Giro Factor Techlace Cycling Shoe - Men's for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides
Retail Price:
$224.95
$224.95
Used Value:
$134.97
$134.97
Sale Value:
$202.46
$202.46
In an ever more contentious world, Giro proves that erstwhile foes can become valuable allies if they simply work together. The Factor Techlace Men's Shoes combine three of the most common fastening systems—Boa's IP1 dial, laces, and hook-and-loop straps—allowing them to peacefully coexist as joint headliners. The result blends the minimalist profile and customizable fit of the lace-up Empire with the user-friendly convenience of the original Factor. We think that it's also just cool as hell.
The Factor Techlace is the first Giro shoe to feature a Boa dial, and Giro uses it to anchor the shoe at the top, which is where the IP1's single millimeter adjustment will come the most in handy. The rest of the shoe is secured by hook-and-loop straps that are in turn anchored by laces. Fit-wise, they feel similar to the original Factor once the straps are tightened and the dial is dialed, but replacing the full straps with laces involves a reduction in material and a corresponding loss of weight.
Giro credits the Factor Techlace with a tidy 40g weight loss per shoe when compared to the plain ol' Factor. There will undoubtedly be a chorus of retro-grouches lamenting the combination as unnecessary ostentation, but we heard the same critique of laces when the Empire fist launched, and now it's impossible to imagine a group ride or race without at least one pair in the bunch.
The Easton EC90SLX2 sole is an upgrade over the Factor's ACC model, and its use of lighter carbon fiber also contributes to the weight loss. Despite shedding grams, the sole remains stiffly efficient and features a full complement of steel hardware for mounting cleats and replacing the heel pad. As with all of Giro's race shoes, stack height is kept to a minimum in order to eliminate as many barriers between your watts and the pedals as possible.
The sole is mated to a single-piece upper made of the same Teijin Evofiber SL Giro uses for its other top-tier race shoes, so the Factor Techlace is similar to shoes like the Empire SLX in that it breaks in over the course of a couple of weeks. Fit is further customizable with Giro's Super Natural Fit Kit, which allows three different levels of arch support to help alleviate hot spots and discomfort caused by metatarsal pressure. The insole itself is made of odor-resistant microfiber, and the shoes are packaged with a zippered bag for travel and storage.
Specifications
Brand:
Claimed Weight:
[single, size 42.5] 210 g
Cleat Compatibility:
3-bolt
Closure:
Boa IP1, hook-and-loop straps with laces
Footbed:
Super Natural Fit Kit
Lining:
X-Static
Manufacturer Warranty:
1 year
Recommended Use:
cycling
Sole:
Easton EC90 SLX2 (high-modulus carbon fiber)
Upper Material:
Teijin Evofiber SL
Full Reviews
I have only used Giro shoes until I tried and returned these, I tried to stick to what I know and this is what happened. The fit on my foot was good as usual, wasn't any different from my past Giro shoes. First thing I noticed is that it didn't seem like I could get the cleat far enough forward on the sole, the soles are in fact incredibly stiff as advertised though. When I was riding the cleat placement didn't feel right, but I had no forward room to adjust. I didn't like how the top Boa connected. If you tighten the shoe a lot, the strap butts against the other side of the shoe with the boa, and you can't go any tighter. It can't overlap. Throughout my ride I tighten my shoes and by the end of my first ride I had the tech laces stretched so far over the side of the shoe that there was almost no velcro left to grab. I had read about this in other reviews too. CC handled my exchanges very well as usual and I ended up with Sidi Wire 2's that I love. Not saying this is a bad shoe, just didn't work for what I need. If you need a guaranteed tight closure system though, this is not it.
stephen B., backcountry.com
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
I love the velcro tabs pulling laces and the dial up fit system. As usual Giro shoes are tops in my opinion. Love their shoe bag!
T Robert T., backcountry.com
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2019
I am returning the shoes. They look great and are super light weight. The sizing is like Sidi, that is they run small. I have 11.5 US shoes and ordered 45.5 sizing according to the size chart and the other reviews. My feet fit in them but toes were in contact with the front of the shoe. I think I need closer to a 47. Way off :-(
chrisvogt, backcountry.com
December 14, 2019
December 14, 2019
I bought the white color on sale. For the money I'm happy. I feel like they fit true to size and they have plenty to room in the foot bed for comfortable toes. I frequently wear Louis Garneau and these fit the same. My top complaints would be that the "tongue" doesn't sit well when you tighten the BOA. You have to smooth it out while doing so or else it bunches. The TechLaces are also not very functional. It takes some time for the shoes to break in so that it feels like you can tighten the TechLaces. Once they are broken in, you can only get them so snug. These do have a nice sturdy footbed. The color white looks interesting without being too white. I would say there is a bit of form over function happening here though.
Craig O., backcountry.com
September 23, 2019
September 23, 2019
If Specialized and Shimano shoes feel too tight in the heel with their hard plastic heel cups then this is the shoe brand for you. I use Ergon Solestar insoles and the Solestar site states that their 43 insole fits 42 Shimano and 43 Giro. As I’m coming from Shimano S-Phyfe shoes I’ve found this to be correct.
dc, backcountry.com
September 10, 2019
September 10, 2019
These may be more designed for road racing with their lightweight, stiff Easton EC90 carbon sole, and highly breathable design however they are even more than just that. I simply was looking for a nice road shoe to replace the old ones I had. What I found in this one was one that provided an amazing fit (love both the BOA dial and velcro straps) and is comfortable for both short and long rides. The uppers on this shoe have a soft microfiber feel making it feel snug yet extremely comfortable. Giro does fit a bit more narrow in the toe box but in terms of sizing I was a half size smaller than my Shimano shoes. Overall this is a great shoe at a even better value for everything it provides no matter what type of rider you are.
Todd Frein, backcountry.com
March 31, 2019
March 31, 2019
Fit: I was used to wear mountain biking XC shoes when I bought those. My current pair is a Shimano XC9. Comparing to it, the Factor is roomier, especially on the toe box. My feet are regular, and I think the Factor would suit more riders with wider feet and those who prefer to ride with the shoe slightly loose instead of tight. Heel cup engagement is good, though. Adjustability: The dual-direction BOA dial is the type of thing that I donât know how I could live without before. Its easy to use and adjustment on the fly is excellent. On the other hand, the Techlaces doesn't work so well. Main reason is because it is not possible to adjust their length and replacement laces do not exist. Mine came too long, and less than half of the Velcro attaches to the shoe. Although I searched all over the internet for a set of shorter laces, I couldnât find them anywhere. Today, I would choose a shoe with two BOA dials instead of the Techlaces. Breathability: The uppers are perforated. At first glance, it does not seem a lot of venting. However, even in the Brazilian warm summer, I never felt my feet overheating. Therefore, I think it works well. Durability: This is probably the weakest point of these shoes. I rode approximately 2000 miles with them. Being used with the virtually indestructible XC shoes, I was negatively surprised on how much the Factor has wear. The front tire of my bike overlaps a little with the toe box when the cranks are horizontal. Because of that, the shoe is full of marks on the toe box. It also has marks from rubbing with the cranks and even a small crack where the uppers connect to the sole. Would I recommend it? Probably not. For this price tag, there are plenty of choices and I would go for something more durable, without Techlaces.
Murilo Miranda, backcountry.com
June 25, 2018
June 25, 2018
I have been doing a lot of research, and since I am 200 miles from a bike shoe shop, I appreciate Competitive Cyclist very much. In this case it was my bad... I have been studying and need to replace my MTB shoes... in error I ordered the GIRO Factor Techlace 3 bolt and thought I was ordering the GIRO Code Techlace 2 bolt. My review..these are much better looking than in the picture. They are extremely comfortable, very light weight! I am very impressed with the Boa and lace system.
clay_linda1406861, backcountry.com
March 2, 2018
March 2, 2018
It does not fit me too well.... the 1st trial is nice, but the 2nd and 3rd time, one point on my left foot around inner ankle hurt and I had to return it. It runs a little small compare to other brand. I have fizik in 44, shimano in 44.5 and giro I have to wear 45.
CHEN EN T., backcountry.com
January 30, 2018
January 30, 2018
I normally don't ride long rides the first time I wear a cycling shoe, but these felt so good when I tried them on I knocked out 68 miles. They felt like I had already put 500 miles on them. Great shoes!!!!
Scott B., backcountry.com
December 10, 2017
December 10, 2017
Have worn SIDI shoes forever but needed something new. I wanted the Techlace pro but didn't know how durable they would be so I went with the factor. I had SIDI 43.5 mega shoes in the past and my toes always slammed into the front of the shoe. My running shoes are size 44-45 so I went with 44.5. Fit great all but the laces are a little short for me but still worked. Giro is a little behind the ball on getting laces available. The dial is awesome how it adjust at 1mm increments. The insole adjustment is nice to. I used the high arch peace. My Grearheads was Nick and he did an awesome job. If you are going to buy from backcountry try one of the Gearheads it will be worth your time.
David F., backcountry.com
December 4, 2017
December 4, 2017
These shoes are rad. Super light weight and really comfortable. They have quite a bit ventilation, unlike the Giro Empires, where I have always felt they were a bit hot in the summer. Now these shoes are light! Like might below away on you in the wind light! The Boa gives a pretty secure and comfortable fit that is easy to adjust along with the two straps. They will also fit like any other Giro shoe. I highly recommend them, you wont be disappointed!
Clayton Otto, backcountry.com
September 14, 2017
September 14, 2017
THEY ARE NOT DURABLE!!!. I love everything (else) about these shoes. They fit perfect. Light weight, true to size, the laces were big surprise in how well the snug up the forefoot area. My big problem is that whatever material the outer is made of, it's VERY FRAGILE. On my first ride, I put a huge gouge in the white outer just from hitting the toe of the shoe on my tire when unclipping (something I'm prone to do). I have lots of other shoes, including white, and none of them show any damage from this happening, but this shoe was damaged the very first ride. SO ANNOYING!
JAMES H., backcountry.com
June 28, 2017
June 28, 2017
Lightweight, stiff-soled, easy to adjust on the go, easy to clean, reliable closure system, comes with multiple shim options for optimal customization on the sole of the foot. The Boa dial provides the adjustability that laces simply can't offer and provide even pressure on the upper part of the foot keeping it from sliding around. Laces of different length and color can be swapped out but is a bit of a process. Overall I'd say this is a solid choice when trying to find a shoe that has the ability to fit a wide range of foot shapes.
Karissa Lamb, backcountry.com
June 7, 2017
June 7, 2017
Coming from a pair of Prolight SLX shoes, I am loving the adjust-ability of the Factor Tech Laces without the loss in performance. The Prolights are super light, but made it tough to fine tune the fit during my ride. The Boa makes quick, mid-ride adjustments really easy. While the lower tech lace straps are tough to adjust mid-ride, they don't hold any preset setting like traditional velcro straps can do. As far as volume, I find these to fit the exact same as other Giro shoes I've had. If you're looking for a comfortable, highly adjustable shoe with an efficient sole, these are the shoes for you.
Kevin K, backcountry.com
May 11, 2017
May 11, 2017
I bought these hoping they'd fit just like my size 45 Empire SLXes. Unfortunately they feel roomier all around and I had to winch down the Boa dial to the point where barely any wire was showing to lock down my heel. I'm not sure sizing down to a 44.5 would have helped either. Otherwise the Factor Techlace seem like well made shoes with a novelty that mostly works as advertised. My only question is where does one buy replacement or shorter techlaces? I haven't seen listings for them anywhere.
Eugene, backcountry.com
April 14, 2017
April 14, 2017
Fit is spot on to sizing. Super stiff and light. Very comfortable.
NOLACyclist, backcountry.com
January 30, 2017
January 30, 2017
