When the weather turns, most riders start making compromises, especially with footwear. Youll see them at the car, cramming chemical warmers in toe boxes, taping ventilation panels, and passing around the embro. Giro is looking to close the gap on race-day footwear and winter training shoes. Their answer is the new Giro Imperial AS, a shoe built to deliver top-tier road performance without backing off when conditions get rough.(All Photos/Giro)At a glance, the Imperial AS sits alongside the brands flagship offerings, sharing the same forged carbon outsole platform as the Imperial II and Empire SLX II. That means the stiffness, power transfer, and overall feel underfoot remain consistent with Giros highest-end race shoes. The difference comes up top, where the AS version is tuned specifically for colder, wetter riding think spring.A Weather-Ready Upper Without the BulkThe biggest change is the upper. Giro uses a thermo-bonded two-layer construction, combining a warp-knit mesh with a thin 0.25mm TPU skin. Its a subtle shift, but an important one that will keep feet warmer for longer.The mesh keeps things breathable, while the TPU layer adds structure and a level of weather resistance greater than that of a traditional race shoe. Its not trying to turn the Imperial AS into a winter boot; its still very much a performance road shoe. However, the new Imperial AS is clearly built to handle early-season training rides, damp roads, and unpredictable shoulder-season conditions.Laser-perforated venting is still part of the equation, helping regulate temperature as efforts ramp up. The result is a shoe that shouldnt feel sealed off or overbuilt, even as it adds a bit more protection from the elements.Dual BOA Fit for On-the-Fly AdjustmentsInstead of laces, the Imperial AS uses a dual-dial BOA Li2 system, allowing riders to quickly and precisely fine-tune fit while wearing gloves or shoe covers. The dual-dial setup allows for independent adjustment across different zones of the foot, which becomes more noticeable on longer rides or when conditions change mid-ride. Whether its tightening things up for a hard effort or backing off slightly as feet swell, the system makes it easy to adapt without stopping.Giro pairs the BOA system with soft lace guides, helping distribute pressure more evenly across the top of the foot and avoid hot spots.Proven Carbon PlatformUnderfoot, nothing changes, and thats a good thing. The Imperial AS uses Giros forged carbon-fiber outsole. In our experience, this sole delivers the kind of stiffness youd expect from a race-focused shoe, translating power directly through the pedal without noticeable flex. But its not so stiff that you feel like youre in a hockey skate or get hot spots like a ski boot.The outsole is finished with stainless steel hardware, a replaceable TPU heel pad, and a reinforced toe section for added durability, small details that tend to matter more the longer you own the shoe.Fit and SupportInside, the Imperial AS uses Giros SuperNatural Fit Kit, which includes adjustable arch support options to fine-tune fit.Combined with the structured upper and dual BOA system, the overall feel is focused and secure without being overly restrictive. Its the kind of fit that disappears once youre riding, something Giro has consistently done well with its performance footwear.Built for the Full SeasonWhat stands out most about the Imperial AS is how little it asks the rider to compromise. At 234 grams per shoe (size 43), it remains firmly in the lightweight performance category. At the same time, the updated upper gives it enough versatility to handle less-than-ideal conditions without feeling like a specialty shoe.Thats really the point here. Rather than building a separate bad weather option, Giro is refining its top-tier platform so riders can stay on the same shoe across a wider range of conditions. I dig it, and cant wait to check them out for myself. Giro Imperial AS Pricing and AvailabilityThe Giro Imperial AS is available now $449.95 USD / 449.99 EUR / 399.99 GBPSizing runs from EU 3648, with half sizes available from 42.5 to 45.5, and uses Giros Performance Fit.Giro.com The post Giro Introduces Imperial AS: Race-Level Road Shoe Built for All Conditions appeared first on Bikerumor.