Verdict from 5 experts and +100 user reviews
8 reasons to buy
- A vast majority of users have given high marks to the Giro Rumble VR for being very comfortable.
- Most consumers rave about the footwear’s casual style and deem it as stylish and appealing.
- The shoe’s recessed cleats, relatively flexible soles, and rubber outsoles prove to be functional and comfortable off the bike.
- Its materials and construction are of excellent quality, according to plenty of purchasers.
- A lot of commenters praise the Rumble VR’s versatile function and style. Some even added that they could wear it to the office and for short errand stops.
- Several wearers love how breathable this pair feels.
- A handful of buyers think the shoe is reasonably priced.
- Some cyclists with large foot dimensions express excitement over the shoe’s big sizes. They have explained that it is hard to find their size in the cycling shoe department, which in turn has made the Rumble VR a good buy.
3 reasons not to buy
- A minority of cycling enthusiasts gripe about this pair’s lack of weather protection.
- Some people have said that due to the cleat mount’s deep and narrow design, clipping in the pedals is initially awkward.
- Few users claim that the upper material is hard to clean after getting it muddy.
Bottom line
One of Giro’s MTB models, the Rumble VR is considered as a reasonably priced versatile shoe. Thanks to its unique design, the shoe is revered for combining essential riding features with a walkable grip and excellent comfort.
Apart from being a mountain cycling shoe, this construct also works excellently for commuting and indoor cycling. Despite some gripes, in the end, users have recommended the footwear for its performance features and walkable comfort likened to a light hiking shoe.
Tip: see the best cycling shoes.
Expert reviews:
- 58/100 by Bike Radar
- 75/100 by MTB Gear Box
- 70/100 by road.cc
- 67/100 by CYCLESTORE
- 60/100 by Ride or Pie
User reviews:
- 4.6/5 by Amazon UK (+500)
- 4.5/5 by Amazon (+200)
- 4.4/5 by Wiggle (+100)
- 4.5/5 by Chain Reaction Cycles US (+100)
Video reviews
Good to know
The Giro Rumble VR features a two-bolt cleat design to clip into pedals for efficient pedaling. It also utilizes a Vibram outsole that conceals a recessed cleat mount for effortless walking whenever needed. Moreover, its casual looks and comfort offer the style and feel of a hiking shoe.
This model also employs an injected inner shank for excellent power transfer to the pedals.
Walkable grip. Equipped with Vibram’s Ecostep rubber outsole technology, the Rumble VR offers an excellent grip. The innovation was introduced in 1994 and is used on light outdoor and casual footwear. It is made from a minimum of 30% recycled rubber compound - a more eco-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice traction.
A balance of flexibility and stiffness. The shoe’s midsole is crafted from EVA - a material known for its durability and rubber-like flexibility. This feature is mostly responsible for the shoe’s walkable structure. However, in cycling shoes, stiffness of the sole also means excellent power transfer. And for this, an injected inner shank is provided.
Recessed cleat mount. The Rumble VR cycling shoe employs a two-bolt cleat design. The shoe initially comes with a cleat cover that hides the cleat mounts. Purchasers should remove this to utilize the shoe’s clipless function. The cleat area is also recessed into the sole, which allows the wearer to walk comfortably despite having cleats attached to the shoe.
This pair is compatible with the following bike pedals: Look Keo 2 Max Blade, Shimano 105 SPD, Speedplay Zero, and most SPD pedals.
Supple and breathable. The upper is made from a combination of supple synthetic fiber and breathable mesh. This fusion provides sufficient airflow and a comfortable fit that hugs the foot.
Proven lace closure with lace tuck. This pair utilizes the time-tested lace-up closure system. Apart from exuding a retro sneaker-like look, the lace-up also provides an adjustable lockdown fit to keep the foot in place during long rides.
What’s more, is that the shoe comes with a lace tuck where the rider can hide the ribboned laces to keep them from getting interlaced with the chain or pedal.
This mountain bike shoe features a last shape patterned after casual sneakers. As a result, the pair’s toe box is quite spacious much like that of a pair of casual footwear.
The Rumble VR by Giro utilizes a die-cut EVA footbed to provide in-step cushioning and comfort. It is designed to cradle the wearer’s foot.
- The shoe’s tongue and collar are padded for optimal comfort around the ankle and top foot.
- A diamond tread pattern on the outsole helps enhance the model’s overall grip.
- Brandings are placed on the pair’s lateral and rear parts of the upper.
- Mesh panels are found on the toebox, midfoot and tongue for enhanced breathability.
- The two top-most eyelets are crafted from metal for added durability.
- Colorway options include black/glowing red, dress blue/gum, and mil spec olive/black.