Giro launched the Empire in 2012, in a bit of a change of direction with the rest of the industry. While other brands were working with straps, buckles, and dials, Giro went laces. Not much changed in 2013, but the shoe designed with ongoing input from BMC‘s Taylor Phinney, gets a face lift and new soles for 2014.
According to Giro, the key change is the sole. The ACC sole uses Easton EC90 Carbon to keep the same low weight (215g in size 42.5), but increases the shoe’s stiffness. The new asymmetric design with I-beam style construction increases longitudinal stiffness another 30% over the previous EC90 outsole, which was already class leading. Stack height is a minimal 6.5mm, and replaceable heel pads were added for 2014. The shoe also gets a new Evofiber upper, replacing the Tejin microfiber from the previous model.  Evofiber is a sandwich material that is expected to bring the best of mesh and microfiber together to make a more breathable shoe while repelling water and supporting your foot. The shoe keeps it’s perforations for breathability as well, but hopefully the new material will increase it even further.
Giro is also offering new colors. Gone is Phinney’s shiny silver and fluorescent yellow. Instead, the Empire takes a little more conservative look with white or black forefoot sections, and highlight colors in the heel. White/black and matte black/gloss black are the more understated options, while matte black with fluorescent orange or yellow are the brighter options. The accent color also makes an appearance in the Giro logo on the outside of the foot, and the shoes come with both color laces to give you more options.
The shoes are available now, and be on the lookout for special edition colors through various retailers. Competitive Cyclist has already launched a white/gold version this winter. For the fans of the special dirt edition that was brought out in 2013, there is no official word yet if we will be seeing one. Based on customer feedback though, Giro knows there is a market for a mountain version, and is considering it I am told.
Look for a review of the road version later this year.
$275.00
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Scott joined Bike World News as the Cyclocross Editor in 2012 before taking over as Tech Editor in 2016. He has also worked as a photographer for various pro teams and shoot races along the east coast of the US, including the 2012 US MTB National Championships, 2013 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, and 2016 UCI Road World Championships. Scott has a passion for performance and technology, with 35 years of riding and mechanic experience. He also enjoys soccer, running, teaching group fitness classes, and is the founder of Lancaster Beard Company.
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