Giro Code MTB shoe - 90 day review

[Christophe Noel]

It's been more than 90 days since Giro sent us this pair of shoes to try. In fact, Giro has only been selling shoes to the general public for about 180 days total, so this is a pretty fresh review.

My initial impressions were very positive, although I thought Giro was nuts for entering the already fiercely competitive bike shoe market. It is tough to make a standout shoe to take on Shimano, Specialized, and the great Sidi cobblers. I'd say Giro did a killer job on their first try.

Pros: Extremely well made. 90 days in, my shoes have logged over a thousand miles of singletrack and they look brand new. They broke in eventually, leaving the new shoe feeling behind by week two. The variable thickness insoles can be customized to fit your individual arch needs. That feature alone had me sold. The Easton EC90 carbon sole is stiff as a plank, but very comfy under foot.

Cons: I don't get hot feet, but for those who do, these might be toasty dogs. The price is not out of line for the quality and features of this shoe, but it might be $50 over similar shoes.

For higher performance riding, I'd put these on par with the top tier shoes from Sidi, Specialized and Shimano. I will say, I'm pleased I like these shoes as I see them lasting for several seasons.

Rating: :bike_rider::bike_rider::bike_rider::bike_rider::bike_rider:
$280
http://www.giro.com/us_en/products/cycling-shoes/code.html

 

[Christophe Noel]

I should point out, in just a few weeks Giro will be releasing several new models well under this $280 price point. In fact, they have a number of shoes below $200, with one model entering the market at only $115. The new shoes will be available in low and high volume versions to accommodate as many foot shapes as possible.

 

[3konas]

What's the traction like on rocks, logs, wet and dry? I ride Sidi's, and they are great on the bike and last forever, but during hike a bike sections, they don't scream confidence and the toes box does a poor job of protecting my digits.

Those Giros look like they will provide good toe protection.

Thanks

 

[Christophe Noel]

Funny you ask about the toe. I crashed on these Giros on the second ride, and in the process smacked my toe on a rock pretty hard. Hard enough to literally dent the toe. I had to take the shoe off and use a stick to poke the toe back into shape. Within an hour, the toe had molded to my piggies again. Not sure what's in there, but it's flexible, moldable, and pretty darn tough.

I'd say the traction is pretty average for this type of shoe. The lugs are pretty aggressive, but they're anything but soft. Step on wet rocks and you'll go sailing. That's why I installed the optional toe cleats. Helps a bit in some situations.

Fantastic shoes, though. As a Sidi fan going back to the mid 80s, I hate to admit it - these are better.

 

[3konas]

Thanks!

I will give these serious consideration.

 

[thecriscokid]

So no sticky rubber on the sole? Looks like a dual density lug, but not soft? I hate that. I have been eye balling these for a bit as my faithful Specialize trail 120 high tops (2nd pair) continue to loose there sticky rubber lugs. ARRG

They do still look nice

 

[Christophe Noel]

In my opinion, the lugs are what they should be for a shoe like this. These are a firm durometer rubber lug as you would find on any high performance shoe like a Sidi Dragon, Spyder or Dominator, or similar XC shoes. They're designed to serve more as a cleat on the ground than a sticky surface. There's so little lug to contact the ground on any of these shoes, it probably is best to have a lug that will be super durable and stiff. The 2012 versions have a clear lug with the silver lug-caps. Unless you're on slick rock (who walks on slick rock) you'll be fine.

 

[mattiep11]

i've beat mine almost to shreds..

These kick butt in lightweight/ power transfer... they fit my weird feet... they suck to climb with when not on the bike... like really suck... the front lugs are spent...after 50 rides... I have to dismount in telluride and durango in some spots... they gum up with mud quick. rachet buckles broke twice... got some major scuffing in toe box and on the sides.. slick rock trail was a nightmare with them( First ride of the season this year)... i love the insole adjustment... so otherwise i beat the living u know what outta mine for the past two year and i will get em again if the make a better grip lugs... i ride very unforgiving terrain around here with an average ride of 10-37miles..

 

[apalmer]

I ride Sidi's, and they are great on the bike and last forever, but during hike a bike sections, they don't scream confidence and the toe box does a poor job of protecting my digits.

Um, you can say that again. This happened while riding in my SIDI shoes.

 

[mattiep11]

pics of my shoes my fox gloves and bell helmet on my porch in telluride

 

[DaveInDenver]

i will get em again if the make a better grip lugs

This I think is the universal complaint. I've ridden Sidis for many years but the soles are toast way too soon. I've had mixed luck grafting SRS replacement lugs for the Dragon onto my Dominators, they work for a few rides and start to peel away no matter what combination of epoxy and screws I use to hold them on. It just pains me to chuck perfectly useful shoes, though, so I am slow to learn and keep trying to adapt, trim and glue.

 

[mattiep11]

So my front insert that holds the chassis to the shoe broke the other day...lost both screws in the front of the cleat.. Sending them back for warranty..