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
€ 249,99
XC and gravel shoe sole with a 2-bolt cleat and lightweight lugged tread
2-bolt cleat, lightweight lugged sole

XC & Gravel

XC and gravel shoes use a 2-bolt cleat (SPD style) on a stiff, lightweight outsole with rubber lugs. They keep you pedalling efficiently over long distances and still let you walk or push your bike when the terrain demands it. Efficiency comes first: off-road, they are the closest thing to a road shoe.

New
€ 429,99
New
€ 339,99
New
€ 249,99
New
€ 169,99
New
€ 124,99
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

Gravity (Trail, Enduro, DH)

Gravity shoes are built for descending and rough terrain, with more toe and heel protection, a grippier rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole for control on the bike and comfort off it.

  • Clipless: Clipless mountain bike shoes use a 2-bolt cleat for a secure connection to the pedal. On the Chamber and Empire TR models, a gravity-specific cleat slot sits further back for extra stability on descents.

  • Flat: Flat-pedal shoes skip the cleat entirely. A sticky rubber outsole grips the pedal pins while letting you reposition your foot freely, ideal for technical trails, e-bikes and everyday riding.

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

2. Sole Stiffness

  • Nylon and composite soles: stiff and efficient, with a little more comfort than carbon at a more accessible price. Found on models such as the Stylus, Cadet and Regime, they suit regular riders looking for solid power transfer on long rides and in training.
  • Carbon soles: the stiffest and lightest option, designed for performance and racing. A stiffer sole means less energy lost with every pedal stroke, and our top race models, such as the Empire SLX II, Imperial and Gritter, offer the highest stiffness in the range. The trade-off: a stiffer sole works your leg muscles harder and gives less cushioning when you walk.

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 Cadet XC, adjustable in 1mm increments and guaranteed for life.

Dual BOA® dial

Two independent dials adjust the forefoot and midfoot separately, as with the dual BOA® L6 system on the Regime II. It offers the most precise adjustment and is the option we generally 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 the models and choose your shoe

Now that you know what to look for, compare the full Giro range by discipline (road, XC and gravel, or gravity) and choose the shoe that fits your riding.

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 road3-bolt road3-bolt road3-bolt roadUniversal 3/2-bolt pattern
Sole / outsoleForged carbon fibreCarbon composite plateCarbon fibre plateNylon plateNylon and glass fibre plateNylon and glass fibre plate
ClosureDual BOA® Li2Dual BOA® Li27-eyelet lacesDual BOA® L6Single BOA® L6Laces
Weight (size 43)235g234g221g256g256g254g
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
Price€ 429.99€ 339.99€ 249.99€ 169.99€ 124.99
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 confidence
Specs
Cleat system2-bolt mountain2-bolt mountain2-bolt mountain2-bolt mountain2-bolt mountain
Sole / outsoleCarbon composite plateCarbon composite plateNylon plateNylon and glass fibre plateNylon and glass fibre plate
ClosureDual BOA® Li27-eyelet lacesDual BOA® L6Single BOA® L6Laces
Weight (size 43)362g368g301g299g291g
Half sizesYes, 42.5 to 45.5Yes, 42.5 to 45.5Yes, 42.5 to 45.5No, whole sizes onlyNo, whole sizes only
Chamber TR
Chamber TR
Chamber III
Chamber III
Empire TR
Empire TR
Gauge BOA
Gauge BOA
Gauge
Gauge
Latch
Latch
Tracker BOA
Tracker BOA
Tracker
Tracker
Price€ 209.99€ 189.99€ 174.99€ 134.99€ 119.99€ 164.99€ 144.99€ 119.99
TaglineDH 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 styleMountain bike shoe built for trail riding and bikepacking adventuresLugged sole and nylon shank deliver traction and power transfer on the trailBenchmark 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 fit
Specs
Cleat system2-bolt, gravity cleat slot2-bolt, gravity cleat slot2-bolt, gravity cleat slot2-bolt2-boltFlat pedal, no cleatFlat pedal, no cleatFlat pedal, no cleat
Sole / outsoleSensor RubberSensor RubberSensor RubberLugged rubberLugged rubberTack™ Rubber, damping midsoleTack™ RubberTack™ Rubber
ClosureSingle BOA® Li2 + front vamp strapLaces with Velcro® strapLacesSingle BOA® L6LacesLacesSingle BOA® L6Fastlace pull-tab
Weight (size 43)421g458g395g438g429g315g332g314g
Half sizesYes, 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.