Review

The Review | Giro Alpineduro Clipless Shoes

22.03.2015
by

Giro market their €180 Alpineduro shoes as ‘rugged mountain shoe for the urban adventurer’ and there is certainly a lot that impressed us when we took a first look. We loved the unusual styling, and the fit and comfort were excellent for a clipless shoe built for a hard winter. The inclusion of a Vibram sole promised good durability and the water resistant and insulated upper was claimed to keep the cold at bay. Well, how did they perform? The winter is now drawing to a close and it’s time to check in and see how the Alpineduro’s held up to three months of hard winters use.

How do the Alpineduro shoes measure up to tough winter conditions?
How do the Alpineduro shoes measure up to tough winter conditions?

The answer is very well really, despite numerous soakings and quick drying next to the woodburner – the stitched upper is still in great condition and we have experienced no cracking or ungluing of the sole that seems to plague many winter boots. Despite their rugged looks, the Alpineduro is a very soft and comfortable shoe, the insulated liner conforms around the foot well and they are not super stiff through the sole unit. If you are forced to carry or push your bike a long distance they make long hikes easy and comfortable. The weather proofing was excellent, keeping our feet warm and dry even when conditions dipped below freezing.

The shoe is extremely weather proof, as long as you do not submerge beyond the ankle, you feet will stay dry
The shoe is extremely weather proof, as long as you do not submerge beyond the ankle, you feet will stay dry
In use the shoe is protective, but is also sensitive and light
In use the shoe is protective, but is also sensitive and light
If you are faced with long bike carries, we would like to see a more aggressive tread pattern
If you are faced with long bike carries, we would like to see a more aggressive tread pattern
We liked the high level stitched in tongue, which works well to keep the water out
We liked the high level stitched in tongue, which works well to keep the water out

So, after a winter of hard riding and repeated soakings, the Alpineduros have held up impressively well. The only wear we have seen is a snapped lace and the elasticated lace holder has come loose at one end. We found that the sole unit was not aggressive enough for good grip in deep mud, but provided lots of traction over boulders and wet roots.

So far the Enduralpine have been reliable companions on tough winter rides
So far the Alpineduro have been reliable companions on tough winter rides

Bottom Line

The fact that these shoes have spent a lot of time by the fire all winter says it all, it’s not because they take a long time to dry out, but because they have been the shoe of choice for every wet ride. In combination with some thick socks, the non-vented outer has provided a warm sanctuary against the winter chill and the soft, comfortable fit has made long winter rides very enjoyable. They are a lot softer and lighter (550g per shoe in a 43) than they look, so those looking for really sturdy mountain boots or racer stiffness may need to look elsewhere, but if you are looking for weather proof shoes with a distinctive style, these come highly recommended.

More information about the Giro Alpineduro can be found on Giros website

Words and photos: Trev Worsey

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