In the search for a solid, streamlined, road-racing shoe, it's easy to feel like you need to drop a month's rent just to get what you want. Giro solves that dilemma with the Men's Apeckx II Shoes. The Apeckx II features top-end technology, race-quality stiffness, and comfort in an affordable package that won't leave you fueling rides with nothing but noodle soup until your next paycheck.

The main difference between the Apeckx II and Giro's more expensive shoes lies in the sole. Giro utilizes DuPont Zytel nylon in the place of the Easton carbon fiber in shoes like the Empire and Factor. Compared to carbon, Zytel provides similar stiffness, power transfer, and durability without the sky-high price tag. An EVA footbed with medium arch support will fit the majority of riders, but Giro's SuperNatural Fit Kit is available separately if you want to dial the fit a little further.

The Apeckx II's closure system consists of a middle hook-and-loop strap that snakes through a mid-foot D-ring for excellent adjustability in tandem with a ratcheting buckle on the top strap. The middle strap essentially turns the entire panel of inner fabric into an extension of itself, eliminating pressure on the metatarsal bones by pulling equally from a large swath of material on the inside of the foot. The bottom strap adjusts the fit around the toes independently of the other straps for a comfortable ride every time you clip in.