Harry Kooros
Gravel shoes are increasingly trying to bridge two very different worlds. On one side, riders want race-level stiffness and pedalling efficiency. On the other, they want something comfortable enough to walk in, wear all day and survive rough gravel adventures without feeling like a pure race shoe – all while standing up to the inevitable abuse that comes with off-road riding.
The new Giant Charge 1 aims squarely at that middle ground, and after spending time riding them across mixed terrain, they largely succeed.
Positioned as Giant’s top-tier gravel and XC shoe, the Charge 1 combines dual BOA retention, a carbon composite outsole and a roomy, comfort-focused fit. At $299.99 AUD, they also arrive at a surprisingly competitive price point for the features on offer, undercutting many premium alternatives that now push well beyond the $400 mark.
First impressions
Straight out of the box, the Charge 1 makes a strong first impression. The styling is clean and understated, striking a nice balance between a modern XC race shoe and something more gravel-focused. It avoids the chunky, overbuilt look that some off-road shoes have adopted in recent years.
The one-piece thermo-bonded upper immediately gives the shoe a premium feel. Build quality is excellent throughout, with clean lines, minimal stitching and no unnecessary bulk.
The dual BOA L6 dials provide plenty of adjustment across both the forefoot and upper, making it easy to fine-tune the fit. What stood out most, though, was the shape of the shoe itself. Unlike many race-focused off-road shoes with aggressively tapered toe boxes, the Charge 1 offers noticeably more room up front, allowing your toes to spread naturally without sacrificing a secure fit.
On the bike
Out on the bike, the Charge 1 strikes a really nice balance between performance and comfort. The carbon composite outsole is plenty stiff for hard efforts, sprinting and climbing, but it never feels overly harsh like some pure race shoes. There’s just enough give through the forefoot to smooth out rough gravel roads without compromising pedalling efficiency.
Power transfer feels direct and responsive when you put the power down. Whether climbing out of the saddle or settling into a long stretch of gravel, the sole never feels like it’s wasting energy or flexing where it shouldn’t.
Comfort is where the Charge 1 really shines. The wider fit and more natural foot shape immediately set them apart from many performance-focused gravel shoes, particularly through the toe box. Even on longer gravel rides, there were no noticeable pressure points or hot spots, with the upper providing a secure fit without feeling restrictive. The interchangeable arch support system is also a nice touch, with multiple inserts supplied to help riders fine-tune the support to suit their feet.
Walkability and practicality
One area where gravel shoes can really separate themselves is when you’re no longer clipped in. Some performance-focused shoes are excellent on the bike but become awkward the moment you’re walking on loose gravel, rocks or stopping for a coffee.
The Charge 1 handles this surprisingly well. The Giant G1 rubber outsole provides good grip across dirt and gravel, and the shoe feels far more natural to walk in than many performance-focused gravel shoes. They still feel like cycling shoes rather than trail shoes, but that’s exactly the compromise most gravel riders are looking for.
Durability has also been impressive so far. The upper feels robust enough to handle the usual gravel abuse, while the outsole has shown little sign of wear after regular riding, despite going a little longer than it probably should between cleans.
Verdict
The Giant Charge 1 is a well-rounded gravel and XC shoe that gets the fundamentals right.
Rather than chasing ultra-light race-shoe numbers, Giant has focused on the things that matter for real-world riding – comfort, fit and versatility. The result is a shoe that feels just as suited to long gravel adventures as it does faster-paced XC riding.
The roomy fit, dual BOA setup and balanced sole stiffness make the Charge 1 comfortable over long distances while still delivering the power transfer expected from a performance cycling shoe.
At $299.99 AUD, it also undercuts many comparable premium gravel shoes while still feeling like a genuinely high-end product.
It’s not the lightest or most race-focused option available, but for riders wanting one shoe that can handle gravel, XC and long mixed-surface days, the Charge 1 is an impressive all-round package.
Specifications
Closure: Dual BOA L6 dials with EvoWrap full-wrap fit system
Upper: One-piece thermo-bonded PU film and textile mesh upper
Sole: Performance-tuned carbon composite outsole
Cleat compatibility: 2-bolt MTB/SPD
Cleat adjustment: 30 mm fore/aft adjustment
Outsole: Giant G1 rubber gravel/XC tread
Arch support: Tunable system with interchangeable inserts
Tongue: Thermo-bonded EVA with venting
Fit: Wider fit with roomy toe box
Colours: White / Black (tested)
Sizes: EU 41-47
RRP: $299.99
