Classic meets progress: Giro Chamber III or Giro Chamber TR? The Chamber III relies on the tried-and-tested combination of a Velcro strap and laces for hard riding. The Chamber TR, on the other hand, combines a precise BOA system with a protective ankle cuff. Which clipless shoe delivers the best all-round package on the trail?

Giro Chamber III (left) & Giro Chamber TR (right) I € 164.95 & € 209.99 I Manufacturer’s website

Natural trails or bike park, it makes little difference: when things get rowdy, a secure connection to the pedals is worth its weight in gold. Giro are sending two clipless shoes into the fray here, the Chamber III and the Chamber TR, both promising robustness, stability and grip. The Chamber III reworks the classic, slimmer and lighter than before; the Chamber TR goes all in on performance and an even sharper feel on the pedals. We rode both across a wide spread of trails, from Canada and Innsbruck to the Black Forest. Can Giro deliver? And at around €210 for the Chamber III and €164 for the Chamber TR, are they really worth the money on the trail?

* per shoe, size 43, incl. cleat

The Giro Chamber III in Detail – More Protection?

The Chamber III is available in four colours (black, black with white sole, white, white/black) and sizes 36 to 48, catering to a wide range of feet. The latest generation of Giro’s classic is meant to shed weight and nothing else, with a slimmer tongue while retaining the familiar Velcro strap and laces. Giro combine synthetic leather, textile and rubber with a microfibre upper in a bid to maximise durability. The Sensor rubber outsole, developed specifically for Giro, is paired with an SPD cleat mount and a clipless-compatible DH plate offering an additional 10 mm of cleat setback. The aim is to strike the perfect balance between stiffness on the pedals and all-day comfort.

Giro Chamber III on Review – Protected from the Elements?

Slip your feet in and the shoes feel comfortable from the get-go. Against the TR, you immediately notice the extra protection and stability. The overall fit is slightly narrower, holding your foot securely in place. There’s noticeably more material around the toe to fend off rock strikes, and thick padding wraps the heel. Rather than hugging your foot tightly, the shoe envelops it, giving an immediate sense of security. You won’t want to be in a rush rolling out of the garage, though. Doing up the laces and tightening the Velcro strap takes a little longer than the TR’s BOA closure, but the Chamber III gives up nothing in hold. The thicker materials and fewer ventilation openings add a little weight, but come into their own on cooler spring days and through the changeable shoulder seasons. On weather protection, the Chamber III clearly has the upper hand. The slim tongue keeps warmth in and dirt and water out.

The textured coating at the front makes the shoe more robust and lets spray bead off easily. Once clipped in, and when walking, the sole quietly gets on with the job and feels solid. However, it can’t match the grip of the Northwave Enduro Mid 2, whether you’re pedalling or walking.

The Sensor-rubber outsole developed for Giro generates good grip in all conditions and remains comfortable when walking.

After five months of use, the first signs of wear are appearing in a few places. Contact with the crank has caused the strap on the inside to start peeling away, with some of the stitching beginning to come undone. A crack in the cleat box also raises questions about durability.

Conclusions about the Giro Chamber III

The Giro Chamber III takes cold, wet days in its stride. The combination of laces, Velcro strap and thick heel padding keeps your foot securely in place. The only weak point is the wear to the outer material and cleat box, but overall, the shoe delivers an impressive performance on the trail.

More Summer Performance with the Giro Chamber TR

The Chamber TR is available in sizes 36 to 48, too. Three colours are available, dark sage green, white and black, so there should be something to suit almost every taste. The shoe comes with a set of smart features. The BOA Fit System uses Li2 aluminium dials, injection-moulded guides and coated laces, letting you dial in the fit to the millimetre in seconds. The microfibre upper carries generous mesh panels on the sides for better ventilation, while the flexible knitted ankle cuff keeps trail debris out. Reinforcements around the toe and heel are designed to improve durability. On the pedal body, the Sensor rubber outsole promises plenty of grip, and an additional 10 mm of cleat setback lets you fine-tune your setup, just as on the Chamber III.

The Giro Chamber TR on the Trail – More than just quick to fasten?

Handy pull tabs let you slip your foot quickly through the integrated knitted ankle cuff, which sits comfortably around the ankle and has you ready to ride in moments. Once your foot is in, the BOA system tightens the shoe in seconds and lets you fine-tune the fit precisely, including quick adjustments out on the trail. Compared to the Chamber III, the fit is slightly wider, giving the TR a comfortable, flexible feel. Thanks to the ventilation holes and mesh side panels, you notice the airflow from the first few metres. That makes the Chamber TR an ideal companion for hot summer laps in the bike park or long days of pedalling. Predictably, weather protection is limited compared to the Chamber III, and the TR is too airy for wet, cold conditions.

With its mesh panels, BOA system and knitted ankle cuff, the shoe is fully equipped.

The coated toe and heel areas shrug off spray with ease, adding a further layer of protection. Once clipped in, the Sensor rubber outsole delivers the familiar solid grip on the pedals. The position of the BOA dial is the only thing that raises slight concerns should it come into contact with the trail, though we’ve had no issues with it during testing so far.

Conclusions about the Giro Chamber TR

The Giro Chamber TR is a comfortable, airy trail shoe that shines on hot days. The knitted ankle cuff keeps debris out, and once your foot is in, the BOA system makes adjustment fast and precise. Comfort and ventilation impress, but there’s less protection around the toe than on the Chamber III. Whether the BOA dial’s position proves a liability during hard trail contact will only become clear with long-term testing.

Overall Conclusions about the Giro Chamber shoes

Choosing between the two Giro Chamber models comes down entirely to how and when you ride. Both versions score points for good looks, stability and solid grip. The narrower Chamber III is the more robust, secure-fitting option for the cooler shoulder seasons in spring and autumn. The slightly wider Chamber TR, with its BOA system, ankle cuff and excellent ventilation, is the better choice for summer. In the end, the weather and the temperature will decide which of the two shoes is right for you.

For more information, visit Giro.com.

Testers: Benedikt
Test duration: 5 months (Chamber III) 6 weeks (Chamber TR)

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Words: Sarah Baumert Photos: Benedikt Schmidt