I like these shoes as they give a very relaxed fix compared to some higher end road shoes, with the flexibility of the laces. You aren't left wanting for a stiffer sole in out out of the saddle during hard efforts, they do require a little adjustment to get the fit correct but once you do there great. I like the color the reflective model adds a bit of style to your kit, I find this shoe great as I tend to have an odd fit with pressure on the top of my foot but the laces give me the ability to really fine tune the fit.
If your thinking of purchasing these I highly recommend you do.
Sole is as stiff as you'd expect from a high end shoe, power transfer to the pedals feels great. They can feel a little tight at the front of the foot at first but they break in after a while. Laces offer great customization of fit.
I'm a road bike rider, and have owned shoes from a number of different brands-Sidi, Fizik, Diadora. These are extremely light, and very comfortable. After a hilly 200k ride, no hot spots or foot discomfort.
These shoes are cut small and a lot little closed in. They look great. I am a 10 normally in regular shoes. I returned these and got the Giro Slx Empire. Love them. I got the 44. 5 11 US men's. They fit good and are the most comfortable shoes I've ever had I wire Sidi Ergo for years in 44.5 but these are more comfort. I have a wide foot so stretched these out gently with a wooden spoon when I got them. The slx is super light and comes with a variety of insole. I would recommend these for comfort and lightness and adjustability and go up at least a half size. I don't wear anything else since I got my Giro Empires.
This shoes is very comfortable and the laces allow for precise fit. The adjustable arch support in the foot bed is excellent. Not sure how this shoes will perform in racing, especially sprinting and crits, as it's hard to get it to fit tight.
The Empire ACC works for me. I like that adjusting the laces makes the fit more customized. I don't think about the shoes or my feet while riding. They're lightweight, stiff and comfortable I like the looks too. Best shoes I've tried, and I'm picky.
The Empire ACC works for me. I like that adjusting the laces makes the fit more customized. I don't think about the shoes or my feet while riding. They're lightweight, stiff and comfortable I like the looks too. Best shoes I've tried, and I'm picky.
I use these shoes for 50 mile rides a few times a week. They are very comfortable.
I was a little hesitant to order shoes online, just because I didn't know how they'd fit, but these shoes fit perfectly (I have fairly narrow feet). They are super light, and have a very stiff sole. The laces really add to the snug fit.
And they are beautiful! I bought the silver ones, and the finish glows in low light, almost like they have their own light source. All in all, a fabulous shoe!
These are some of the lightest shoes i have worn for cycling.
I've always had shoes with ratcheting buckles or hook-and-loop straps. I was motivated to buy these because they are fully reflective (which is amazingly bright and effective) but had my doubts about the convenience and comfort of cycling shoes with laces. After several months, those doubts are gone. In fact, I will be sticking with laced shoes (so long as they're available, I suppose). It's easy to get them comfortably laced up, the lace garage is easy to use, and I've had zero problems with the laces. These are also my first Giros and they are stiff and fit well. I found the size charts mystifying, but I wear size 12 sneakers and went with size 47s (even though the chart recommends 46) because I wear 47s in Sidis and Shimanos. The 47s work perfectly for me.
Worried about laces taking so much time to put on. Does take a little longer to get on but it is worth the time. Have a few hundred miles on the Giro's and can't tell much difference between first time I put them on. Break in time was very short. Feet don't hurt anymore after a ride.
Sometimes it is helpful to get the perspective of someone who has actually been using a product for awhile. I've used these shoes almost exclusively through 10,000 miles of riding- they are outstanding. Super stiff sole and easily adjustable fit to adapt to wide or narrow feet and thin or thick socks depending on the weather. When I first considered purchasing these I was worried primarily about two things 1) The laces would flop around and get caught in the chainring, and 2) I'd have to keep stopping during a ride to readjust as there is no way to just reach down and ratchet a little up or down like with most other bike shoe fastening systems. I can't recall a single time either happened. The laces are slightly rigid and once they are tied and placed through the lace garage loop don't move at all. It is also amazing that after you tie these up prior to starting your ride, minor shifts of your foot position just shift the lace pressure to give you room where you need it. Love these shoes.
I bought the black version and I think they look and feel great. I was at the store and tried on the Sidi's as well as the Fizz's with the Boa system but these were by far the most comfortable and best looking. I love the laces as you can fine tune your adjustment, if you have a tight area, just loosen up the laces a little. Another great thing about these is they clean up really easy. The material they are made of almost has a rubber feel to it so I literally just hose them off when I am hosing off my bike. I highly recommend these!
I love the shoes, but I've got just slightly wide feet that spread out over a long ride. These shoes get a little cramped, making my toes fall asleep. It's bearable, but I just wish there was a little more space in the toe box.
I took a shoe horn and tried stretching the toe box out, it helped some but may need to keep the shoe horn in there for a few days to get the upper to stretch fully.
The adjustibility of the laces is wonderful. Feet a little tight and your arch higher than usual? You can loosen the middle laces and still have a comfortable fit. The heel cup is perfect and with the eyelets you can really lock your feet into the shoe.
Road bike. Love em.
Lightweight, fits well, forget that they're on my feet. Bought a second pair just to have a different color.
The Empires really caught my eye when I first saw them. The old school look with modern technology got my attention. I have owned velcro as well as ratchet style roas shoes and was skeptical about laces because I like to be able to readjust during a ride. There is no need to readjust with the Empire. The laces allow a much more precise fit. They breathe well and are light, a great road shoe.
Better fit than buckles and straps, old school good looks with new school carbon sole - thinner and lighter than the balsa wood soles on my old Duegis. What's not to like?
I'd been waiting for these shoes to go on sale for a long while and when they finally did, I picked up a pair. They're everything I was hoping for - a great combination of style, performance, and...style! They are super lightweight and very stiff. I have really narrow feet and wasn't sure if a men's shoe would work, but with the laces you can dial in your exact fit. Roomier where you need it, tighter where you don't. I'm already planning my next pair!
