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Emmett L Thomason
January 31, 2023
Sweet Upgrade!
I'm getting back into cycling after a 9 year hiatus, and WOW has the technology changed in that time! I pulled my old cycling shoes out of storage and after only two rides, the carbon sole was delaminating. Time for new shoes!After doing some research, I noticed the return of lace up shoes, and the Giro Empire SLX was on the top of nearly all the "best of" lists I read. I've not been a huge fan of the bulkier BOA or other dial & strap systems, so I decided to check out the lace up style.Items received quickly and with minimal denting of the box (did not affect product). Shoes are CRAZY lightweight compared to my old (2010) Shimano shoes and look amazing. Very sleek and well vented.Fit is as expected and as many reviews noted "like a glove." I don't have wide feet per se, but not skinny feet either, and these fit snug but not tight. The lace system really helps you get it snug where you want it without any numbing in my outer toes as experienced with other brands. The shoes feel super stiff, but barely noticeable on the bike. After a couple of rides, I am in love with these shoes.
✔ Verified Purchase
Comfortable shoes for long rides
I was looking to purchase other Giro shoes but they didn't have white color in stock. These were around $20 dollars more so I ended up getting these and so glad I did. They look great! They feel comfortable on long rides and have markings to adjust the foot angle for cycling. Would definitely recommend for cyling.
✔ Verified Purchase
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Eudaimonium
August 13, 2016
So Far, So Great!
So far, I love them. Only two hour-long rides on them, but they have replaced my tired Sidi Genius 5's nicely. They are crazy, feather light.I like the laces, was never a fan of the velcro and ratchet buckle on my Sidi's. Sure, you can't adjust them on the fly, but I never really did that much anyway, and the worn out velcro and ratchet buckles are the reason my Sidi's needed replacing. I imagine when the laces on the Empire's wear out, I'll replace them with the extra set that came with them. Laces have a nice way of naturally adjusting their tension in different areas to conform to your feet that a couple of straps and buckles do not.I like the adjustable arch support system. I used the large arch supports, and finally feel like I have shoes that were meant for my feet. Read where one person complained that the inserts were made of cheap styrofoam cooler material. Well, it looks sort of like that, but it's a lot more durable than any styrofoam cooler I've ever seen. I'm not sure what that guy was talking about. Maybe he tore his up trying to change them out while the laces were tight? Loosen all the laces before you try removing and inserting the insoles, and you'll be fine.Also read another review claiming they were too narrow. I guarantee that I don't have narrow feet, and they fit me just fine. I suspect that reviewer has wide feet. I'm pretty sure they will work for anyone with relatively normal width feet.I ordered a size 46.5 to match the 46.5 Sidi's I had. They fit the same at that size as the old Sidi Genius 5's.I ordered the White/Black. The other color options were pretty garish in my opinion. I look forward to the day bright neon colors go out of fashion again.
✔ Verified Purchase
Small
Traded
✔ Verified Purchase
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Lorena Suarez
June 11, 2021
Speed with out sacrificing comfort
The build quality is outstanding but is to be expected on these premium cycling shoes. I ride with my brother here and there and I have never been able to create huge gaps between us. The first day I got these on my bike with shimano blue spd al cleats was the first day I had to stop and wait for him often! These shoes are a dream! I’m very happy with my purchase.
✔ Verified Purchase
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L. McElhaney
July 29, 2020
Fast cycling slipper but order a size larger than normal
I wear U.S. size 8 in a traditional shoe but had to go with a 42. Super light and sole is plenty stiff. Shoelaces require getting used to. Still figuring out where to put the laces. The upper require some breaking in. Inserts allowed me to get a comfortable platform under my feet.
✔ Verified Purchase
Small sizing
Great style but sizing too small
✔ Verified Purchase
