Giro Empire ACC Cycling Shoe - Men's for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

9.3
out of 10
19 Positive, 1 Mixed & 0 Negative
from 20 Reviews
Retail Price:
$179.95
Used Value:
$107.97
Sale Value:
$161.96

One glance at Giro’s Empire ACC Shoes, and you’ll see they’re different. Rather than the ubiquitous buckle/strap combo, Giro’s outfitted them with something decidedly old-fashioned — laces. That’s about where the old-fashioned nature stops, though. The uppers are a single piece of Evofiber microfiber, which is highly breathable, but is also perforated for additional airflow.

Those uppers are attached to an ultra-stiff Easton EC90 ACC Carbon Sole. This sole is among the stiffest available, and due to high grade of carbon fiber used in its construction, is also one of the slimmest, producing a stack height of just 6.5mm. Between the uppers and the sole sits Giro’s lauded SuperNatural FitKit, the long name for its user-tunable footbed. These insoles have swappable arch support so you can tune the fit of your shoes precisely to your feet.

Specifications

Brand:
Claimed Weight:
[size 42.5] 215 g
Cleat Compatibility:
3-hole road
Closure:
lace
Footbed:
SuperNatural Fit Kit
Manufacturer Warranty:
1 year
Recommended Use:
road cycling
Sole:
Easton EC90 ACC carbon fiber
Upper Material:
[uppers] Evofiber

Full Reviews

10
I really didn't think they would be SO comfortable, but they are! I don't have any issues with them getting loose while I'm riding, and they stay tied. I see mentions about them being too narrow, but I have narrow feet and I sized up (I usually wear a 41 and bought a 42). I have always had problems with my feet falling asleep during exercise, but that's not an issue with these. Overall, I really love them and bought a second pair so I don't have to go without. Too much info: my foot is 26 cm, insoles usually ~27 cm. I wear a US women's 10.
eef, backcountry.com
October 6, 2020
10
I’ve ridden these through the mountains and love them. Light and stiff. Great fit with the laces. Also love the reflective surface which gives me some feeling of safety at dawn or dusk.
Christopher R., backcountry.com
April 13, 2020
10
Many reviews for these shoes I have read mention they tend to run a bit narrow and the users have had to size up. I did not find this to be the case for me. I have always worn a size 42 in Giro shoes and the Empire ACC is no different. I will say, Giro tends to be somewhat inconsistent in regards to width across its range of shoes. I have found the width of some models varying greatly from others. Unlike Sidi who seem to be very consistent with sizes across its entire range. That being said, these shoes fit me very well. They look great and the laces are very cool. Of course, the laces will make on the fly adjustments impossible, but I think if you are thinking of buying a cycling shoe with laces you'll already have taken that into consideration. Personally, I never have to make shoe adjustments on the bike so it's a moot point.
Chad S., backcountry.com
February 16, 2020
8
These appear to be exceptional shoes, and would no doubt be well-appreciated by riders with VERY NARROW FEET.
JOSEPH F., backcountry.com
December 5, 2019
10
The variable arch support is a great technology, and the laces make the shoe fit comfortably and snug for long rides.
chris m, backcountry.com
September 13, 2019
10
I own the Rapha Climbers Shoe (made by Giro) in the same size and they are light, stiff, and comfortable. The Empire ACC Cycling Shoe are also light, stiff, very snug, and very comfortable. The laces allow for more adjustability than the velcro straps on my Rapha shoes. These shoes feel like one with my feet and the power transfer is much better than my Rapha shoes.
Lorenzo C., backcountry.com
September 3, 2019
10
Stiff, nice looking and affordable. My ideal foul weather/ training shoe.
Mackenzie M., backcountry.com
July 7, 2019
10
This is my second pair of these shoes. Most comfortable shoe I have ever purchased plus love the retro lace up design.
djb105198717, backcountry.com
June 29, 2019
10
Impressed with the looks and quality of this shoe , unfortunately I didt read the reviews and take back country recommendation to go a half size up . The shoe fits narrow and tight like a glove. I returned thinking I would buy the same model, but I noticed the giro empire slx was also on sale . I bought that model Instead and of course I picked a half size up . Thinking I should buy this model (giro acc) because of the huge discount half size up of course ?
wil106019373-0, backcountry.com
March 1, 2019
4
This shoe is the narrowest cycling shoe I've ever put on. Had to return. Nicely made shoe and wish I could wear it.
WT S., backcountry.com
September 21, 2018
10
Going back to a tie shoe like this seems to really work for me. I have an unusually shaped foot, and most shoes are too tight in width across the part of the foot just below the toes. The combination of laces with the flexible, man-made upper is a great combo for getting this shoe to fit right. It is the most comfortable cycling shoe I have found. I opted for the blue which is an almost metallic blue, yet it is flexible enough to conform to my foot. (It kind of clashes with most of my kits, but it is definitely noticeable.) Very happy with the purchase, especially since it was on sale. It does run a little small, so order at least a half size up.
Michael G., backcountry.com
July 18, 2018
10
when i first opened the box to these, i was already in shock, they came in a shoe bag! i was very impressed wit the packing, and the over all quality to these shoes. they're slick for sure and will ensure you look fly out there on the road, and also be seen out on the road when that sun goes down with the reflective surface. they are a bit narrow and do run a tad small, so i sized up to have a good fit. i normally wear a 46, so i got the 46.5 and they're perfect. the Easton carbon soul is so sift and just solid! so so happy with these shoes and would recommend them to anyone!
Zachariah Epperson, backcountry.com
June 23, 2018
8
I was impressed by the cushioning inside this shoe (something you didn’t find often in cycling shoes) and how they hugged my feet Unfortunately, they run quite small. I’m between a 10.5/11 so I ordered a 44.5 but my toes touched the end of the shoe. I’ll be exchanging them for a half size larger.
Kyle Koch, backcountry.com
June 9, 2018
8
1-quite stiff sole, 2-good support, 3-excellent looking, 4-lace is good but not so convenient as BOA, 5-easily peels off. 6-half size down comparing to SIDI
1831957228233, backcountry.com
April 16, 2018
10
my shoes make this review great!!! hands down in collection of cycling shoes that I have these are the best!!! comfy and they form really good to your feet.... The best part???? I have no aching feet at the end of my bike ride
Alex Cervantes, backcountry.com
March 5, 2018
10
Got the blue to match my bike color and my club kit! have to go 1/2 size bigger.
Norman P., backcountry.com
February 27, 2018
8
Really nice shoe. I got the grey shoes. What to note... 1. They do run smaller. I’m a US10 consistently, my size would have been 44 however I got the 44.5 as I’d heard they run smaller by half a size. Unfortunately the 44.5 was too snug returned for a 45. 2. As for the color, the images make it look like a suede type material, this is not what they are. They feel more like a plastic and the reflective material make them almost sparkle? The heal is silver not grey. In all they still look good but not as good as they do in the pics.
Peter R., backcountry.com
November 22, 2017
10
Excellent fit and feel
Lee M., backcountry.com
November 22, 2017
10
The best cycling shoes I’ve ever worn. The laces hold my feet perfectly. The soles are very stiff but very comfortable inside. Light, great looking and customizable. I have skinny and flat feet so the highest arch supports works for me. I would and will buy again when I wear this pair out.
Shawn, backcountry.com
October 5, 2017
10
Review from a client Daniel: Jason, I'll tell you these things are incredible. The stiffness and thinness of the sole is something I haven't experienced before, in fact compared to my prior Specialized shoes I actually had to lower my seat post to compensate for how thin the sole is, I definitely feel more connected to the driveline. The lace enclosures really make the fit great as well. Daniel If you have any questions about these shoes or any other gear shoot me an email at jasjones@backcountry.com or give me a call at 801-523-4053
Jason, backcountry.com
August 10, 2017