Nike, which leads the sports shoe world with innovative technologies like the Air Tailwind—featuring air in the sole—and the Zoom Vaporfly that made headlines last year, launched its Flyknit series around the time of the 2012 London Olympics. Its appearance, much like a sock with laces and a sole attached, was incredibly striking. About five years later, GIRO, which released the EMPIRE—a shoe that brought a lacing system to cycling shoes at a time when three straps were the standard—has launched new 2018 models that feature a knit upper construction.
[GIRO] Empire VR70 Knit
¥28,400 (excl. tax)
Color : Black/Charcoal, Lime/Black, Midnight/Blue
The proprietary knit fabric, called Xnetic™ Knit, is woven from polyester yarn, resulting in extremely few seams or transitions. Furthermore, the one-piece construction allows for a lightweight, sock-like comfort. In addition, the necessary functional aspects—such as elasticity, breathability, and durability—can be freely provided in specific areas by adjusting the knitting pattern and tension. In other words, the collar has a looser tension for a soft, sock-like feel, while the main section centered around the instep is knit with tighter tension to achieve a secure, locked-in fit.
You might have the same concerns about support and durability that crossed my mind when Nike’s Flyknit first appeared, but you can rest assured that there is no need to worry about that with this Empire knit series for cycling. The tension is incredibly high, and it is knit very finely.
Of course, this EMPIRE VR70 Knit is not a running shoe, but a cycling shoe for off-road use. It features an external TPU skeleton and a DWR finish for protection and support against external elements like mud and rocks, providing the durability and water repellency needed for regular use in a variety of situations. The higher cut of the collar is also designed to firmly protect the ankle.
The core of the sole uses high-rigidity, lightweight Easton® EC70 carbon fiber for efficient pedaling. Furthermore, the Vibram® rubber sole used in the areas that contact the ground provides excellent grip when walking.
The Empire VR70 Knit offers both comfortable wear and high functionality, but there is one more significant difference from previous shoes: it produces no excess fabric. In manufacturing processes where parts are cut from fabric and sewn together, there is inevitably waste. However, since these shoes are knit directly from yarn, there is no excess material.
While many are likely drawn to its look and functionality, it is a pair of shoes that possesses a charm not found in conventional cycling shoes—it is environmentally friendly and economical.
By the way, shoes using Xnetic™ Knit are also now in stock.
[GIRO] EMPIRE E70 W Knit
¥24,800 (excl. tax)
Color : Berry/BlightPink, Grey/Glacier
The women’s model, the EMPIRE E70 W Knit. This is a road shoe that basically shares the same characteristics as the EMPIRE VR70 Knit introduced above. While the EMPIRE VR70 Knit has an external TPU skeleton, for the road models—both men's and women's—that skeleton is positioned inside the shoe.
The EMPIRE is a representative example of a lacing cycling shoe. Having personally worn QUOC’s Night and my Tourer—which I’ve worn so much it’s hard to deny they’ve seen better days (lol)—I feel I fully understand the pros and cons of lace-up types. For instance, because you can make fine adjustments corresponding to the number of eyelets to trace the shape of your foot, I believe the sense of unity you get is something you can never experience with standard three-strap shoes. It does take a little extra time to put them on and take them off, but once you get used to it, it’s not a bother at all. On the contrary, it’s almost ritualistic—an athlete’s routine—that helps tighten your focus as you head out for a ride.
I also experienced the thinness and stiffness of the Easton® EC70 carbon fiber sole years ago when I wore the company’s Factor model. The direct feel, where you don’t feel anything between your foot and the pedal, and the high efficiency as applied force is converted directly into propulsion were overwhelming to me. It’s almost intimidating to think that the Easton® EC90 is even better than that, but perhaps that’s just a reflection of my own lack of power.
What I want to convey is that these shoes, with their combination of laces, Xnetic™ Knit, and Easton® EC70 carbon fiber, are high-level cycling shoes in every respect, including their appearance.
If you are looking for a new pair of shoes, please give these a try.