I went with the LG LA 84’s
Used a seam ripper to remove the tongue; and used three of the INMAKER no tie rubber laces. I also filed down the tread at the front of the shoe.
The toe box is pretty rounded. The giro would be more aero, but for $65 - 100.00. It was worth the experiment before spending the money in the empires.
I ended up putting some gorilla tape below the last elastic (not pictured).
I also found that my foot would catch a bit in the elastic laces in training. While racing I applied a little aquafor to lubricate things and my foot slid in nicely.
I was able to thread an elastic through the top inside eyelets for a flying mount.
Even if you fiddle a bit getting into them. They are super easy to slide out of. So, you will save time on the back end.