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.
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.
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 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.


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.
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.
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.
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| Price | € 449,99 | € 449,99 | € 389,99 | € 249,99 | € 169,99 | € 124,99 |
| Tagline | A class of its own | Total performance, all-season | Iconic minimalist style, maximal performance | Full-featured performance and comfort, take charge of the road | Premium performance for all riders | All-new upper, ventilated, supportive fit, versatile 3/2 cleat outsole |
| Specs | ||||||
| Cleat system | 3-bolt road | 3-bolt road, 5mm fore/aft adjustment | 3-bolt road, 5mm fore/aft adjustment | 3-bolt road | 3-bolt road | Universal 3/2-bolt pattern |
| Sole / outsole | Forged carbon fibre, +20Nm stiffer | 140Nm carbon composite plate | 140Nm carbon fibre plate | Carbon composite plate | Carbon fibre reinforced plate | Nylon and glass fibre plate |
| Closure | Dual BOA® Li2 | Dual BOA® Li2 | 7-eyelet laces | Dual BOA® L6 | Single BOA® L6 + forefoot strap | Laces |
| Weight (size 43) | 220g | 265g | 195g | 275g | 270g | 230g |
| Half sizes | Yes, 42.5 to 45.5 | Yes, 42.5 to 45.5 | Yes, 42.5 to 45.5 | Yes, 42.5 to 45.5 | No, whole sizes only | No, whole sizes only |
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| 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 |
| Tagline | The ultimate off-road shoe | The gravel standard | The MTB shoe for on and off-trail adventures | Gravel, trail, and performance for everything in between | Performance to tame rugged terrain with confidence | DH pedigree, refined. Lighter design and tech for every trail | Podium proven power and durability, now lighter and refined | Heritage style, evolved. All-around comfort, performance, and iconic style | Benchmark flat-pedal performance for fast, rowdy trail riding | Flat-pedal shoe with grip, breathability, and BOA L6 for precise fit | Flat-pedal shoe with grip, breathability, and single-pull Fastlace for precise fit | Mountain bike shoe built for trail riding and bikepacking adventures | Lugged sole and nylon shank deliver traction and power transfer on the trail |
| Specs | |||||||||||||
| Cleat system | 2-bolt mountain | 2-bolt mountain | 2-bolt mountain | 2-bolt mountain | 2-bolt mountain | 2-bolt mountain, clipless | 2-bolt mountain, clipless, SPD compatible | 2-bolt mountain, clipless, gravity-specific slot | Flat pedal, no cleat | Flat pedal, no cleat | Flat pedal, no cleat | 2-bolt mountain, clipless | 2-bolt mountain, clipless |
| Sole / outsole | 90Nm carbon composite plate | 90Nm carbon composite plate | Carbon composite plate | Carbon fibre reinforced plate | Nylon and glass fibre plate | Sensor Rubber, +10mm cleat setback | Sensor Rubber, tri-molded DH shank | Sensor Rubber (Chamber III outsole) | Mute™ Foam midsole, Tack™ Rubber | Dual-layer EVA, Tack™ Rubber | Dual-layer EVA, Tack™ Rubber | Two-tone rubber, aggressive tread | Aggressive tread, nylon shank |
| Closure | Dual BOA® Li2 | 7-eyelet laces | Dual BOA® L6 | Single BOA® L6 + forefoot strap | Laces | Single BOA® Li2 + front vamp strap | Laces with Velcro® strap | Laces | Laces | Single BOA® L6 | Fastlace pull-tab | Single BOA® L6 | Laces |
| Weight (size 43) | 220g | Not published | 315g | 325g | 290g | 460g | 480g | 440g | 334g | Not published | 337g | 406g | 406g |
| Half sizes | Yes, 42.5 to 45.5 | Yes, 42.5 to 45.5 | Yes, 42.5 to 45.5 | No, whole sizes only | No, whole sizes only | Yes, 42.5 to 45.5 | Yes, 42.5 to 45.5 | No, whole sizes only | No, whole sizes only | No, whole sizes only | No, whole sizes only | No, whole sizes only | No, whole sizes only |
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.
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.
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.
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.