Paul Seixas's new shoes have been unveiled — here's a look at the Giro Imperial AS

Giro expands its range of high-performance footwear with the arrival of the new Imperial AS, a road shoe designed to deliver WorldTour-level performance even in adverse conditions. This new model is born directly from collaborative work with professional riders and focuses on performance throughout the year.

Giro launches the new Imperial AS: road shoes designed to perform in any condition

The Imperial AS project is not just a simple aesthetic evolution. Giro has worked closely with several riders from its professional team to fine-tune every detail of the product. Notable names include Biniam Girmay and Paul Seixas, as well as other profiles such as climbers, sprinters, and general classification contenders.

The goal has been to create a shoe capable of maintaining competition-level power transfer and fit even in typical early-season scenarios, with cold, rain, or wet roads.

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The Imperial AS shares a base with other top-of-the-line models from the brand, utilizing a forged carbon fiber sole that ensures high stiffness and efficiency in pedaling. This platform is the same as that used by the Imperial II and Empire SLX II, allowing for consistent sensations across models.

This approach allows the cyclist to choose the type of upper based on conditions or preferences without sacrificing race performance.

The main innovation lies in the upper construction. Giro introduces a two-layer thermally sealed structure that combines warp knit mesh for ventilation with a 0.25 mm TPU outer layer for moisture protection, and laser perforations to enhance breathability.

The result is a balance between climate protection and ventilation, key for training and competitions in intermediate seasons.

The closure is managed by a BOA system with dual Li2 dials, which allows for micro-adjustments on the go with great precision. This system, along with the upper structure, aims to provide a secure fit even under intense efforts.

With a declared weight of 234 grams per shoe (size 43), the Imperial AS clearly falls within the racing segment. Additionally, they incorporate features such as toe reinforcements, replaceable heel, and adjustable arch support insole. All aimed at intensive use in both competition and demanding training.

The new Giro Imperial AS will be available in a wide range of sizes (EU 36–48) and with a recommended price of €449.99 in Europe.

Giro reinforces its commitment to joint development with professional cyclists to bring real solutions to the end user. The Imperial AS do not seek to replace their lighter models but rather to expand the range towards more versatile use, especially in conditions where performance is often compromised.