Way back in late 2015, Giant came to market with a shoe that was unlike anything else. It had two features that made it unique, ExoWrap and ExoBeam. Seven years later the latest version carries over the same two features but they are almost completely unrecognisable. There’s actually a lot more of the DNA from that early model in there as well. The question is, is the evolution of those unique details enough to help the latest version of the Giant Surge Pro compete among the best?
With that question in mind, we have taken a few spins in the old shoes. Giant likes to drop Simon Yates and Team BikeExchange-Jayco for their use of the new shoes but that’s what every company does. It’s not a bad thing that pro riders use the shoes but what about the rest of us?
To find out, we are headed for the hills, the flats, and the virtual landscapes to get a sense of what updates Giant’s best cycling shoes bring to the table. Now we are ready to discuss their strengths and their need. If you are looking for a new pair of summer road shoes keep reading to see what we think of the Giant Surge Pro.
Design and aesthetics
If there’s anything about the Giant Surge Pro shoes that make them what they are, it’s the ExoBeam design. Look at any shoe, cycling or otherwise, and there’s a relatively flat bottom that covers the whole area of your foot. When the original Giant Surge Pro launched, the brand looked standard and decided we didn’t need all that material in the midfoot. Instead, it puts a beam of carbon through the center of the sole. The midfoot had almost no width but a thick beam of carbon made the shoes some of the stiffest on the market.
This year the ExoBeam became a dual-beam to address complaints. The narrow support through the midfoot is not ideal for anyone with a wider, flatter, feet and the new structure looks a lot more conventional. The spirit of the beam concept is still there though. The carbon plate does narrow in the midfoot and there is a distinct double channel of support from a pair of twin beams. Charge Pro but the road version takes a lot of a different look.
The aesthetic of the bottom of the Surge Pro has always revolved around the ExoBeam. Over the years it’s softened on that front but it continues to be the vehicle that drives the design. In this version the very top of the channel, after it wraps around the cleat platform, is where you’ll find a large ventilation hole. At the rear, the angle of the channel as it heads off the shoe to the right, creates a space for a replaceable, triangular heel pad. There’s also a toe pad but it’s not replaceable.
On the outside of the heel cup, you’ll find the same material as the toe and heel pads protecting the outer finish of the shoe. It wraps almost to the ark and climbs as it reaches the back of the heel. From there it takes a short dive to the carbon sole as it wraps to the outside of the shoe. It is in the right place to protect against a chainstay rub or stepping a little too close when descending a set of stairs.
On the inside of the heel cup is a Giant material referring to a “SharkSkin material.” This is not a new feature compared to the previous version of the shoe but it still highlights the design details. Like shark skin, it’s smooth in one direction but grabs in the other, allowing the foot to slide in and then feel locked into place.
Keep moving into the interior of the shoe and you’ll find a customisable insole. There are two options with one being completely flat and the other deeply shaped. The shaped option also includes two sets of arch supports with the same shape but with different levels of stiffness. TransTextura is known as Giant uses in its hot weather clothing.
The Li2 BOA dials are the job of the Li2 BOA dials. The BOA dial is not only lower in profile but also offers more precise adjustment. Each click is a 1mm change in tension and towards the toe on each shoe tightens the two BOA dials on each side while away from the toe loosens. Unlike the metallic BOA S3 dial found on the Specialized S-Works Torch, these pop to release. These are all standard features of BOA dials but instead Dyneema rope that is lighter and threads easily.
That second feature is important for the ExoWrap feature that represents the other pillar of Giant Surge Pro shoes. While the upper BOA dial tightens a flap of the exterior material across the upper foot, the lower dial tightens across the foot in the opposite direction. The Dyneema threads through the outer part of the shoe but actually tightens a hidden strap on the inside of the shoe. That hidden strap attaches to the sole below the insole to create a wrapped feeling when tightened. Below both dials, there’s also a velcro strap.
The exterior, which the BOA dials are pulling against to tighten, is entirely made of polyurethane. That’s plastic if you don’t recognize the name and it’s available in a gorgeous Cromaflair that should be on your shortlist. The only better-looking shoe is the women’s version which gets a purple that’s close but, to my eye, even a bit better. If you prefer a bit less flash there’s also a Gunmetal or White to choose from.
If you choose the Cromaflair, it dominates the look of the shoe but there’s also a pattern of venting. Polyurethane doesn’t vent so to combat what would otherwise be a sweltering shoe there is a laser cut perforations covering much of the exterior. Where do you find vent holes there is instead a dimpled pattern. The inside uses a coating, which feels like synthetic suede. Under the tongue, there’s extra padding but it’s still not what you would call extensive.
Performance
In my experience, the hallmark of the ExoBeam design was always how incredibly stiff it made the shoes. The idea is to allow your foot to move sideways easier, and I can’t tell any difference on that front. What I can feel like is the shoe is front to back. The move from a single beam to two hasn’t changed that character and I have such a useful way inside.
Along with a stiff sole, you’ll want to expect a narrow toe box. Many companies have gone from that design but Giant continues to work best if you prefer a narrow heel. The midsole has, as part of the stated design goal, widened up somewhat. If you have been an issue for the past, you will be happy about the change.
Despite my preference for the stiffness on Zwift, the polyurethane doesn’t work so well inside. The exterior does not allow heat to escape at all. There’s tonnes of ventilation and no interior padding to stop airflow, the vents work. They actually work better than most, but only if they are getting airflow. Inside, the Giant Surge Pro is hot and humidity generated tends to stick around in places like the back of the tongue where it can. On the other hand, use the Giant shoes outside and you’ll notice how well the polyurethane holds up. There isn’t a single mark on the shoes added during the time I’ve spent in them.
When it comes to the closure system, it’s a mixed bag. The velcro strap adds nothing. The strap has where it naturally sits and that’s where it stays. Try to tighten it and the exterior of the shoe will fight you. If you manage to get it a little tighter, it only creates pressure points from the flex of the exterior. You can’t loosen it but the outer surface of the shoe won’t grow so you haven’t changed anything.
Move up to the lower BOA dial and you’ve got a winner. This is the ExoWrap piece and it works beautifully. You can feel it tighten against the side of your foot and there’s no hint of any hotspot.
The upper dial has a design that misses the mark. It would seem like it tightens the strap it’s attached to, and it does, but that only works in practice if your foot is just the right shape. My foot doesn’t make contact with the upper edge of the strap. Tighten it down and it only tightens the edge touching my foot. Ride long enough like that and it’s uncomfortable. What worked for me was the lower BOA dial to tighten the shoe and the upper just tight enough to keep the heel from lifting. The lower strap is obviously for show. It works but there are better designs.
Verdict
The Giant Surge Pro isn’t a terrible shoe but it’s not a great match for my style of riding or foot shape. I’ve come to love the wider toe box that Specialized has moved to the last few years. Going back to a narrow shoe is not my favorite and the same can be said of the closure system. Li2 dials are great and the use of Dyneema is a great engineering solution but the velcro strap is an older design that feels like a modern shoe while the top BOA dial is not optimally fitted.
I really love the design because of how beautiful the chromaflair color option is. These are beautiful shoes and they are going to work well for you.
Tech Specs: Giant Surge Pro
- Price: $ 399 / AU $ 509.95
- Sizes: EU 41-48 (Half Sizes 41.5-45.5)
- Weight: 252g per shoe (actual, size 43.5)
- Colors: Gunmetal; Chromaflair; White