Garneau Milan Boa (men’s) and Sienna Boa (women’s) Road Shoe Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

Hot

• Single Boa L6 closure for micro adjustability
• Ample ventilation top and bottom to keep feet cool
• Seamless upper construction eliminates hot spots
• Very comfortable from the very first ride
• Top of tongue has V-cut to eliminate pressure at front of ankle
• Good price point for high-quality entry-level road shoe
• Stiff sole for good power transfer
• Two and three bolt cleat system

Not

• Runs small, sized up a full size
• No toe guard to protect front of shoe
• Heal and toe bumpers not replaceable
• Only available in one color

Price: $129.99 MSRP

Color: Black/White (men’s); White w/teal ankle trim (women’s)

Sizes:  41 – 50 (men’s); 37-42 (women’s)

Closure: Single Boa L6

Upper material: Synthetic leather

Sole material: Ergo Air® injected nylon/fiberglass

Weight:  254g (size 42)

How obtained: Company sample

Where sold: Online or retail

RBR Advertiser: No

High-quality Entry-level Road Shoe

At a price point of $129.99 MSRP, Garneau’s Milan Boa or Sienna Boa road shoes are a great entry-level choice. They offer many features found on a higher priced shoe like a Boa closure, stiff sole and ventilation — all for a fraction of the price.

The Milan Boa (men’s) and Sienna Boa (women’s) road shoes have identical features except for color. Since I wear a larger size shoe, I tested the men’s Milan Boa for this review.

From the first ride, the shoes were very comfortable. The seamless construction of the upper added to the comfort by eliminating any hot spots. The tongue has a V-cut to reduce pressure against the front of the ankle allowing for increased flexibility. Perforations in the synthetic leather upper along with 7 vents on the sole provide ample ventilation to keep your feet cool on hot summer rides. The toe vents take in the air, then it passes through the shoe and out the mid-sole, helping to cool your feet.

The nylon soles are stiff and provide good power transfer to the pedals. To keep your foot snug, Garneau’s HRS-80 retention system secures your heel in place during each pedal stroke.

As you can see in the photo above, this shoe is compatible with two or three bolt cleat systems. However, if you use two bolt SPDs cleats, be careful walking around, as the shoes can be slick.

To keep the price and weight (254g for size 42) down, Garneau uses a single Boa L6 closure. Even with one Boa the shoe felt snug and comfortable. The Boa L6 design allows you to tighten the shoe in micro adjustments (1mm) for the perfect amount of tension. Note, this style Boa does not allow you to loosen by turning the dial backwards. Instead you must pull the wheel up which releases the wires completely.

A few additional points regarding these shoes, which are not deal breakers. I’m sure Garneau intentionally made these choices to keep the price entry-level. First, I found they ran a little small. I requested my normal size, a 45, which is the size I wore testing the Garneau’s Course Lite II. But then had to size up to a 46, as they don’t offer half sizes in the Milan. Second, it would be nice to have a toe guard to protect the shoe from scrapes and wear. I clip in/out on my right side and the right shoe is starting to show scratches and wear from dragging my toe on the pedal when clipping in. Finally, I am a big fan of color. Both the Milan and Sienna only come in one color, black with white accents for the men’s and white with teal accent for the women’s version.

All in all, I really liked the Milan Boa shoes and would recommend them for someone looking for an entry level road shoe.

Bottom Line

Garneau’s Milan Boa for men and Sienna Boa for women are perfect options for a high-quality entry-level road shoe. A single Boa closure secures your foot and the stiff nylon sole enables good power transfer. With a $129.99 USD price point this is a stylish, comfortable and great performing road shoe.