Giro Gritter Gravel Shoes Review

There’s gravel everything these days. Some of those “gravel” items are merely flannel shirts or baggy shorts — none of which makes a gravel kit in my book. But the Giro Grittier does legitimately have valid gravel features that have been a great combo for all the gravel riding I’ve been up to this year. With BOA Li2 dials and a carbon composite plate, Giro has put all their chips into the Gritter, but are they really worth all that jazz?

Giro Gritter Gravel Shoes Features: 

• Sensor rubber outsole with walkable treads
• Syncwire™ upper with a laminate of breathable ripstop fabric and durable film
• Carbon composite plate
• Rock Print reinforcement in toe and heel
• Dual-zone BOA® Li2 Fit System with alloy dials
• Supernatural Fit System includes adjustable arch support chips
• MSRP: $424.95

Grittier gravels or dirt

Gravel shoes can either be trimmed-down XC mountain bike shoes, or simply be the exact same shoe for each discipline. Honestly, a great XC shoe is 100% perfect for gravel. Over the years, I’ve tested a variety of them and my favorites remain the Shimano S-Phyre XC9 and Trek RSL MTB shoes. Compared to those top-shelf options, how does the Giro Gritter stack up? They are a mix of new and old-school and certainly get the job done well on the gravels in a streamlined package.

The Gritter’s feature dual BOA Li2 closures, which are always my preferred fit system. With them, it’s intuitive to both tighten and loosen the fit on both the upper and lower part of the uppers with a single twist in either direction. Each dial tightens by turning them inward on each foot, which is instantly-intuitive. Because they are the Li2’s, you get the ability to loosen and tighten by twisting the dial. Lower-priced units require popping open and re-tightening if you need a little more space. So, kudos on the primo dials that make fit adjustments a breeze.

It’s pretty easy to notice the traditional profile of the uppers — as opposed to the more modern, wide toe boxes that are common these days. And, the tongue design is decidedly traditional as well. I guess if it ain’t broke, why fix it?

While I’m a huge BOA fan, there’s something odd about the lacing pattern and dial placement that makes it a challenge to open the Gritters wide enough for foot entry/exit. Typically, a pull upward of the tongue will loosen things up for entry, but these require tediously pulling each lace outwards to gain access. After a ride, this becomes even worse as dirt and dust makes it a real chore to remove get my feet out.

Once dialed in, I love the deep heel cups that securely keep my feet planted in each shoe. Every inch of my feet are wrapped and supported for both long and short rides. The Supernatural Fit System offers customized arch supports to better cradle your feet. My low arches were perfectly-supported using the default medium arch chips that arrived out of the box. The insoles feature target metatarsal pads that help spread out your metatarsal bones for added comfort and blood flow. I have no complaints about the fit. It’s no-nonsense and functional, but I do wish I could have a little more pinpoint fit like I can get with the burrito-style wrap of the Shimano S-Phyre XC9.

As mentioned, the toe box is very traditional and narrow. While this works okay for me, I do wish for a little more wiggle room to allow for improved push-off and comfort with each pedal stroke. This becomes more evident during colder months when I’m wearing a midweight Merino sock. With summer-weight socks, it’s not as noticeable.

Additionally, during the summer months, I was keen to see just how breathable the Gritters are. I wouldn’t call them airy by any means, but they are not sweat lockers either. I’ve found them to be adequate for warm days in the saddle while also providing plenty of wind protection on cold rides, thus negating the need for shoe covers. Truthfully, on the hottest of days, I did wish for more airflow.

Power transfer is solid, thanks to the long-fiber composite midsole. They aren’t so stiff to be uncomfortable on long rides and are also easy to walk in. I can walk around and hike when needed with ease.

Fit: I wore my usual size 45 in the Giro Gritter, which is what I wear in Shimano shoes as well. 

Buy Now: Visit CompetitiveCyclist.com

The Bottom Line

8.5 Gritty

The Giro Gritter is a purpose-built off-road shoe that blends XC-style efficiency with practical off-bike usability, thanks to its carbon composite plate and walkable Sensor rubber outsole. Fit is secure and supportive once dialed in, with excellent heel hold, customizable arch support and premium BOA Li2 dials that make micro-adjustments easy on-the-fly. While the traditional, narrower toe box and somewhat fussy entry/exit are frustrating, the overall ride feel is solid, stable and comfortable for long gravel days. Breathability is adequate for most conditions and the Gritter’s durability, power transfer, and all-around versatility make it a compelling option — at a premium price.

The Good:

1. BOA Li2 Fit System is the pinnacle of fit adjustments
2. Walkable outsoles for hiking or off-bike activities
3. Solid power transfer
4. Locked-in heel cups
5. Foot-cradling uppers
6. Wind protection for cold weather riding
7. Versatile enough for gravel or MTB

The Bad:

1. BOA cables and dial don’t release easily for foot entry/exit
2. Lacks warm-weather breathability
3. Could have a wider toe box
4. Uppers could be a little more ergonomic in design
5. Could have a little more sophistication at this price

• Fit & Comfort 8

• Walkability 9

• Stiffness 9

• Breathability 8

• Durability 9

• Value 8