When it comes to road cycling, having a good pair of shoes is essential. Not only do they provide the necessary support and comfort for your feet, but they also help transfer power efficiently from your legs to the pedals.
Giro, a leading brand in the cycling industry, offers a wide range of road cycling shoes that cater to various needs and preferences.
In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the top 5 Giro road shoes available on the market today. From the premium Empire SLX to the budget-friendly Apeckx II, we’ll be exploring each shoe’s features, benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision on which Giro Road shoe is right for you.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Giro Road Shoes
When choosing the best Giro road shoes, it’s important to consider the following criteria:
Fit and comfort:
Look for a shoe that fits snugly but comfortably, with enough room for your toes to wiggle. The shoe should also provide ample arch and heel support.
Materials and construction:
High-quality materials such as carbon fibre and microfiber can enhance the durability and breathability of the shoe, while a sturdy construction can ensure a secure fit and long-lasting performance.
Closure system:
Giro road shoes typically come with either a traditional lace-up system, Velcro straps, or a BOA closure system. Choose the closure system that offers the best fit and adjustability for your needs.
Sole stiffness and weight:
A stiff sole can improve power transfer and reduce foot fatigue, while a lightweight shoe can enhance your overall cycling performance.
Ventilation and breathability:
Look for shoes with sufficient ventilation and breathability to keep your feet cool and dry during long rides.
Aesthetics:
While not a primary consideration, it’s important to choose a shoe that looks good and complements your cycling style.
Top 5 Giro Road Shoes
1. Giro Empire SLX
The Giro Empire SLX is a premium road shoe that boasts a classic lace-up closure system and a lightweight, breathable microfiber upper. It features a full carbon fibre sole that offers exceptional stiffness and power transfer.
Additionally, the Empire SLX has replaceable heel pads, making it a durable investment. While the price point may be a bit steep for some, the Empire SLX’s excellent fit, comfort, and performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious road cyclists.
2. Giro Prolight Techlace
The Giro Prolight Techlace is a lightweight road shoe that features a unique Techlace closure system that combines traditional laces with a Velcro strap.
The shoe also has a one-piece upper construction made from breathable Evofiber material and a full carbon fibre sole that offers excellent power transfer.
The Prolight Techlace’s minimalistic design and excellent ventilation make it a popular choice for competitive road cyclists.
3. Giro Trans Boa
The Giro Trans Boa is a versatile road shoe that offers a customizable fit with its Boa closure system, which allows for micro-adjustments on the go. The shoe features a microfiber upper and a carbon fiber composite sole that balance stiffness with comfort.
Additionally, the Trans Boa has a molded EVA footbed that provides excellent arch and heel support. Its moderate price point and all-around performance make it a solid choice for both recreational and competitive road cyclists.
4. Giro Apeckx II
The Giro Apeckx II is a budget-friendly road shoe that features a breathable microfiber upper and a DuPont Zytel nylon sole. The shoe has a traditional three-strap closure system and a molded EVA footbed that provides ample support and comfort.
While it may not offer the same level of stiffness and power transfer as some of the more expensive models, the Apeckx II is a great option for casual road cyclists who are looking for an affordable and reliable shoe.
5. Giro Sentrie Techlace
The Giro Sentrie Techlace is a mid-range road shoe that features a unique Techlace closure system that combines traditional laces with a Velcro strap for a customised fit. The shoe has a breathable microfiber upper and a carbon composite sole that offer a good balance of stiffness and comfort.
Additionally, the Sentrie Techlace has a moulded EVA footbed and an antimicrobial treatment to keep your feet fresh and comfortable on long rides. Its moderate price point and versatile performance make it a great option for a wide range of road cyclists.
These are the top 5 Giro road shoes that offer a combination of excellent fit, comfort, performance, and value for money. Depending on your budget, riding style, and preferences, you can choose the Giro road shoe that suits your needs best.
Comparison Table Of The 5 Giro Road Shoes:
| Shoe Model | Closure System | Upper Material | Sole Material | Stiffness Rating | Weight (per shoe) |
| Empire SLX | Lace-up | Microfiber | Carbon fiber | 12/12 | 175g (size 42.5) |
| Prolight Techlace | Techlace | Evofiber | Carbon fiber | 12/12 | 150g (size 42.5) |
| Trans Boa | Boa closure system | Microfiber | Carbon composite | 8/12 | 275g (size 42.5) |
| Apeckx II | Three-strap | Microfiber | DuPont Zytel nylon | 6/12 | 275g (size 42.5) |
| Sentrie Techlace | Techlace | Microfiber | Carbon composite | 8/12 | 245g (size 42.5) |
As you can see, the Empire SLX and Prolight Techlace are the most expensive and lightweight options, with a 12/12 stiffness rating and a carbon fibre sole for maximum power transfer.
The Trans Boa and Sentrie Techlace offer a customizable fit with their Boa and Techlace closure systems, respectively, while the Apeckx II is the most budget-friendly option with a three-strap closure system and a DuPont Zytel nylon sole.
Ultimately, the best Giro road shoe for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Our Final Word
Giro offers a range of high-quality road cycling shoes with various features and price points to meet the needs of different cyclists.
When choosing the best Giro road shoes, it’s important to consider factors such as closure system, upper and sole materials, stiffness rating, weight, and price range.
Our top 5 picks, including the Empire SLX, Prolight Techlace, Trans Boa, Apeckx II, and Sentrie Techlace, offer different combinations of these features, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your specific cycling needs and budget.
No matter which model you choose, you can trust that Giro has designed their shoes with a focus on performance, comfort, and style to enhance your cycling experience.
