Giro
I live in suburban North Carolina (U.S.), and I go everywhere by bike. I sold my car 1 year ago, and we have no viable public transportation in my region; so, I have to be able to ride in rainy, cold, or rainy and cold weather. These Giro Blaze boots allow me to do that much more easily than when I depended on Gore overshoes with my regular bike shoes. The Blaze boots are warm, preventing me from having to wear my heated socks so far, with my coldest commute to work in them being at 28 degrees F (-2 Celsius). I have also had a few rainy commutes, which are approximately 20 minutes in length; I have not yet ridden longer to see if the rain is held off over a longer period - I predict they will perform well on longer rides, though.
As others have said, the cuff is a bit too tight for my lower calf/ankle area. I am able to zip the boots up all the way with thin socks, but not with thicker socks I need for very cold commutes. But, the zipper holds, when the tab is folded down, at any position; my riding pants cover the gap at the top of the zipper, so I have not had a problem with this design flaw. This is the only negative characteristic of these boots, and not significant enough for me to reduce my rating from 5 stars.
What I like most about the Blaze boots, compared to using overshoes with my other bike shoes, is that I can wear them on days when there is a possibility of rain, and not have to stop to put on overshoes; these boots are ready for rain at any time. This is especially useful when I am riding for volunteer work (Meals on Wheels), when it would be cumbersome to put overshoes on, take them off, and trudge along muddy driveways where I deliver. The Blaze boots prevent me from having to be concerned about this, and I can just focus on the job I am doing.
The soles are stiff enough to provide excellent pedaling performance, and they are also somewhat flexible in the toe, to make walking short distances very comfortable. The stripe which runs up the back of the boots, as well as the Giro logo on the side of each boot, are all very reflective, which is a fantastic feature for visibility in traffic; I have other reflective elements on my jacket and pants, but to have more is nothing but a positive quality. Overall, I am absolutely happy with these boots. If I did not already have another very good pair of winter boots (not waterproof - need overshoes), I would buy a second pair of these Blaze boots, to ensure I can ride in cold or wet weather, if these were to be damaged. When these are back in stock in my size...I might just buy another pair anyway.
i was involved in a 20mph accident where i hit the front windshield of a car head first, my injuries where a concision, broken scapula, deeply bruised left side of my body. this helmet is proven to perform. it was a no brainer to replace it for a new one!!! enjoy your ride and be safe wear a helmet!!!!
These shoes are great cold weather and mildly wet. I wear a light sock as they are quite warm. The fit is a bit narrow as I have a wide feet. However I haven't had any discomfort. The pull cord closure has worked fine without much loosening. The zipper closure is quite snug without impending circulation.
I purchased these to replace a pair of Answer Pittards leather winter shoes that I nearly wore off my feet. These have become a great replacement.
Great winter shoe.
