If you’re a roadie looking to save every gram, you’ll find a lot – or, uh, very little – to like in the Giro Empire SLX. They’re undeniably feathery at just 374g per pair (size 43.5), impressively stiff, and luxuriously comfortable – though you do give up some support compared with more conventional shoes.
- Highs: Fantastic fit, ultra light, stiff, well ventilated
- Lows: Laces are slower to use than conventional closure systems, not as much support as traditional shoes
- Buy if: You’re trying to save every last gram but still want fully functional footwear
Invariably, the first question that always came up from fellow riders surrounded the Empire SLX’s lace-up design. Put succinctly, it simply isn’t a problem and, in fact, makes for an exceptionally comfortable shoe.
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The lace-up, one-piece uppers do a fantastic job of conforming to your feet and accommodate a wide range of shapes, provided your feet aren't overly wide
True, the laces make it slower to get the shoes on or off but they also distribute pressure very evenly across the top of your foot while also letting you make specific regions tighter or looser. Combine that with very soft and thin ‘Evofiber SL’ one-piece synthetic upper material and what you get is one of the most sock-like fits we’ve ever experienced in a cycling shoe.
There were also initial worries about how to adjust the shoes’ fit during a ride but even that turned out to be a non-issue – at least provided you’re not a racer who likes to cinch your shoes down before a big sprint finish or climb. Simply take the time to dial in the fit before heading out and they stay comfortable for hours on end with virtually no loosening or hot spots even after six hours in the saddle. We noted just a bit of stretching during the first few rides but it’s been smooth sailing since then with no further shape changes noted, even after long rides in the rain.
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