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  • Giro - Empire E70 Knit Cycling Shoe - Men's -

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Giro Empire E70 Knit Cycling Shoe - Men's

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18 Reviews

Knitted kicks.

Knit technology, while seen in other athletic footwear, makes its first appearance in the cycling world with Giro's Empire E70 Knit Shoes. What you can experience is exceptional comfort and superior breathability while putting in long base miles or while winding it up for an hour during a 4-corner crit. This super-durable upper is built with cycling in mind and never compromises fit in its quest to provide lightweight power transfer.

Other athletic disciplines use knit technology in footwear because its stretch, support, and breathability offer tangible benefits. We have yet to see it in cycling shoes because—as we all know—cycling demands unique requirements for footwear. Giro solves this with the Xnetic Knit upper. It employs a rigid TPU support skeleton that is structurally designed for cycling and wraps it with DWR-treated Xnetic Knit for water repellency, easy cleaning, and a glove-like fit. TPU reinforcements are utilized at the toe and heel, adding durability off the bike or if you happen to have a little toe/tire overlap at low speeds. Following the—ahem—footsteps of other Empire shoes, this one features a traditional lace closure for a customized fit and low weight.

The sole of the Empire E70 utilizes Easton's E70 uni-directional carbon composite, which doesn't flinch during 4-digit watt sprints, and it's light enough that you'll be dancing on the pedals on the ascents. The Giro Empire E70 Knit Road Shoe is compatible with 3-bolt cleats and road pedals and comes in a multitude of sizes between 39.0-50.0.

  • A knitted road cycling shoe for racing and training
  • Lace closure is lightweight and highly adjustable
  • Featherweight and stiff Easton EC70 sole for power transfer
  • EVA footbed offers comfort and support
  • TPU heel and toe reinforcements improve durability
  • Giro specializes in interesting aesthetics with performance benefits
  • Item #GIR00GF
Learn more

Upper Material
Xnetic Knit, bonded TPU skeletal support structure
Closure
lace
Footbed
molded EVA
Sole
Easton EC70 carbon composite
Cleat Compatibility
3-bolt
Claimed Weight
[size 42.5 single] 250g
Recommended Use
road cycling
Manufacturer Warranty
1 year
Learn more

Tech Specs

What do you think about this product?

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Comfortable shoe but....

Familiarity:
I returned this product before using it
Fit:
True to size
Size Bought
46 and 46.5
Height
5` 11"
Weight
200 lbs

I found these shoes to fit me very good, but the laces are not for me. The tongue is very very thin. I found it hard to get a nice secure closure without getting those tight spots from the laces. But, the overall fit of the shoe on my hooves was very good. I tried both a size 46 and 46.5. Both fit me good, but if I would of kept one, it would be the 46. For a reference point, I typically wear a size 12 running shoe. The last few cycling shoes, I have worn are Bontrager Velocis and RXL size 46.

Surprisingly awesome

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer
Fit:
Runs small
Size Bought
46
Height
6` 0"
Weight
177 lbs

As a lot of others have said, I was very skeptical about lace up shoes and was blown away by the comfort and overall fit. Obviously you can't adjust them on the bike but with these shoes I find that to be unnecessary. One of my other major worries was what will the laces do while riding, but the laces strap keeps them tucked away and tidy. The overall fit is very comfortable and the upper is stiffer than it appears in pictures which is good. Ventilation is great on hot days and as with most shoes, colder rides may require shoe covers. I wear a 45 in almost all cycling shoes and had to send back the original pair that I ordered in exchange for a 46 with these.

On the Fence? Don’t Be!

Familiarity:
I've used it several times
Fit:
True to size
Size Bought
45
Height
6` 1"
Weight
210 lbs

I’ve been road cycling for almost 20 years, and have always ridden Sidis. The last pair of Genius 7s I bought jjst didn’t work out for me. I laughed the first time I saw lace up shoes, though. Then I read the reviews. I have to say these reviews are NOT fluff. These shoes are amazing. The mesh is nice, and paired with the right socks, they can be comfortable down to the 50s. Anything below that, and I’m wearing shoe covers, anyway. I have ridden them up to 100 miles at a time and experienced no hot spots whatsoever, excellent power transfer, and no issue with laces coming undone. I seriously wish I would have discovered these shoes earlier.

Slipper Comfort

Familiarity:
I've used it several times
Fit:
True to size
Size Bought
48

I purchased my first clipless pedals in 1995 and over the past 25 years I have owned in order - Scott, Diadora, Specialized and Sidi. I have only ridden with them for a little over a week but these shoes are unquestionably the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. And Kudos the Backcountry for their processing of my order. It has been my experience in this age of covid online orders are slow to ship. Even mighty Amazon has slowed down but not Backcountry,. very pleased with both the product and Backcountry service.

Vintage but modern

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
Fit:
True to size
Size Bought
44.5
Height
5` 9"
Weight
205 lbs

The look of these shoes are what initially caught my eye. The vintage inspired and an ode the classic knit shoes are a unique look in the sea of cycling shoes. I still had to be convinced that they would fit well and be stiff with support for my rides. And sure enough they held up in every area. They provide the perfect amount of stiffness and support I need on my rides. The ability to ties them up to my perfect fit is a great thing too. And the lace holder is a plus as I wasn’t sure how if the laces would dangle while riding. I’ve done several 30 mile rides in the Florida heat and they held up great and are breathable as well. Oh and easy to clean as I spilled a mid ride coffee on them and all it took was a squirt of water and a napkin rub to clean them off.

Great Road Bike Shoe

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
Fit:
True to size
Size Bought
43
Height
5` 7"
Weight
163 lbs

I brought these based upon great word of mouth from fellow riders; I can't wear shoes with a boa dial because of the way my foot is shaped; these work perfectly because they are compliant yet stiff and they are sufficiently airy. The laces work great and they look good. I highly recommend these shoes even for racing as the carbon sole is stiff and responsive. Additionally the Backcountry staff was great when I had questions for them about these shoes.

Great Road Bike Shoe

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
Fit:
True to size
Size Bought
43
Height
5` 7"
Weight
163 lbs

I brought these based upon great word of mouth from fellow riders; I can't wear shoes with a boa dial because of the way my foot is shaped; these work perfectly because they are compliant yet stiff and they are sufficiently airy. The laces work great and they look good. I highly recommend these shoes even for racing as the carbon sole is stiff and responsive. Additionally the Backcountry staff was great when I had questions for them about these shoes.

Knit but stiff ...

Familiarity:
I've used it several times
Fit:
True to size
Size Bought
44
Weight
160 lbs

Ok, so I was swayed by the great reviews to purchase these shoes. The Lace ties are nice ... I'm able to dial in the fit prior to my rides, I've not had any issue with needing mid-ride adjustments. I think the knit mess materials thermal regulation mitigates mid-ride foot swelling; this has been on rides of about 30 miles in length but in temps in to the high 90's ... so that's cool. The outer sole is stiff, which means power transfer is great since most my rides involve the rolling hills in southwest Metro area outside of Boston. The inner sole is great ... I've not had to do any mods as required with my previous shoes; so that's nice. I feel the stack height is slight higher than my previous Perl Izumi Pro Leader II's but only by 1-2 mm. The exteriors are amazingly resistant to dreck from wet roads, which is very nice. A great shoe at a vg price.

James: What size running or athletic shoe do you wear? I normally wear a US size 10 and I'm not sure if I should order a 43.5 or 44.0 in this shoe. Thanks

Great shoe

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer
Fit:
True to size
Size Bought
44.5

I was little worried about losing the adjustability on the fly but then I remembered that I never did that to begin with. Stiff sole, breathable shoe. I wear between a 10.5 and 11 and the 44.5 fits great. I also prefer a thicker crew sock when I ride.

Thank for all your info in this review. So many people say, great product and give no detail. Giving your shoe size and sock thickness preference is a big help, thanks again

Comfort guaranteed

Familiarity:
I've used it several times
Fit:
True to size
Size Bought
43.5
Weight
190 lbs

Fits true to size. I'm normally a 43.5 and that's what I bought, and that's what fits great. Super light, and super breathable. I don't really have a single problem with them.

Mateo: My running shoes are US size 10. I'm not sure if I should order a 43.5 or 44.0 in this shoe. What is your normal shoe size?

Simply Awesome

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer
Fit:
True to size
Size Bought
48
Height
6` 0"
Weight
204 lbs

The knit upper is comfortable as my Altra running shoes yet lockdown is still incredibly strong and the knit eliminates the hot spots I got with my Giro Empire ACC’s. LOVE THEM!!

How does it compre to your normal shoe size? Did you have to size up?

Best shoes ever

Fit:
True to size
Size Bought
47
Height
6` 2"
Weight
205 lbs

Wow these are the best shoes I have ever had in 35+ years of writing. Can't recommend enough.

But how are they for cycling? I prefer to be bare foot when I'm writing.

excellent

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer
Fit:
True to size

As a frequent user of Giro shoes, I can attest to the quality of each piece they make. These are no exception. The laces allow for a comfortable fit for most feet. There is a laces-keeper to keep the laces out of your drivetrain. I purchased these looking for more room in the toe box that is frequently found in women's shoes. I wear a 39.5 in the Giro Sica Techlace and was pleased with the fit of the 39.5 in these Empires. Overall, super stoked!

So good I bought a second pair

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I purchased these for myself and my fiance liked them so much I bought him a pair as well. The review is basically the same except he has a high-volume foot and I have a low-volume foot. With the laces you are able to completely customize your fit. This shoe fits both of our feet perfectly so if you have a harder-to-fit foot, I would recommend giving these a try.

Great Shoes

Familiarity:
I've used it several times
Fit:
True to size
Size Bought
47
Height
6` 1"
Weight
170 lbs

I had the mountain bike Giro lace up shoes and loved them so I bought the road version as well. These are even better! The knit material is awesome! I’ve ridden through some bad weather and of all the gunk that splattered up nothing stuck to theee shoes, just my socks and legs!

Great shoes

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

These are super comfortable. Nice and stiff. They also fit true to the size chart. With the laces you can easily customize the fit for your needs. I have a low-volume foot and these are easy to adjust to fit my needs.

OMG These are so so so awesome .!!!!!!!!

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer
Fit:
True to size

To start just got them in the following day I did 100 miles on them. with this crazy weather going on I got rained on but dont worry not one single stain on the shoes the water and grime from the road just got repelled. Everyone could not believe they were not dirty. The next best thing is they are super comfortable and stiff you could feel the power transfer to the pedals . I highly recommend these shoes.

treats to wear

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
Fit:
True to size
Size Bought
44.5
Height
6` 2"
Weight
160 lbs

these. are. beautiful. beasts. love at first sight, for sure, but the first ride was better than expected. truly stiff, nicely responsive on a damp 35 mile night, out for the first time. i'm genuinely excited to break these in bc i know they'll be very comfortable and still highly performing. worth the few extra shekels.

Hi, I used a size 44eu in my old shimano rp3. What size do you think I should get? My actual shoe size is 9.5 but the pair ran small. Thanks

I have been riding in Bontrager shoes that are 44EU, 28.3cm and 11US 10UK. Any idea if I should try the 44 or 44.5 in the Empire?

So basically I figured it out and thought I would follow up here in case anyone else has a similar fit question. I went with the 44 and when I first put them on was torn on whether to return them and get the 44.5. They felt just a little tight in the toe box. My big toe had a minimal amount of room but there was some room nonetheless. It felt tight on the little toe area...I felt this might be ok after some riding as the upper would stretch - so I mounted up the cleats and went out. First couple rides the toe box felt narrow but now after about 100 miles they feel perfect! So, glad I took the chance on the 44. They are definitely smaller than my Bontrager 44s and felt similar to my old S-Works kicks from about ten years ago that were 44s and also a little narrow in the toes - at least until they wore in. Now these are perfect - not too narrow but snug enough that my feet really feel cocooned in these shoes and I don't have that feeling of a hard surface underneath and no hot spots. Love these shoes.

I currently wear women's Giro road cycling shoes but want to try a pair of their Empire 70 knit shoes in the men's colors. Do the men's fit the same as far as the cut in the tie box?

I believe Giro's literature says that the women's last is narrower throughout the shoe. I think that this is typical for women's lasts, but it may differ by manufacturer.