Mountain biking has shifted. Bikes and accessories have turned toward an all day, joy-of-riding mantra and Giro’s Terraduro MTB shoe fits that philosophy.
With the Terraduro, Giro set out to manufacture a long lasting shoe that was comfortable enough for all day pedaling as well as getting off the bike and walking around.
Professional enduro racer Adam Craig, who helped develop the shoe, said the Terraduro is “good in and out of the pedal and on and off the bike.”
While I wouldn’t grab these for a hike, I do spend plenty of time in a pair of Terraduros pushing my bike up dubious technical ascents, running around on photo shoots and even some trail building.
The custom designed Vibram outsole was, according to Giro, made for grip and durability in mountain biking conditions, and that seems to have been achieved. Vibram, established in 1935, are legendary for making strong, tacky outsoles, and my outsoles look fantastic.
“The shoe comes with an EVA molded foot bed, built on a nylon shank that is stiff in the rear but flexible enough in the forefoot to walk around in, without compromising pedaling efficiency.
“It makes me feel more connected with the bike,” said Craig.
Connecting with the bike is par for the course, but the Terraduro does have an affirming, solid feel in the pedal.
The finish material looks like a stout leather, but is actually a tough micro fiber that sheds mud and cleans well. An internal anti-microbial treatment means that they wont stink up your car or gear room, and the uppers are well perforated for breathability.
Two velcro straps provide adjustable fit, and a top ratchet system strap allows for on-the-fly fine tuning, for which I have developed a special skill for messing with without getting out of the saddle or wiping out.
The heel wraps high, possibly too high for some tastes, and reassuring for others, and the toe and heel are beefed up with a rough and burly durable material that fends off wear.
One notable characteristic: for my second pair, I downsized one full size. I feel like the material stretched, but they may just run a tad big. Also, the shoe did tear on the side of my outer toe, after a nasty collision, but upon inspection it was actually cut by a sharp edge. I still wore the shoe for another 200 miles and the tear never grew.
Giro says they set out to create an aggressive mountain biking shoe, one with the weight and efficiency of a XC race shoe and walking ability of your favorite hiker. My favorite hikers are way more comfy than this, but at $180, the Terraduro is my new favorite rider.
