The Empire ACC continues Giro's dedication to high-end lace-up road cycling shoes. Giro refers to the Empire ACC as a "current classic", which is apt, as the shoe has a classic design and look, and uses laces for closure, but from the carbon sole to highly technical synthetic upper, the use of contemporary cutting edge materials is obvious. Lace-up style shoes once dominated cycling, just as virtually all footwear. Velcro and ratchet-style, cord, and strap closures eventually rose to uncontested dominance until a few cycling shoe companies, Giro prominently among them, reintroduced laces a few years ago. Giro's high-end lace-style shoes have become both exceptionally popular, but have also shown that when constructed properly with high tech materials and anatomic understanding, lace-up shoes can be fully functional and comfortable for high performance cyclists.

The base of the Empire ACC is the UD carbon fiber sole, provided by Easton Cycling. The ultra-stiff and super light EC90 carbon is used and has been laid up to deliver incredible power transfer despite the ultra-low 6.5mm stack height. The cleat interface is the 3-bolt Delta pattern common to virtually all road-specific pedal systems, and the shape integrates well most cleats. Giro has supplied replaceable rubber heel pads that prolong the life of the shoe, and firmer, fixed toe tap for protection when walking and toeing down when stopped and unclipped.

The incredibly supple, breathable, one piece Evofiber™synthetic upper is perforated, and has a subtle blend of stretch and support that feels incredibly light over the foot. Water nor temperature have a drastic effect on fit or stretch, though this highly technical microfiber can't control swollen feet that can result from long, hard, hot days in the saddle. If there is a drawback to any pure lacing system, it is that you can't adjust mid-ride if you feel discomfort. There are advantages as well, as the lace spacing and width allow for a very customizable fit. You can easily replace laces locally, as opposed to breaking a ratchet closure, or snapping an integrated strap. If the laces are too long to be managed with the provided clip, you can always cut the laces to your favored length. The choice of laces over straps is a personal one, and as with any cycling shoe, the bells and whistles mean nothing if the shoes don't fit.... Read More