Cycling shoes are increasingly packed with technology but, even with buckles and velcro straps used higher up the range, Giro say the humble laces offer unrivaled fit, as they allow for even closure across the shoe.
The Empire ACC (£229.99) is Giro’s modern take on the classic lace-up. If it looks familiar, then that’s because it is. The Empire was part of Giro’s 2013 range, having been developed in conjunction with BMC Racing rider Taylor Phinney, but it has a new, stiffer Easton EC90 ACC sole (the same as the Factor ACC) for 2014.
Otherwise it’s much the same, with an Evofibre upper, a low claimed weight of 215g (again, for a size 42.5) and a range of subtle yet flouro colours (matte black/yellow, matte black/orange, all black, white/back). Size options remain the same as the Prolight SLX II and Factor ACC.
