Giro Imperial II AS Road Shoes
Race-Level Efficiency. Precise Fit. Built for Cooler Conditions.
The Giro Imperial II All Season Road Shoes are designed for performance-focused cyclists who continue riding when temperatures begin to drop. They combine a stiff forged-carbon outsole with a supportive woven upper and dual BOA® adjustment, creating a lightweight shoe with the secure fit and efficient power transfer expected from premium race footwear.
The all-season upper provides more protection than a highly ventilated summer shoe while retaining controlled breathability. This makes the Imperial II AS particularly well suited to training, racing and fast road riding through New Zealand’s cooler months.
All-Season Comfort and Protection
The one-piece woven TPU monofilament mesh upper provides seamless support without relying on bulky panels or unnecessary stitching.
Its controlled breathability helps manage temperature during harder efforts while providing more protection from cool air than Giro’s summer-focused performance shoes.
Precise Dual-Zone Adjustment
Two BOA® Li2 dials allow separate areas of the shoe to be adjusted independently. Each dial provides bi-directional micro-adjustment, making it easy to increase or reduce tension in small increments.
This helps create a secure fit without overtightening the complete shoe and allows adjustments to be made while riding as temperatures or foot volume change.
Efficient Power Transfer
A forged-carbon outsole provides the stiffness needed for direct and consistent power transfer. The rigid platform helps reduce unwanted flex during accelerations, climbing and sustained high-power efforts.
Despite its stiffness, the outsole keeps the overall weight low enough for racing and performance-focused riding.
Support That Suits Your Feet
Giro’s Supernatural Fit System includes interchangeable arch-support options in low, medium and high profiles.
Selecting the correct support helps stabilise the foot inside the shoe and can improve comfort during longer rides. It also gives riders more scope to fine-tune the fit without immediately needing an aftermarket footbed.
Lightweight Race Construction
At approximately 265g per shoe in size 43, the Imperial II AS remains impressively light for footwear designed to offer additional protection in cooler conditions.
Its clean construction and minimal bulk preserve the close, responsive feel expected from a premium road racing shoe.
Key Features
• Designed for high-performance riding in cooler conditions
• One-piece woven TPU monofilament mesh upper
• Seamless construction provides support and comfort
• Controlled breathability for all-season riding
• Dual BOA® Li2 closure system
• Independent bi-directional micro-adjustment
• Forged-carbon outsole provides high stiffness
• Supernatural Fit System with adjustable arch support
• Low, medium and high arch-support inserts included
• Lightweight, race-focused construction
• Available in sizes 41–46
• Approximate weight of 265g per shoe in size 43
Why Riders Love the Giro Imperial II AS
• Race-level stiffness and immediate power transfer
• Greater protection for riding in cooler conditions
• Precise adjustment across separate areas of the foot
• Supportive upper without bulky seams
• Adjustable arch support supplied with the shoes
• Lightweight construction for racing and climbing
• Clean, understated performance styling
Who Are These Shoes For?
The Giro Imperial II AS is designed for performance-focused road cyclists who train and race through cooler weather but do not want the bulk of a fully insulated winter shoe.
It is particularly well suited to riders who value a stiff sole, close performance fit and precise adjustment. Riders who primarily cycle through hot summer conditions may prefer a more highly ventilated shoe.
Perfect For
✔ Road racing
✔ High-intensity training
✔ Fast group rides
✔ Climbing and high-power efforts
✔ Autumn and spring riding
✔ Cool-weather road cycling
✔ Riders wanting precise dual-zone adjustment
✔ Cyclists who need configurable arch support
Our Thoughts on the Giro Imperial II AS
The Imperial II AS is the shoe we’d recommend to serious road riders who want race-shoe performance but find a highly ventilated summer upper too cold for much of the year. It offers more protection from cool air without feeling as heavy or restrictive as a dedicated winter cycling shoe.
The forged-carbon sole feels properly firm under power, and the two BOA® dials make it easy to secure the foot without simply tightening everything at once. We also like Giro’s supplied arch-support inserts, as they provide a useful starting point for getting the fit right before considering a more specialised footbed.
This is still a close-fitting performance shoe, so sizing and arch support matter. It also isn’t intended to replace waterproof overshoes in persistent rain. For riders who train consistently through cooler conditions and want one premium shoe that retains a light, responsive feel, the Imperial II AS makes a lot of sense.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction
✔ Expert cycling shoe sizing and fitting advice
✔ Help with cleat and pedal compatibility
✔ Cleat-positioning and setup support
✔ Finance options available
✔ Nationwide New Zealand delivery
✔ Ongoing support from our Christchurch team
Specifications
• Upper: One-piece woven TPU monofilament mesh
• Closure: Dual BOA® Li2 dials
• Adjustment: Independent bi-directional micro-adjustment
• Outsole: Forged carbon
• Footbed system: Giro Supernatural Fit System
• Arch support: Interchangeable low, medium and high options
• Sizes: 41–46
• Approximate weight: 265g per shoe, size 43
• Intended use: Performance road cycling in cooler and variable conditions