Giro Privateer shoes review

The Giro Privateers are impressive. The plush insole gives immediate comfort, the offset lower straps clinch your foot tightly, and the shoes still encase you with box-fresh tenacity.

The wide upper buckle has two positions, while the clicky ratchet is easy to adjust on the fly – it’s also got a little protector tab to stop pesky seeds getting in there. Stiffness is very impressive for a non-carbon shoe, but as with many racy offerings the tread is overly hard and slippery when wet. 

Still, it’s very hard wearing. The uppers are wearing well too – even a huge hike-a-bike up a Welsh mountain barely scratched the toe bumper.