Liv Macha Pro Shoes Review

Giant and Liv, its sister brand for female cyclists, introduced a new high-end carbon-soled shoe model this spring, available in a men’s version (Giant Surge Pro) and a women’s version (Liv Macha Pro). We put the latter version to the test throughout the summer. Here’s our verdict.

By Gwendoline Alves and the editorial team – Photos: GA / DR

The Liv Macha Pro are high-end shoes with a carbon sole, a flexible, enveloping upper closed by two Boa closures with a woven wire and a Velcro strap on the forefoot, and three insole options for good arch support. They are available from size 36 to 43 in two colors (white in addition to the color of our test model), and are sold for €329. The Giant Surge Pro have the same features, but are available from size 41 to 47 and in three colors. We can’t tell you if the two models are cut exactly the same way, but what is certain is that the Macha Pro are well suited for fairly narrow feet.

The Macha Pro and Surge Pro were developed with the help of professional male and female racers, and have been used since the beginning of the 2022 season by riders from the LivRacing-Xstra team and by riders from the Team Bike Exchange-Jayco team. This means that they are high-performing enough to be used at the highest level, both in terms of efficiency and comfort. This is often the case for the most high-end models on the market, but it should be noted here that the price of €329, while already high, remains absolutely lower than most competing models.

A very stiff carbon sole

The carbon outsole is very stiff, there’s no doubt about it, but it’s not uncomfortable for all that. The ExoBeam design consists of a relatively narrow carbon structure that connects the plate located at the forefoot to the rear part at the heel. The sole is thus inflexible when pushing on the pedal, but it retains a minimum of lateral flex, so as to offer a little freedom to the foot during pedaling. This is quite imperceptible at first, but it can make a difference after many kilometers in the saddle.

The brand also took advantage of these two new models to redesign the sole, to stiffen the contact with the cleat, but also to save weight compared to a one-piece sole. With a total weight of 420 g per pair in size 39, the objective seems to have been achieved, even if we are not able to compare it with the old version of the Giant Surge Pro, for example.

Flexible Dyneema closure wires

At the upper, the material is soft and perforated, and adapts well to the shape of the feet. Support is provided by a system called ExoWrap that progressively encloses the foot with 360° tightening, with wires adjusted by Boa dials that pass through the upper. These wires are made of fabric, specifically Dyneema, a flexible but strong and non-stretchable material. The main advantage of this is that it allows for a very firm closure without feeling numbness due to the appearance of pressure points, as can sometimes happen with thin plastic cables. The only drawback of this system is that the textile material of the wires can sometimes get caught in the Boa mechanism.

On the front of the shoe, there is also a Velcro closure, but placed with the opening towards the inside. This is more or less interesting or effective depending on the shape of the foot. For us, we didn’t feel any difference when tightening, but it’s possible that an even narrower foot could find an additional way to secure the foot in the shoe.

At the heel, a rough material called Sharkskin greatly limits the risk of slipping. However, the support at this level is not as tight as other competing models, and this can be unsettling at first. The routing of the cables limits the opening of the shoe when slipping the foot in. Even with a narrow foot, the first contact requires a little patience, and one might fear feeling constricted in the shoe. But once the foot is in place, the fit is both firm and comfortable. And the tightening of the front two-thirds of the foot is very effective, with a heel that is a little less locked than with our usual shoes.

Comfortable insoles

Liv Macha Pro shoes come with two types of insoles: a pair of classic flat insoles, and a pair of insoles with an adjustable arch support, where two inserts of different heights can be attached to provide support and comfort adapted to the foot’s arch. For our part, after a first try with the medium support, we chose the highest insert, and we ultimately noted a significant difference in comfort and power transfer compared to our usual shoes, which do not have this type of system.

It should also be noted that having this arch support also reduces the risk of experiencing “hot feet” in mid-summer, as the pressure points are better distributed in the shoe, thus avoiding venous stasis, i.e., pressure points that reduce blood circulation.

And to also promote good air circulation around the feet, there is a fairly large opening under the front of the carbon sole, and especially a subtly perforated upper material. The polyurethane mesh with small holes of different sizes seems designed both to conform well to the shape of the foot without creating creases, and to prevent overheating during intense effort. At the level of the overlapping layers for tightening, the vents are wider and designed not to restrict heat evacuation.

It’s hard to say that this would suit everyone and in all conditions, but for us, we didn’t suffer excessively from the heat at this level during this scorching summer.

Our opinion on the Liv Macha Pro shoes

The Macha Pro are shoes that offer several interesting features with the aim of providing performance and comfort. We appreciate the stiffness of the sole, which is very high but does not completely lock the foot laterally, and the enveloping and progressive closure system, which allows the shoe to become one with the foot without restricting blood circulation. The care taken with the insoles is also worth noting. Finally, the color and finish are particularly commendable. Even if the heel part is not as narrow as other competing models, the cut of the Macha Pro is primarily intended for those with narrow feet.

Finally, in terms of price, the Macha Pro are sold at a competitive price compared to other high-end models. Just like their male equivalent, the Giant Surge Pro, they are a pair of cycling shoes worthy of being on your shortlist when it’s time to renew your gear.

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