Test 2015: Giro Empire SLX road bike shoes - Giro Empire SLX road bike shoes in individual test

To achieve this astonishingly low weight, the designers used an age-old but still practical fastening method: instead of ratchets, Velcro or twist fasteners, the Empire SLX is fixed to the foot in the classic way with laces. These are lighter than mechanical fasteners, but allow you to adjust the pressure on the instep almost as precisely to your own preferences. Despite their low weight, the shoes are well equipped. The scope of delivery includes various insoles, one of which can be customised with three different wedges that are fixed under the arch of the foot. The padded heel area gives the foot a secure hold, and the worn rubber heels are replaceable. To prevent the laces from getting caught in the chain, the protruding ends are fixed to the forefoot with small rubber tabs.

However, it took a few rides before our relationship with the minimalist kicks became a love affair,
where we experimented with the different insoles. The extremely stiff carbon shoe sole fits all pedal systems with the Look standard. A note for riders with Speedplay pedals: At least in the test size 44, the sole is relatively strongly curved in the area of the pedal plates. An additional thin wedge is therefore required between the cleat and sole to mount the cleats, which is supplied by Speedplay. Without this wedge, the cleat can become warped, which makes pedalling more difficult.

PLUS Extremely light; good power transmission; customisable insoles
MINUS expensive

Reference/Info www.giro.com

Price 300 Euro
Sizes 40 - 48, 40.5 - 46.5 also half sizes
Colours Orange, white