Giro Terraduro Mid Shoes - Review

Jan 4, 2017
by Mike Kazimer  
Giro Terraduro Mid Review

The Terraduro Mid is the burlier version of Giro's popular Terraduro shoe, aimed at riders whose adventures regularly take them into rougher, sloppier terrain, areas where ultra-light XC slippers simply won't cut it.

While the regular Terraduro uses two velcro straps and a ratcheting closure, the Mid relies on good old-fashioned laces, which are fully covered by a water resistant flap. The shoes aren't waterproof per se, but Giro did take steps to help keep moisture out as long as possible. In addition to the lace cover, the cleat opening on the inside of the shoe is sealed off to help prevent water from sneaking in when you ride or trudge through puddles.

Giro Terraduro Mid Details

• Highly water-resistant with lace shroud, water gasket, and sealed cleat opening
• Asymmetric ankle coverage
• Vibram sole, watersealed cleat opening
• Colors: vermillion, blue, black
• Weight: 527 grams (per shoe, size 45)
• MSRP: $190 USD
• www.giro.com / @GiroSportDesign

The Terraduro Mid's cuff is asymmetrical, with a taller, padded section on the inside that extends above the ankle bone to help protect it from bashing into frame parts or crankarms. The outer cuff is constructed from a light and stretchy Ariaprene fabric, and is meant to act as a debris shield, preventing rocks and loam from sneaking into the shoes. A Vibram sole provides traction for those off-the-bike excursions, and the cleat track has enough room even for riders who prefer a more rearward cleat position.

In addition to the bright vermillion color option shown, the Terraduro Mid is available in blue or a more subdued grey/black. MSRP: $190 USD.


Giro Terraduro Mid Review
The inner cuff extends above the ankle for extra protection.
Giro Terraduro Mid Review
A water resistant cover hides the Terraduro Mid's laces.


Giro Terraduro Mid Review
Vibram's grippy rubber is used for the sole.
Giro Terraduro Mid Review
With the hatches battened down the Terraduro Mid can withstand some seriously sloppy conditions.


Performance

I've had the Terraduro Mids in regular rotation for nearly five months, which means they've seen everything from sunshine to snow storms. Where they really stand out is in cooler, wetter conditions, which is a good description of the typical fall and early winter weather here in the Pacific Northwest. Despite the lack of a fully waterproof liner, they do an excellent job of keeping moisture at bay, and unless you step in a puddle that's deeper than the ankle cuff it's extremely hard for water to make its way in. They dry quickly, too, which reduces the likelihood of contracting trench foot if you're planning on riding for multiple days in the middle of a monsoon. Things can get a little toasty on warm summer days, though, and if I was a desert dweller I'd be inclined to go with a better-ventilated option.

The fit was comfortable for my average width feet, with a very similar feel to the regular Terraduro. If anything, they were a little roomier, but that feeling may have been because of the fact that they use laces rather than velcro and ratchet straps to adjust the fit. On the plus side, that extra room does make it easier to fit a thicker wool sock for chillier rides. The Terraduro Mid's sole has a 'just right' level of stiffness, with plenty of support for mashing hard on the pedals while still remaining very walkable for hike-a-bike sections.

I only have a couple quibbles with the Terraduro Mid's design, and they're both related to the lacing system. I'd love to see some sort of speed lace system, and possibly the addition of another strap that could be used to snug the shoes down without undoing the lace cover. As it is, the cover wants to flop back over the laces, which makes tying them up a little more awkward then it needs to be. I know, it's a little thing, but if you've ever stopped to tighten up your shoes in the middle of the pouring rain you know that the less time it takes to make adjustments the better.

As far as durability goes, the shoes have held up extremely well, and there aren't any signs of that changing any time soon. It's no secret that Giro had trouble with the soles on early versions of the original Terraduro, but by all appearances those issues are behind them, and the soles on these shoes are still holding strong.



Pinkbike's Take
bigquotesIf you're looking for a tough, comfortable shoe that's not afraid of wet weather, Giro's Terraduro Mid fits the bill. - Mike Kazimer


Visit the high-res gallery for more images.


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Reviews Shoes Giro


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86 Comments
  • 87 2
 Still too few options in mid-high shoes and covered laces for flat pedals.
  • 7 0
 +1
  • 6 0
 +2
  • 7 1
 x6
  • 2 1
 do sombrio still make one?
  • 10 1
 =18 or 24. Depends if the first comment was worth 1.
  • 2 0
 @riish: Just double-checked their website to make sure, & Sombrio doesn't make shoes anymore. Probably another victim of their brush with closure.
  • 5 0
 or a mid-high flat shoe with BOA
  • 2 0
 I use Giro Jacket Mids. Never had issues with the laces. Has a velcro strap that you tuck them under. I wish they'd bring back the mid Jackets. Only low tops right now. Which I also use. But my left ankle is jacked up so a mid is better for me.
  • 2 1
 Hey have you heard of Only Whats Necessary shoes? If not, check them out! they don't have covered laces but they have other features which more than make up for that!
  • 1 0
 Was just thinking to my self there needs to be flat shoes with laces covers again, such a simple way of waterproofing riding shoes.
  • 1 0
 @bvd453: i doubt anyone will make a mid-high flat shoe with a BOA simply because manufacturers dont necessarily think the market needs a shoe that isnt designed for pedalling all day to have better closure than laces. I think it would be good as a light weight option but mid-high shoes are generally more for DH for flats, just my two cents
  • 1 0
 @lozzerbiker: weight is one benefit, but being able to loosen and tighten them with one hand while you're seated on the bike is another. I also like (on my BOA clipless shoes) that stickers and thorns don't stick the way they do to laces when you're bushwackin'
  • 1 0
 @bvd453: Yeh i guess I hadn't thought about it in that regard, i do that on my ratcheted clipless shoes as well
  • 1 0
 @riish: Seems like Sombrio have stopped making shoes altogether. Frown
  • 16 3
 Giro's customer service was impeccable when I had issues with my soles on an early pair of Terraduros. Turnaround was immediate and I received a brand new pair without having to send my old shoes back.
Yes, there were issues. However, they owned it and dealt with. I'd buy again from them. Even if more expensive I'm willing to buy from a company w/ great service. Patagonia is another example.
  • 3 8
flag woodwerker (Jan 5, 2017 at 8:50) (Below Threshold)
 all they have is issues
  • 5 3
 @woodwerker: I currently have 4 pairs of giro shoes. None of them have had a single issue....

And yes... giro customer service is top notch when needed.
  • 1 0
 @woodwerker: all you have is issues
  • 1 1
 @afish3r: giro were great when i spoke to them, but their UK distributor Zyro werent particularly helpful, i had an early set that delaminated and somehow the warranty set managed to have the same issue but they fought my second warranty claim so hard and refused to do it again should it happen a third time. touchwood my third set havent had any issues yet though and have lasted longer than both other set so far.
  • 1 1
 @woodwerker: None here either!
  • 11 3
 If we can hate on bikes, we can certainly hate on shoes. But it does seem functional, so
  • 14 5
 Do the soles fall off of these ones to?
  • 9 4
 right! I've seen soles fall off Privateers, Alpineduros, and Terraduros.

Fool me once... www.instagram.com/p/BLMILc6hV-f
  • 8 3
 @velocitajano: where's the clits on the shoe?and why does the bike have flat pedals?just asking..
  • 24 1
 @panchoy: How'd you know they were female???? :o
  • 5 2
 Took the cleats off because I could no longer ride the bike safely. Swapped to $5 flats from a random store in Copper Mountain until I could get replacement shoes in Leadville. POS Giros.

They make some good looking garbage, but garbage nonetheless.
  • 8 1
 >Do the soles fall off of these ones to?
I've been riding the normal Terraduro for a year. No sign of any falling apart - they are solid. (And I am using them with Crank Brothers pedals - I guess I'm *really* asking for trouble!)
  • 14 1
 @panchoy: If there's clits on the shoes, Ima stick my dick in the mash potatoes
  • 5 1
 That inner area of the heel where that "durable material" is stitched strikes chainstays and is a failure.
Been thru 3 reg terraduros. Luckily giro is great on warranty! (But how about a redesign there?)
  • 1 0
 @handynzl: I always have a hard time finding them too.
  • 1 0
 @velocitajano: I had a pair of Giro Empire vr90's sole peel away on the colorado trail as well...
  • 1 0
 @handynzl: i just had a feeling they were..haha

@MmmBones: where them mash taters at?i has gravy..haha

@velocitajano: looks like i'll be going for the Shimano SH-M089O in then..tnx..haha
  • 1 0
 See page 76, dec '16 issue of bike. Lol, shoes held together by inner tubes.
  • 4 1
 Do people who keep asking about the sole actually read the review? It clearly states that the issue with the soles was rectified.

''It's no secret that Giro had trouble with the soles on early versions of the original Terraduro, but by all appearances those issues are behind them, and the soles on these shoes are still holding strong.''

Looks like a solid shoe, but i will probs stay with Shimano as I have only good experience with them and the lower price is a bonus.
  • 4 0
 I'm starting not to like Giro products anymore, my helmet liners fall out easily after a few rides.
  • 7 3
 Love the terraduro, insanely comfy and mine have held up like a champ! Over a yr old and still look great...
  • 1 2
 But do you actually ride in them?

I wanted to buy them badly but but was too afraid because of the sole issues. Went with Northwave Enduro mid instead. Good shoes, but quite heavy.
  • 3 0
 @pakleni: The sole issue was short-lived, as I understand it - a bad first batch, quickly rectified. I have 2 pairs of Terraduros and the soles are both solid.
  • 2 0
 @pakleni: 3 to 4 times a week in sandy wet humid conditions. Most of my local trails cross over creeks.. So yeah, I have used the hell out of them.
  • 1 0
 @pakleni: GIRO figured it out. Their factory forgot to apply the primer first so the glue wouldn't stick.. I went through three pair before I got the current pair. They've been great. Could be a bit stiffer for my tastes because I can feel the shoe flex and feel the pedal. But they are generally comfortable and I like my cleat far back.
  • 6 3
 Tear-a-duros shred apart the moment you use them for any sort of walking. Worst POS shoe I've had even after numerous replacements
  • 2 0
 But what pedals are you using these with? I feel like that's a relevant piece of information. For instance I bought a pair of Giro Privateer shoes and they won't work with my Issi Trail III pedals.
  • 4 0
 I used these with Shimano XT and HT T1 pedals without any issues.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: Hey Mike, I just got some terraduro mid, on SLX trails pedals. I have no angular freedom, and very hard to clip (and I love my knees !). Did you notice that on the XTs, or were they OK ? Maybe the XTs have a slightly thinner cage ?
  • 1 0
 Love these shoe!!!. I've had mine for months now and they are head and shoulders above my old 5.10 VXi impacts. The 5.10s weighed less and looked great, but they hurt my feet from being so soft, soaked up water better than a sponge, were hard to get in and out of the pedal, and the cleat area broke to the point I couldn't attach cleats! All that and I only rode them for about 3 months! Also 5.10 never got back to me about warranting my pair so I'll be sticking with Giro from now on. Very impressed with their product and look forward to getting a pair of chambers for DH purposes as well!
  • 11 7
 Tear-a-duro... much like the Sole ripping off the shoe.
  • 3 2
 Sole split next to the cleat less than 6 months in on mine.
  • 1 0
 First pair was the glue issue, easy warranty. Second pair lasted longer but same sole issue also warranted. Third pair and same result with the sole delaminating, time to find a different shoe. I just couldn't recommend these, unless you don't walk in them much.
  • 4 0
 Vermillion? C'mon, it's orange.
  • 2 0
 I started riding flat pedals because the clipless shoes on the market werent durable enough for hiking in steep rocky terrain (enduroing). Hopefully these work???
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer are you able to compare these to Shimano's newest offerings? Very interested in switching from flats to clipless and the long fore and aft cleat adjustment of the Shimano ME5, ME7 and AM9 has caught my eye.
  • 2 0
 The AM9 is lighter and just as comfortable, but the sole isn't as stiff, which can lead to sore feet on long rides. The ME7 isn't as weatherproof as the Terraduro Mid - there's mesh over the front of the foot that's great for ventilation, but will also let water in. I really like the extended cleat adjustment on Shimano's shoes - it's more generous than what Giro provides.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: Right on, thanks very much!
  • 4 2
 The original Terraduro look a lot better. Mine perform fine with CB Mallet E's too. Use my 510's for flats though.
  • 6 2
 Shimano knock off!
  • 2 0
 Exactly, my Shimano pair are just find, plus half to cost.
  • 2 1
 My Shimano DX (black) are the greatest shoe period and these look similar. Year round riding in western NC and racing DH. I have one pair of shoes for clipless and have had them for almost 6 years. Not a tear on them and the laces under the flap are still white.

Flawless. Note to Shimano. I don't like the blue on the new ones.
  • 3 0
 200 dollars, I'll stick with Shimano thanks?
  • 1 0
 I'm not going to say it again rough as a badgers arse .I'ts an English saying I think ! Orange flippers .got me old am5's for crimbo much more run dmc
  • 5 3
 My 17 dollar walmart skate shoes do just fine. $190 seems outrageous.
  • 3 2
 Have you ever had a proper bike shoe with a stiff sole? It actually makes a huge difference to comfort and control, especially on long rides as your foot is supported by the shoe rather than wrapping around the pedal.
  • 1 0
 first thing in a pinkbike article is to write stupid things ,second is maybe read the article!!!!
  • 6 4
 T G as. Yuck. Vans for ever!
  • 2 3
 Fuck yeah!
  • 1 0
 What model?
Seems like there's no more Churchill in the lineup.
  • 6 4
 U G L Y
youtu.be/shDtJ99lT-U?t=20
  • 2 0
 function over form. I don't care for the lace cover look myself. But if you're ridding in muck it's essential.
  • 1 0
 thats so you can swap it out for an S1 stealh to ride flats. options are great !
  • 2 1
 these look like f*cking flippers
  • 1 0
 For a second i thought they are Shimano M200 in some orange edition.
  • 1 2
 527 grams per shoe! That better be the finest shoe ever to grace my feet if I'm going to add almost a pound compared to the Giro Pivateers @350 grams per shoe.
  • 1 0
 not even in the same category.. if you want light and stiff than the codes are the best.. but don't hike a bike in them. these are all mountain shoes not xc.. damn weight weenies
  • 1 0
 @NeilsElbek: I guess if you like hike a bike with an extra pound on your feet... Personally, I wouldn't want 527 grams shoes for any type of riding or hiking. These are significantly heavier than the 5-10 Freerider Contacts I wear for DH. I like a nice stiff sole for all-mountain/enduro/DH, otherwise my feet hotspot and hurt on long descents, but I'm not sure how these shoes would be any better than the Privateers, they just seem heavier and more expensive.

Looks to me like they are geared more towards "bad weather riding" than "all mountain riding".
  • 1 0
 2008 Shimano DX, still going!
  • 1 1
 Still ugly you wold you wear them not me but I'm only a normal person !not an athlete.
  • 6 5
 It's a shimano am9
  • 5 2
 @Kalemsm1 Thats exactly what I was thinking.
  • 5 1
 Changed the colour to red and added a removable Vibram sole!
  • 2 0
 The design goes all the way back to am40/41. So unoriginal
  • 5 4
 5-10 to life
  • 3 2
 I heard Terraduros rip.
  • 1 4
 Look not bad shame there's no boa option
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