Product Review

The Giro Privateer R Men's Shoe fulfills the duty of hardworking trail blazer within Giro's line, offering the rugged durability, micro-adjustable fit, and grippy traction desired by singletrack connoisseurs. Functional updates improve the shoe's traction when you're forced to dismount and hike over unruly stretches of trail. Most notably, the previous sole featured harder lugs that felt slippery across slick rocks, roots, and steep inclines. Completely overhauled, the redesigned sole uses high-traction rubber lugs that are much softer, so you'll have no trouble gripping onto a variety of terrain features in the forest, desert, and mountains. The remainder of the shoe stay's true to the original Privateer, and that's a good thing if you're seeking a well-rounded performer that eagerly accompanies you on singletrack adventures and weekend races. Plenty stiff without being unrelenting like a race-specific shoe, the co-molded nylon sole efficiently harnesses your power into forward locomotion. And for racers dismounting on mucky courses, the sole accepts toe spikes that prevent slipping on mud and wet ground. Along the shoe's upper, supple microfiber wraps your feet in cloud-nine comfort, with perforations throughout for ventilation. Two hook-and-loop straps secure tightly, with the mid-foot strap offset to relieve pressure points. The upper strap sports a micro-adjustable buckle that prevents heel lift for greater pedaling efficiency. As a fresh-wearing bonus, the shoe's interior benefits from Aegis antimicrobial, which keeps funky odors from taking residence.