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TUNED FOR PERFORMANCE

One of the key performance factors of any cycling shoe is its level of stiffness. Higher stiffness means greater pedaling efficiency, but depending on a shoe’s intended use, the stiffest sole isn’t always the right one.

A shoe’s stiffness begins with the plate. Every shoe we make is designed with a plate stiffness that’s optimized for its intended ride experience. We use advanced materials to balance stiffness, weight and, for some models, tuned flex for off-the-bike moments and hike-a-bike sections.

TESTING PLATE STIFFNESS

Every Giant performance shoe model goes through extensive testing to measure and verify sole plate stiffness. During testing, the shoe is securely attached to a rigid fixture at the cleat mounting points using a standard 3-bolt interface for road shoes and a 2-bolt interface for off-road shoes.

A hydraulic press is used to apply force to a point about 100mm behind the cleat mounting point (on a size 43 shoe). The applied force and lever arm determine the bending moment (torque) required to produce 1cm of vertical deflection. This measured value, expressed in Newton meters (Nm/cm), quantifies the plate’s resistance to bending.

Higher values indicate a stiffer sole, reduced flex under load, and more efficient power transfer. The new Surge Pro road shoe has the highest stiffness rating of 220Nm/cm. By comparison, the Charge Pro XC/gravel shoe, designed to have some finely tuned flexibility for off-the-bike scrambling, has a stiffness rating of 180Nm/cm.

Stiffness Levels in Giant Shoes

ModelStiffnessPlate MaterialRide Experience
Surge Pro220Nm/cmWet layup unidirectional carbon fiberMaximum stiffness, power transfer and pedaling efficiency at a minimal weight for uncompromising road performance.
Surge 1160Nm/cmNylon injected short carbon fiberOptimized to deliver exceptional stiffness, power transfer and pedaling efficiency at a reduced overall weight.
Surge 2/3120Nm/cmNylon injected glass fiberTuned to deliver the optimal balance of stiffness and power transfer with enough flex for off-bike moments.
Charge Pro180Nm/cmWet layup unidirectional carbon fiberRace-ready stiffness, power transfer and pedaling efficiency at a minimal weight. Tuned plate flexibility for hike-a-bike sections and scrambles in XC/gravel racing.
Charge 1110Nm/cmNylon injected short carbon fiberDialed for efficient power transfer and low weight with tuned plate flexibility for off-bike sections of trail.
Charge 2/390Nm/cmNylon injected glass fiberStiff enough for effective power transfer under hard efforts and flexible enough for hike-a-bike moments.
Shuttle Clip90Nm/cmNylon injected glass fiberDesigned to deliver pedaling efficiency and feel with the right amount of flex for navigating technical trails and off-bike moments.

Shop the Shoes

Shuttle Clip Boa Shoe
Shuttle Clip Boa Shoe
Shuttle Clip Lace Shoe
Shuttle Clip Lace Shoe
Surge Shoes
Surge Shoes
Charge Shoes
Charge Shoes