€ 189,99€ 174,99€ 164,99€ 144,99€ 119,99€ 134,99€ 119,99
TaglineThe ultimate off-road shoeThe gravel standardThe MTB shoe for on and off-trail adventuresGravel, trail, and performance for everything in betweenPerformance to tame rugged terrain with confidenceDH pedigree, refined. Lighter design and tech for every trailPodium proven power and durability, now lighter and refinedHeritage style, evolved. All-around comfort, performance, and iconic styleBenchmark flat-pedal performance for fast, rowdy trail ridingFlat-pedal shoe with grip, breathability, and BOA L6 for precise fitFlat-pedal shoe with grip, breathability, and single-pull Fastlace for precise fitMountain bike shoe built for trail riding and bikepacking adventuresLugged sole and nylon shank deliver traction and power transfer on the trail
Specs
Cleat system2-bolt mountain2-bolt mountain2-bolt mountain2-bolt mountain2-bolt mountain2-bolt mountain, clipless2-bolt mountain, clipless, SPD compatible2-bolt mountain, clipless, gravity-specific slotFlat pedal, no cleatFlat pedal, no cleatFlat pedal, no cleat2-bolt mountain, clipless2-bolt mountain, clipless
Sole / outsole90Nm carbon composite plate90Nm carbon composite plateCarbon composite plateCarbon fibre reinforced plateNylon and glass fibre plateSensor Rubber, +10mm cleat setbackSensor Rubber, tri-molded DH shankSensor Rubber (Chamber III outsole)Mute™ Foam midsole, Tack™ RubberDual-layer EVA, Tack™ RubberDual-layer EVA, Tack™ RubberTwo-tone rubber, aggressive treadAggressive tread, nylon shank
ClosureDual BOA® Li27-eyelet lacesDual BOA® L6Single BOA® L6 + forefoot strapLacesSingle BOA® Li2 + front vamp strapLaces with Velcro® strapLacesLacesSingle BOA® L6Fastlace pull-tabSingle BOA® L6Laces
Weight (size 43)220gNot published315g325g290g460g480g440g334gNot published337g406g406g
Half sizesYes, 42.5 to 45.5Yes, 42.5 to 45.5Yes, 42.5 to 45.5No, whole sizes onlyNo, whole sizes onlyYes, 42.5 to 45.5Yes, 42.5 to 45.5No, whole sizes onlyNo, whole sizes onlyNo, whole sizes onlyNo, whole sizes onlyNo, whole sizes onlyNo, whole sizes only

FAQs

How do I install and position my cleats?

Cleat position is a matter of personal choice and affects comfort, power and efficiency. Positioning the cleat over the ball of the foot, or slightly forward, tends to maximise power output. Positioning it slightly behind the ball of the foot can increase comfort. When fitting cleats, temporarily tighten the mounting bolts to 22 in. lbs. (2.4Nm) while you find your position, then fully tighten to a final torque of 41 to 52 in. lbs. (5 to 6Nm). Never exceed 6Nm, and always follow your pedal manufacturer's torque guidance if it's lower. Before your first ride with new cleats, practice clipping in and out with one foot on the ground until the motion feels familiar.

Do Giro cycling shoes run true to size?

Generally yes, Giro cycling shoes use a true-to-size Performance Fit last from 36 to 48, with half sizes from 42.5 to 45.5 available on performance and race models. A few individual models carry their own sizing note on the product page, some recommend going up half a size, others suggest sizing up if you're right between two sizes, so it's worth checking the specific model's page before you order.

What technologies do Giro cycling shoes use?

Depending on the model, Giro shoes use a range of proprietary materials: Xnetic™ Knit and Synchwire uppers for breathability, Evofiber™ microfibre for a supportive one-piece upper, EVA midsoles that absorb shock and disperse pressure, Rockprint™ reinforcement at the toe and heel for abrasion resistance, X-Static® antimicrobial fibre to keep the lining fresh, and Vibram® or Giro's own Sensor Rubber outsoles for grip and durability.

How do I clean and care for my cycling shoes?

Wipe mud, dirt or road grime off with a damp sponge or cloth. Never put your shoes in a washing machine, and avoid strong detergents or abrasive pads. Keep them away from direct heat, a fire, a radiator or a blow dryer can damage the materials and void the warranty. If your shoes get wet, stuff them with newspaper to help them dry into shape overnight. Check your cleats regularly too, dirty or worn cleats can stop your shoes engaging properly with the pedal.