Giro Empire SLX review: Are laces better than a BOA dial?

If you want to worry about weight, look at your shoes and you’ll feel the difference

2020 Giro Empire SLX
(Image: © Josh Ross)

Cyclingnews Verdict

The Giro Empire has been around in the cycling world for what seems like forever. Made famous by an impossibly young Taylor Phinney a lifetime ago, the basic formula really hasn't changed much. Still, after an update in 2019 the Giro Empire SLX continues to have relevance. The laces certainly have a style element but they also make for a lighter and more precise feeling shoe. These are some of the best shoes available as long as you can handle a very narrow forefoot section.

Pros

  • +

    Included swappable arch support

  • +

    Lightweight

  • +

    Airy

  • +

    Laces for closure

Cons

  • -

    Very narrow in the forefoot

  • -

    Susceptible to toe rub

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

The Giro Empire SLX is an anomaly in the cycling world. While most shoes have been on the market for a matter of months, the basic silhouette of the Empire has been making appearances since 2012. At the time, Taylor Phinney was a rising star with a quirky style. He was also looking for a shoe sponsor and had the credibility to get Giro to make something. At his request, the brand put together shoes reminiscent of the Nike Mercurial Vapor soccer/football shoe for ease of covering during a time trial. At the time of that initial production, there was no plan for a commercial release. Then Phinney crashed a couple of times.  

Tech Specs: Giro Empire SLX

Price: $375 / £329.95

Sizes: 39-48 with half sizes available for 42-44

Weight: 212g per side, Size 44

Colours: Black Yasuda, Carbon Black, Crystal White, or Iceberg

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Testing scorecard and notes
Design and aestheticsOften the Giro Empire SLX is criticised for being style over substance. I've argued that’s not true but either way, this is a stylish shoe. It only misses out on a perfect score because of the lack of access to the same colour options as the standard Empire9/10
ComfortAs much as I like these shoes, more space in the front would be appreciated. 8/10
PerformanceThere are stiffer shoes and there are lighter (more expensive) shoes. The Empire SLX is one of the best widely available shoes but it is possible to find better.8/10
WeightGiro is lighter than almost everything but the Nimbl Feat Ultimate is lighter. 9/10
ValueTop of the line shoes from the biggest companies tend to cost $350/£300 and Giro is asking a premium over that. While there are more expensive shoes and the Empire SLX is lighter than other mainstream shoes, it’s hardly a high value option.7/10
OverallRow 5 - Cell 1 82%

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1