Giro Republic
If you can walk a mile or 20+ in these Giro Republics, you’d be as happy in these kicks as we are. These things have given it all and asked for more. For almost 4 months, these Republics have been walked in, rained on, ridden and raced.
It’s a shame really. When they arrived at the shop, my eyes first gaze upon these puppies i said “These would be my nice shoes, but now I must destroy them.’ From that day forward, they’ve been worn an average of 12 hrs a day. From working at Spindle Headquarters during the day until my shift at the bar finishes in the wee hours of the evening. Giro’s Republics have a sleek, race-like but classy look to them which makes them great for every situation. The durability of the shoe ensures that it will stay looking snazzy no matter what you do to them.
The Republic’s have some thoughtful features. The upper is made with a synthetic, perforated microfiber that is durable, fairly breathable and suuuuper easy to clean. Just take a light, 15mile or so jaunt in the rain and the shoes with look right as…errr.. rain! Put them out on the front porch separate from the insole over night, let it catch some of those morning rays and you’ll be good to go. The micro suede back was the only part that was still damp from the rain ride the night before. It doesn’t take 15 miles of riding in the rain to clean them, but it’s the funnest by far. With over 45+ mile of riding in the rain and drying them out in this fashion, they still don’t stink. Due to the Aegis Microbe Shield in the footbed, I can still wear these shoes around without offending people.
The sole of the shoes is amazingly stiff. Giro worked closely with DuPont to find Zytel, the perfect material for these sukkas. The rigid soles features one of my favorite features to reach the commuter/ touring shoe market: Removable padded soles! With over 20 miles of walking the streets in these shoes, I work in them all day. That is also a testament to the comfort of the Republics. With the 2-screw plate, it will accommodate SPD’s, Eggbeaters and A-TAC’s. I have begun to wear away at the soles of these shoes due to my aggressive amount of walks home from getting a flat downtown to walking friends home from parties and bars. Ahhhhh, but the surfaces, friends, can make a difference. On 90% of normal surfaces these shoes shine, but add a little water and marble or a highly polished concrete and be warned to slow your roll, otherwise you may end up with a yardsale in front of your friends or colleagues. Especially, if you’ve warn away of the gum part of the sole.
Overall, these shoes are astonishingly stiff for when you want to mash it through the finish line of an alleycat , classy enough to hit some fine dining and durability all in a low maintenance, cost effective package. Even after all this time of rigorous testing, I still have people ask if I was with days of purchasing these shoes. The lace-up, old skool style of these are sleek with elastic lace loops included make them suitable for any situation and gender. The ladies version is called the Civila. Although we have had a few Spindleras purchase the men’s version.
Spindle Approved.
Alright, you got your review. Now let me replace these soles and return them to my “nice” shoe status.