Giro Berm Cover MTB Cycling Shoes

Tell us what the product is for

Says Giro: "The Berm is designed from the ground up for riders who want the benefits of a rugged mountain bike shoe with the comfort and versatility to go anywhere the trail takes them. It combines cycling-specific features like clipless pedal compatibility and supportive fit, with an aggressively lugged rubber outsole for relentless grip when you need it. With an upper made from supple synthetic fiber and breathable mesh, and a stout injected nylon inner shank to help transfer your power to the pedals, the Berm is ready to rally on any trail."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Giro lists:

UPPER

* High-quality, durable synthetic fiber and mesh

* Rockprint reinforced heel and toe for abrasion resistance and durability

* Two-strap closure

OUTSOLE

* Rubber outsole

* Aggressive tread pattern

FOOTBED

* Die-cut EVA footbed

These are already looking like shoes that have had some use, but in a good way. Don't expect them ever to come up like new again! Otherwise, they seem solidly stuck together.

Good comfort, plenty of stiffness in the sole, good grip, easy cleat engagement and a deep cleat recess make these easy to ride and walk in. I was very happy with the way they performed, from potters along the railway paths to all-out mountain bike rides. I'll be back to my Goretex-lined boots in the winter though.

I doubt they'll fare well in a UK winter, but otherwise these seem more than adequately put together for UK riding conditions.

Shoe fit is a very personal thing. For my long, wide feet the fit was excellent.

I tested a size 46 (UK11). While some 46 shoes are too small for me, if anything these were a smidge on the large side.

For a rugged-soled mountain bike shoe they're quite light and more than suitable for the commute.

All-day use was no problem. It's the mark of a good shoe that at the end of the day you can take it off and not go: "Ooh, that's a relief!"

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

A stiff brush and a damp cloth gets the worst off, but it isn't easy to get the mesh looking clean again.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

I've used these for all my non-road bike rides this spring and liked them very much. As Giro says, there's a good rugged sole. The fastenings are secure, and there's good padding. When walking, the cleats are recessed deeply enough that they don't scrape or skitter over surfaces. Simply good boots on rough ground.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

That they're quick and easy to get in and out of, and comfortable, and the excellent deep cleat recess.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing really, but people with narrower feet may miss the ability to adjust the shoe at the toe box.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

The Giros are pretty well priced: the Bontrager GR2 Gravel Bike Shoes come in at £129.99, while the Rapha Explore Powerweaves (£260) are in another price league.

The women's versions of the Berm Covers are actually £10 less. They compare well with the Shimano MT3W Women's SPD Shoes at £79.99.

Use this box to explain your overall score

Giro seems very clear on what it wanted these shoes to do and they do it very well. The Berm Cover MTBs are right up there if you're looking for versatile, comfortable shoes, though narrow-footed riders may find the toe box too spacious.