Our verdict
The Imperial by Giro is one of the lightest dual BOA road shoes in the market. It provides a balance between professional performance and all-day comfort. Apart from its feather-like weight, the shoe is also supportive and excellently stiff.
Pros
- Comfortable right out-of-the-box
- Feather-like weight
- Double BOA retention system is easy to use
- Crafted with top-quality materials
- Sun and Ski
- Breathable
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons
- Steep price
- Comfortable right out-of-the-box
- Upper material provides too much give
Traditional 3-bolt road cleat system
Many have compared the Giro Imperial to one of the brand’s other road shoes, the Empire SLX. The two Giro road bike models closely resemble each other. It is a solid option if you:
- Who should buy the Giro Imperial.
- Need a shoe that employs the brand’s Synchwire upper design with Teijin welded mesh, which works together for a lightweight and breathable fit.
- Need a shoe that has top-of-the-line Easton EC90 SLX2 soles and provide optimal power transfer.
Easton EC90 SLX2
Crafted from the brand’s first-rate carbon fiber plate offering called Easton EC90 SLX2, the Imperial ensures that there is no energy wasted. This type of sole has a good stiffness-to-weight ratio.
Breathable and replaceable heel pads
A vent pocket that is strategically placed on the toe area allows airflow while on the saddle. The pocket is protected by a screen made from stainless steel hardware.
Notoriously one of the firsts to lose their function, replaceable sole pads add longevity and value to a particular model. They offer renewable traction for a comfortable off-bike experience.
Track and field
The Giro Imperial employs the traditional 3-bolt road cleat system. Try it with the following pedal types: Garmin Vector 3 Power Meter, Time XPro 15, and Issi Carbon Road. Cleat markings are also provided to aid in precise positioning.
Excellent support and stable
This shoe’s Synchwire upper provides support, stability, and ultimately pedaling efficiency. In the Imperial, the Synchwire is combined with welded mesh inserts called Teijin. This allows more ventilation.
Secure fit
The fit is governed by two BOA dials with cables invisibly wrapped throughout the upper. The dials can be tightened and loosened in 1 mm increments and releases instantly too. The BOA provides a secure fit without pressure points.
Top 21% most popular cycling shoes
Being the brand’s premium road model, the Imperial features almost all of Giro’s best features. An example is its SuperNatural Fit insole equipped with anti-microbial fiber top sheets. This insole keeps odor and bacteria at bay. It also comes with interchangeable arch supports.
This insole utilizes three foams with different levels of arch supports that attach and detach via Velcro. It allows the wearer to customize arch support for optimal comfort and pedaling efficiency.
