GIRO Empire E70 Knit Shoes Review

By Sébastien Jacquet – Photos: @3bikes.fr

A specialist in competition helmets since 1985, including the famous Pneumo, Synthe, and Aether, GIRO offers a wide, colorful collection to dress cyclists from head to toe. Helmets, apparel… and shoes! The Empire E70 Knit model stands out with a knitted construction, thanks to the use of Xnetic Knit technology for the upper. It consists of a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) skeleton onto which the fabric is glued and integrated, aiming to provide a blend of support, comfort, and breathability. And a distinct, well-characterized style. The heel and toe are designed with additional TPU reinforcement to increase their firmness and durability. The entire shoe benefits from a DWR treatment to enhance its water resistance and facilitate cleaning.

“Will I have to stop to tighten them?“

That’s the question everyone asks when considering this type of lace-up model… What about the lacing and its hold? Specifically, will I have to stop to tighten them? To be honest, before this test, we were quite skeptical on this point. Hence our very, very pleasant surprise when we had to stop on our first two rides to adjust the laces… but to loosen them! We had overtightened them for fear of not having enough support, especially over time. While it may seem quite flexible at first glance, the upper actually forms a very good wrap over the instep and sides, with just the right amount of firmness and rigidity. The laces combined with the eyelets work perfectly together to lock the foot in place. No need to overtighten them.

Ideal firmness and support

We adjust them once or twice according to our feel to find the right fit, and then (with our narrow feet, and although the toe box isn’t too wide) we make sure the front of the foot is sufficiently snug before setting off. During the effort, the support is very good, whether you’re actively pedaling and changing position or riding at a steady pace. The lacing doesn’t feel like it’s giving way or loosening, and it proves its quality over many kilometers. The upper remains firm and doesn’t crease. Note that a double knot may be necessary to reduce the risk of a lace catching on the crank spider. At a time when Boa closures are the trendy cutting-edge technology, we find that this system, inspired by old-school models, emphasizes retro style but has nothing to envy in terms of functionality and efficiency.

Full power

With the foot well supported, the user can focus on their pedal stroke and effort. On this point, the Easton EC70 carbon composite sole offers great satisfaction. The level of rigidity seems very good, and the pedal stroke benefits from it. The foot remains stable, and the rotational movement is facilitated by an ankle that stays free and mobile. The power exerted seems fully transmitted and transferred to the pedal. The Empire E70 Knit convinces with its performance and efficiency. We quickly appreciate this formidable support and confident footing. Note the replaceable heel pad for grip when off the bike and compatibility with 3-hole cleats. And comfort is not forgotten.

Comfortable fit

The Empire E70 Knit features padding on the back and sides of the heel, and under the tongue. This padding provides softness for comfort, and its thickness promotes very good foot and heel support, keeping the foot enclosed but not compressed. The front of the shoe is harder and quite narrow, which means the last shape runs small (for example, size 43 fits our narrow feet perfectly, with just enough freedom at the toe, whereas other models of the same size are a bit wider). The tongue rises slightly over the top of the foot, but the flared opening allows it not to press down and to sit optimally on top to maintain mobility. You just need to make sure to center it well when tightening the shoes. The Empire E70 Knit includes a unique internal sole slightly curved on the inside of the arch (i.e., medium arch support).

Availability

The Empire E70 Knit achieves a very nice combination of comfort/support/stiffness for a very pleasant level of performance. Thanks to these characteristics, and at 250g per shoe in size 42.5, it feels light during effort. Its knit construction makes it a well-ventilated shoe, which limits moisture buildup and promotes breathability. This is why they are particularly popular for use on beautiful spring and summer days. And in this sumptuous grey and fluorescent yellow color, which creates the perfect combo of class and eye-catching appeal, while maintaining a touch of sobriety, it’s not the type of model you’d want to expose to the rain (even though it benefits from a water-resistant DWR treatment)! For those who want a more discreet look, the Empire E70 Knit is also available in three other colors: black/charcoal, multi-color/charcoal, red/black. A model halfway between a retro cycling shoe and a traditional sports shoe… but with very contemporary cycling features!

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