This clipless-compatible shoe from Giro has the look of a skate shoe but the performance of dedicated cycling footwear.
The fairly stiff shank offers a good compromise between feel and efficiency, and the Vibram outsole offers lots of grip despite its minimal tread.
The mid-height cut finishes higher up the leg on the crank side to protect the ankle bone, and offers great support, especially combined with the lace-saving Velcro strap. A tough heel cup holds the foot secure, while the toe box wards off most rock strikes.
Unlike some other downhill biased bike shoes, the Chamber looks like a decent everyday skate shoe with its gum coloured sole and tidy black upper. The lace-up design is very comfortable, though a more water-resistant full-length lace flap – as found on shoes like the Shimano AM45 – would be a nice addition.
We’ve been living in the Chambers since we first tried them on. The decent-length cleat slots made it easy to get the cleats in our preferred rearward position, and support even on non-caged clipless pedals is excellent. An added bonus is the anti-bacterial lining – despite having worn these shoes most days for two months straight, they still don’t stink the office out.