Giro Imperial II Shoe

The Giro Imperial II Shoe represents the top of Giro's road cycling lineup — a complete redesign of the Imperial that starts from the outsole up. The headline is an all-new forged carbon plate, a technology borrowed from motorsports that allows geometries traditional carbon fiber composites simply can't achieve: precise thickness transitions, integrated cleat bolt geometry, and compound curvature that traces the actual shape of a foot under load. The result is a sole that's 20Nm stiffer than the outgoing version without adding weight — the Imperial II weighs 235 grams in a size 43.

The upper was rebuilt alongside the outsole. Giro's redesigned Synchwire construction is a flat-knitted, one-piece woven TPU monofilament mesh — ventilation is integrated directly into the knit structure rather than cut in after the fact, which keeps the upper clean while maximizing airflow. A thermally bonded TPU skin adds localized reinforcement where it's needed without seams that create pressure points or hotspots. Closure comes from a BOA® Fit System with Dual Li2 Dials, letting you dial in independent tension across the forefoot and midfoot and make micro-adjustments on the fly without reaching down or breaking cadence. Giro's SuperNatural Fit System completes the package — interchangeable arch support chips (Low, Medium, and High) let you tune the footbed to your foot rather than accepting a one-size-fits-all solution.

Specs at a Glance

• Outsole: All-new unidirectional forged carbon fiber plate — 20Nm stiffer than previous generation
• Upper: Synchwire — flat-knitted one-piece TPU monofilament mesh with thermally bonded TPU skin
• Closure: BOA® Fit System, Dual Li2 Dials with micro-adjustability in both directions
• Fit System: SuperNatural Fit with adjustable arch support (Low/Medium/High chips)
• Weight: 235g (size 43)
• Materials: Textile / TPU / Carbon
• Colors: White; Black/Gold
• Sizes: 36–48

Design Benefits

1. Forged Carbon Outsole — Forged carbon allows Giro to shape the plate with compound curvature and precise geometry that traditional layup carbon can't match. The 20Nm stiffness gain over the previous Imperial translates directly into more efficient power transfer, particularly on sustained climbs or sprint efforts where any flex in the sole is wasted energy.
2. Seamless Synchwire Upper — By integrating ventilation into the knit structure rather than punching holes into a flat sheet, the Synchwire upper flows air across the foot without creating weak points or seam ridges. The thermally bonded TPU skin reinforces high-stress zones without adding bulk or stitching.
3. Dual BOA® Li2 Dials — Two independent dials let you set tension across different zones of the foot — useful for riders whose forefoot and midfoot need different amounts of hold. The Li2 alloy dials are designed for long-term durability and come with Giro's confidence warranty.
4. Tunable Arch Support — The SuperNatural Fit System's interchangeable arch chips address one of the most common sources of foot discomfort on long rides — inadequate or excessive arch support. Being able to swap chips at home means you can fine-tune the fit over time rather than making a permanent commitment at purchase.