The original Giro Cadet was a strong mid-range road shoe, but it is no longer the current model. For 2026 Giro has replaced it with the Cadet II, keeping the same basic idea: a single-BOA road shoe that sits between entry-level Velcro models and much more expensive race shoes.
The Cadet II is aimed at riders who want a cleaner fit and stiffer pedalling platform without moving into £250-plus footwear. In the UK its recommended price is around £150, although discounts can bring it lower.
Giro Cadet II at a glance
- Single BOA L6 dial closure
- One-piece synthetic upper
- Laser-cut perforations for ventilation
- Nylon and fibreglass injected sole plate
- Road-focused three-bolt cleat compatibility
- Sizes from EU 36 to 50
- Current UK list price around £150
What changed from the original Giro Cadet?
The Cadet II refines rather than reinvents the old shoe. Giro has retained the single-dial closure and minimalist upper, but the new version is part of its redesigned 2026 road-shoe range and uses an updated injected nylon-and-fibreglass plate.
The fit remains performance-oriented without being as aggressive or expensive as Giro’s Imperial line. That makes the Cadet II much more relevant to club riders, sportive riders and anyone upgrading from an entry-level shoe.
BOA closure is the main usability advantage
A single BOA L6 dial lets you make small tension adjustments while riding without stopping to undo straps or laces. It also spreads closure pressure more evenly across the upper than a single traditional buckle.
The trade-off is that one dial gives less independent adjustment than a two-BOA race shoe. Riders with difficult feet or very specific fit requirements may still prefer a more adjustable upper.
How stiff is the Cadet II?
The sole uses injected nylon reinforced with fibreglass rather than a full carbon plate. That keeps the price and weight below premium race shoes while still providing much more pedalling support than a flexible touring or commuting shoe.
For normal road riding, club runs and sportives, that is a sensible compromise. A stiffer sole is not automatically faster if it becomes uncomfortable after several hours.
What pedals does the Giro Cadet II work with?
The Cadet II is a road shoe designed around three-bolt road cleats such as Shimano SPD-SL and Look Keo. It is not the best choice if you want to walk around regularly or use recessed two-bolt SPD cleats.
If you are unsure which system suits you, ProCyclingUK’s SPD vs SPD-SL cleat guide explains the practical differences.
How does the Giro Cadet II fit?
Giro currently recommends going up half a size from your normal size if you sit between sizes. As with every cycling shoe, that is only a starting point: foot width, arch shape and sock thickness matter as much as the number printed inside the shoe.
Try road shoes late in the day if possible because feet can swell slightly. Make sure the toes are not touching the front and that tightening the BOA does not create pressure hotspots across the top of the foot.
Is the Cadet II good for sportives?
Yes. The combination of a supportive sole, adjustable BOA closure and ventilated upper is well suited to long road events. It is performance-focused enough for faster riding without the cost of Giro’s top-end race shoes.
For a first event, shoe comfort matters just as much as shorts. Our first-sportive bib shorts guide covers the other major contact point.
Where to buy the Giro Cadet II
The Cadet II is now the current version to search for rather than the old Cadet. UK retailers list the 2026 model in black, white and Sky Blue, with the normal retail price around £150 before promotions.
Check current Giro Cadet II availability on Amazon UK.
Who should buy it?
The Cadet II makes sense for a road cyclist who wants a proper BOA shoe and a firmer sole without paying premium race-shoe prices. It is less suitable for commuters who walk frequently or gravel riders who need recessed cleats and tread.
The original Cadet’s appeal was that it sat in the useful middle ground between beginner shoes and expensive racing footwear. The Cadet II keeps that position, but with a current 2026 platform and updated construction.
