Giro Regime XC Cycling Shoe

Review by Erin Trail

The Giro Regime XC Cycling Shoe is a mid-level off-road cycling shoe that delivers on high-end performance.

Specs

• BOA Closure System featuring dual L6 overmolded dials
• Synthetic upper (80% TPU, 10% synthetic leather, 5% fabric) with laser perforation for temperature control
• Carbon composite plate
• Dual-injection rubber outsole
• 2-bolt cleat attachment

Fit and Function

I am typically a size EU 41 in cycling shoes and found that the Giro Regime XC Cycling Shoe is true to size.

Compared to the Giro Gritter shoe that I reviewed last year, I found the overall performance feel to be similar (stiffness, power transfer), but I prefer the upper design of the Giro Regime XC.  The upper is a little softer, a little more flexible.  The tongue also isn’t as long or as stiff, making the shoes easier to get on and off quickly.  I also don’t get the tongue poking me at the ankle crease with the Regime XC shoes, which is something that I occasionally experienced with the Gritters.

The double BOA Closure System a nice feature, allowing the wearer to customize the fit with the two dials.  If you want to adjust the BOA Closure System mid-ride, you do need to pop out the BOA dial and re-set the tension.  I really only need to do this on long + hot days to accommodate foot swelling and I usually do this when I stop at an aid station or on a self-supported break.

I have fairly long and narrow feet.  I found the fit of the Giro Regime XC Cycling Shoe to be really comfortable.  My narrow heels do not move around when pulling up on the pedals and I have been able to adjust the BOA Closure System to easily find the sweet-spot of tight enough for riding without making my feet feel strangled or having my feet move around too much.

I’ve been wearing the Giro Regime XC Cycling Shoe on my gravel bike for the past six weeks, on rides ranging from 1 hour recovery rides to 3 hour training rides. The shoes are super comfortable and didn’t require any mid-ride adjustments, once I got the cleats set in the right position.  I didn’t experience any hot spots or rubbing.

The Giro Regime XC Cycling Shoe have a carbon composite plate.  I found the stiffness of this plate to be “just right” for my Goldilocks feet.  If shoes aren’t stiff enough, my feet will end up hurting; however if the shoes are too stiff, I’ll also end up with a bit of ache on longer days.

The Giro Regime XC Cycling Shoes also have enough room to accommodate a thinner custom insole if you require some extra support like I do.

The power transfer of the carbon plate, combined with the fit from the dual L6 dials of the BOA Closure System, provide a really solid and comfortable pedaling platform.  I have minimal movement of my foot inside the shoe and I can literally feel my pedal force translate into forward momentum on the bike.

The Giro Regime XC Cycling Shoes also feel light when on your feet or on the occasional hike-a-bike, never feeling clunky or in the way.

The sole of the Giro Regime XC Cycling Shoes is made from dual injected rubber with a medium amount of tread.  I haven’t had to do a ton of hike-a-bike this season (yet!) but the outsole provided a nice amount of traction while still being comfortable enough for walking up hills and across short spans.

Closing Thoughts

The Giro Regime XC Cycling Shoes are mid-range in the Giro off-road shoe line up, but I’d stack them right next to the more expensive, higher end Giro shoes.  The Regime XC shoes deliver both power and comfort and are a great option for any off-road two-wheeled adventures.

The Giro Regime XC Cycling Shoes are available in 3 colorways (black, dark sage, and white) and in EU sizes from 36 to 48.

Erin Trail

Trail Boss of Stoke

Erin Trail on her mountain bike at the World Tri Cross Triathlon World Championship race

Erin Trail on her running at the World Tri Cross Triathlon World Championship race