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Giro Empire SLX review

Stylish for the coffee ride, comfortable over hours in the saddle and light to get you up the climbs a bit faster

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Laces were brought back to prominence in cycling by the Giro Empire ACC and were worn by the likes of Bradley Wiggins and Taylor Phinney. The updated performance Empire SLX are one of the lightest shoes on the market. Laces offer comfort and fit that is hard to match with straps, buckles or even Boa dials. Their classic look are a benchmark in style and their unrivaled comfort is arguably unmatched.

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Weight weenies looking to save every gram will find much to like about the Empire SLX. They tip the scales at just 374 g for a pair sized 43.5. While those looking for stiff shoes that feel responsive on the pedals will also be pleased with the firm Easton EC90 SLX2 carbon outsole.

If comfort is king, then the Empire SLX will suit many with the one-piece upper that wraps around the foot really nicely. Though it’s minimalist, it does provide a conforming fit that more padding can’t match. The upper doesn’t keep the feet cinched in place instead offering a bit more freedom of movement which contributed to making them so comfortable.

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The laces took me a few rides to tie just right but once accustomed I can’t remember ever needing to make adjustments to them. Laces keep the foot securely in place with so many points of contact on the foot and even in the wet didn’t loosen up on longer rides. With straps or dials I often find myself reaching down to make incremental adjustments during my ride but with these I could ride for hours without ever feeling the need to touch them. The bow once tied can be neatly tucked into a elastic strap mid foot

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The Empire SLX even have some options to help accommodate different feet. Those who seek extra arch support can use what Giro call the SuperNatural Fit Kit footbeds with arch inserts. The inserts are a nice inclusion but lack a bit of firmness compared to shoes with more built-in arch support. Whether it’s enough for your feet will depend on your personal preferences.

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One drawback of laces is that they make the shoes longer to put on and take off. They also can’t be tightened on a ride as you approach a climb or the final sprint in a race. This never bothered me despite anticipating missing that on-the-fly adjustability. If damaged they can be swapped out and if you like to customize your look can be swapped out for ones of a different colour.

Racers will find a lot to like in the Empire SLX with their performance build that’s ultra light. More recreational riders who want to look slick on the coffee ride and comfortable over long hours in the saddle will welcome their conforming fit. The Giro Empire SLX retail for US$350.