SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. (BRAIN) — Giro Sport Design on Friday announced its new Empire SLX road shoe, which will go on sale this fall for $350.
The Empire SLX weighs just 175 grams in a size 42.5, which Giro said makes it one of the lightest production shoes ever offered. It has a lace closure and an Easton EC90 SLXII carbon outsole.
The shoe uses KDL Techno Laces, which were developed for top-level soccer cleats. The laces are said to hold knots securely, resist stretching and are lightweight. Giro points out that laces are less likely than ratchets or buckles to get damaged in a crash, but are easily replaced if they are.
The new Easton outsole produces a low 6.5mm stack height, improving performance and efficiency. The shoes' uppers are one piece of a new Teijin Evofiber SL material, which is said to allow heat and moisture to escape without relying on mesh cutouts that can compromise fit and add weight.
