Reviewed: Giro Imperial II AS Road Cycling Shoes

SPECIFICATIONS

Sizes: 36 - 48
Weight as tested: 240g (size 46, without cleats)
Colors available: Black/gold details; White/silver details
Price: $449 MSRP
Compatibility: 3-hole cleat systems
Included accessories: 3 different-sized Velcro-mount arch supports, cleat mounting bolts, carrying bag
Manufacturer eComm website: https://www.giro.com/product/imperial-ii-as-shoe/350060000100000111.html

Credit: Greg Kaplan

Choosing what to wear while riding during swing season outings can be tricky and frustrating. What should you wear when the temperature swings can be 20F° or more during a ride? This equation is further complicated when rain is in the forecast. Arm and leg warmers can handle cool temperatures, and so can shoe covers, but what should you wear when cycling in the rain?

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Sometimes it seems like an entire cycling wardrobe is needed for a single ride. But when you opt for gear specifically designed for the in-between weather days, like the Giro Imperial II AS road cycling shoes, you won’t need a suitcase for mid-ride wardrobe changes.

The Imperial II AS is designed on the same last as the standard version of the Giro Imperial II cycling shoe, offering the same shape and fit, but is water-resistant and eschews vents in the super-stiff forged carbon sole.

Credit: Greg Kaplan

Unlike the well-ventilated version, the Imperial AS II upper eschews massive ventilation panels and is instead constructed of a breathable TPU mesh upper devoid of seams (the upper’s panels are thermo-bonded together) for maximum comfort and power transfer. This upper is totally water repellent.

Assisting the feel of the upper are the dual-dial BOA Fit System dials that create the most comfortable, effective, and easiest-to-use version of the retention technology I’ve tested. And to be certain, the Giro Imperial II AS shoes fit true to size.

Credit: Greg Kaplan

Initial Impressions of the Giro Imperial II AS

After bolting new cleats onto these shoes for my first ride, I just stood in them to get a feel for how they fit with my weight fully on them. As expected, these Giros fit comfortably—the toe box offered plenty of height and had good room ahead of my toes. I have a relatively high arch with slightly wide feet, so this ample room at my toes is much appreciated. Initially, I tried the default medium arch-support insert, but after less than 200km of riding, I swapped in the high arch-support insert.

The heel cup features a no-slip material on the inside to keep one’s heels in place. Pinching at my Achilles was never a thing, and riding in a variety of different socks—from winter weight through summer second skins—never produced any kind of slippage at the back of the shoe when going hard in and out of the saddle.

Where I sometimes run into trouble with cycling shoes is the fit at the top of my foot, specifically at the top of the tongue in front of my ankle, where nearly any kind of retention system seems to press into me and feel annoying. But this was not so with the Imperial II AS shoes. Not only was the tongue so comfortable against the tops of my feet, but even with the BOA dials turned tightly, these shoes fit well without binding or pinching.

Credit: Greg Kaplan

BOA Fit System Delivers Supreme Fit

The standout star of these Giro shoes’ fit is the dual BOA dials. The BOA Fit System on the Giro Imperial II AS features two BOA Li2 two-way dials for optimal fit. The dials’ micro-adjustment makes getting a great fit easy, and they allow fine-tuning at any point while riding. A quick exit from the shoe is possible by popping the dials upwards. BOA claims these are the lowest-profile versions of the dial made to date.

One of the most effective and satisfying features of the BOA dials is the audible and tactile feedback they provide when adjusting the fit. When loosening or tightening the shoes, the internals of the BOA dials offer a quiet ratcheting sound that one can feel through the dials. Knurling on the sides of the alloy controllers creates a non-slip surface, which is especially appreciated in cool and/or wet conditions, when fingers are more prone to slipping or lack a bit of feel.

Credit: Greg Kaplan

The dual silver dials operate the textile-like TX6 laces, which are noticeably more comfortable than steel or Dyneema options used in other similar systems. The retention laces are less abrasive on the tongue, provide more consistent tension, and offer a more stable fit than other systems. Importantly, the BOA dials and lace system is noticeably more comfortable hours into a ride.

Traditionally laced shoes can provide a nice fit, but lace-ups are hard to adjust mid-ride, and the material eventually stretches and can even break from normal use. So, the BOA TX6 lace fitted to the Li2 dials promises a more durable option.

Credit: Greg Kaplan

Stiff, Vent-free Forged Carbon Soles

The Giro Imperial II AS sole is molded from unidirectional forged carbon fiber and feels plenty stiff during out-of-the-saddle efforts. The construction method lends itself to smooth and elegant thickness transitions, allowing more carbon where it’s needed, such as at the cleat mounting points. Giro claims these soles are 20nm stiffer than the previous version, which is hard to measure or quantify at home. Suffice to say, the Imperial II AS shoes feel plenty rigid under my 73kg load.

Credit: Greg Kaplan

An easily replaceable heel pad was effective at preventing slipping on coffee shops’ tile floors. On wet pavement, concrete, or asphalt, the heels on these kicks were as sure-footed as street shoes. The pad looks to be easily swapped by accessing the retaining bolt under the footbed.

Without vents in the soles (and just enough ventilation in the uppers), these shoes felt a bit warm when riding in temperatures above 70°F (21 °C). And the only time I ever thought about sweaty feet was when temperatures pushed 80F°.

Credit: Greg Kaplan

Giro Imperial II AS Ride Feel

I rode the Giro Imperial II AS for hundreds of kilometers while testing them across a representative sampling of swing-season weather—hot, cold, wet, and dry. Rides in light rain and after heavy downpours, I did not suffer moisture ingress into the shoes; my ankles were a little wet, but my feet stayed dry.

From the first few pedal strokes after rolling out for a ride through the final turns of the cranks after hours on the road, the Giro Imperial II AS became my go-to when reaching for cycling shoes because they are so comfortable and fit my feet so well.

These shoes look sleek and are not flashy or attention-getting. Subtle detailing in the crafted white uppers and retention system is just noticeable next to the silver BOA dials. If anything, the new spin's appearance is attention-grabbing because of its classic look. And they perform at a level equal to their elegance and price tag.

Credit: Greg Kaplan

Giro Imperial II AS Value

If you live somewhere that regularly has weather above the 70°F mark, these shoes might serve you well as a second pair meant for seasonal use when the mercury hovers moderately. The Giro Imperial II AS replaces the combination of summer shoes and oversocks or booties. But, during hot weather, you’ll want to keep these shoes shelved and opt for cycling shoes with breathable uppers and vents in the soles. If you’re an indoor riding enthusiast, these shoes will be excellent if your setup is in an unheated space with temperatures matching your shoe size.

The value proposition of cycling apparel is tough to frame, since affordability is relative, and what’s “worth the spend” is a personal choice when shopping for cycling gear. If you live in a moderate climate and have to manage riding in wet conditions, these are the go-to, wear-all-the-time shoes for you. Stop reading here and buy the Giro Imperial II AS cycling shoes.

PROS:

• BOA Fit System offers supreme fit
• Super stiff forged carbon soles
• True to size
• Clean, elegant appearance

CONS:

• Pricey
• Minimal ventilation
• Two color options
• No women' s specific options