Giro Privateer Lace shoe review

Giro's Privateer Lace shoes are designed for mountain biking but are great for gravel riding too.

• Best gravel bikes
• Best gravel bike shoes

They're comfortable, from the soft-compliant microfibre upper that’s still thick enough to provide protection from objects and the elements, to the sole with its stiff cleat plate that has flex through the mid-section, and the co-moulded chunky rubberised tread (replete with stud threads for racier types).

The Giro Expert insole has a nicely-sculpted shape with mid-height arc support.

The seven-hole lacing is broadly spread so the tension on tightening is even and the tongue is substantially padded.

The tall toe box gives plenty of room for thicker socks and the toe is protected by a rubberised section – so you might want to try before you buy to get the right fit.