After receiving a rave response to their lace up Empire MTB shoes, Giro decided to mirror the lighter weight Empire SLX road shoes.
The difference, is, they add Vibram treads and a stretch-free Teijin EvoFiber breathable upper on the outside. Inside, they get their SuperNatural Fit insoles with adjustable arch supports. It’s all held together with Sport Laces, which they say are both durable and hold the loop no matter what you’re up to. The weight savings come from the high end upper and the use of an Easton EC90 carbon outsole.
Kick up more details below, plus a look at their hiking inspired Alpineduro winter cycling boot…
Stock colors are black w/ orange and silver w/ neon yellow. These shiny Anodized Orange ones are what showed up in our mailbox, though, which are a limited edition, which they’ve been known to release on their Facebook Page. They came with orange laces, too.
Like the other Empire shoes, an elastic lace garage keeps the loops and ends from finding their way into your chain.
Bonded rubber toe protection and heel guards protect your twelve and six.
Vibram Mont high traction treads surround the shoe with a mid-foot scuff guard that should double as a nice safety if you miss your cleats on the first try. Retail’s $300 USD, available now.
The Alpineduro looks and feels like a leather hiking boot, but it’s pure mountain bike.
The uppers are breathable microfiber with waterproof liner and Primaloft insulation. Front and rear also get the rubber bumpers to protect them.
Lace garage is here, too, and laces run through metal D-rings at the top. Black laces are included if you wanna lose the color.
Giro’s not claiming a specific temperature rating, but they’re definitely built to repel winter’s wet and wind.
The treads are Vibram Icetrek, which is a cold-weather compound for better grip in conditions you’re likely to wear the the shoes in. The removable cleat cover means you can run them with flat pedals, too, without leaving gaping holes for water and cold air to enter. Retail is $200 USD.
Weights for size 47EU (13US) are 382g for the Empire VRD and 568g for the Alpineduro.
