SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. (BRAIN) — Giro Sport Design has released a new line of road, dirt and city shoes that use a knit material upper that Giro calls Xnetic Knit.
The line includes the Giro Empire E70 Knit and Empire E70 W Knit($200), the Empire Knit VR70 ($250), and the Republic R Knit ($140).
All three models will be available this fall.
"We have a tradition of leading the cycling industry through innovation and choice," said Simon Fisher, Giro's footwear product manager. "From flipping the script with laces on the Empire to smashing the 150-gram weight barrier with the Prolight Techlace, we are known for staying one step ahead of the rest in cycling footwear. Xnetic Knit allows us to continue this tradition and deliver a unique blend of comfort, performance and style for the kind of rider who charts their own course."
The shoes have a TPU skeletal system the provides support, while the knit offers suppleness for sock-like comfort. The porous material is treated with DWR for water repellency. Giro said the material offers superior ventilation, quick drying time and easy cleanup.
The VR70 and the E70 each feature Easton carbon fiber soles. The VR70, intended for dirt use, has a rubber toe guard and bonded TPU heel as well as a closed stretch-knit ankle cuff for additional support and protection from skree. The VR70 also has a molded Vibram rubber outsole for protection and grip off the bike.
