Remove laces and glue the 2 layers together and just use zipper?

I can get a deal for €125 on a pair of the Giro SLX (EC90 model) ... seems like a bargain.
Is this currently still considered a viable option for an aero tri-shoe (quarter/HIM)?
Or are there any better alternatives around this price-point nowadays?

In the random event that anyone should care what I did to these shoes... and I wish I had taken a picture, but I wanted to not permanently modify the shoes. I put thin elastic laces on the shoes, then put a piece of gorilla tape across the laces and tongue, attaching that tape to just one side of the shoe’s lace eyelets. I wrapped that around the top of the tongue of the shoe and then down the inside, so that one side of the tongue was taped to that same side of the shoe, but the other side of the tongue could still slide back and forth to accommodate sizing and sliding my foot in. The gorilla tape covered all but a little of one side of the elastic laces which made it look aero! And the tape kept the tongue from sliding down inside the shoe when I put my foot in. Once the race was over I removed the tape and put the regular laces back in. Only tried it for one race but it worked fine.

My redneck solution to the rubber band attachment was to remove one of the screws for the heel plates, and put a paper clip between the heel plate and the sole of the shoe. Then I had a small bit of paper clip loop sticking out the back to hook the rubber band on to.

I don't know about the duck tape idea...

But the paper clip under the heal screw idea is a nice add. Thanks for that!

I am thinking about for next season just sewing the tongue to one side of the shoe. I like having the full length of the tongue because I feel like it helps me slide my foot past the laces, and by only attaching it to one side of the shoe, the shoe can still expand to let your foot in. It should still keep the tongue from sliding down, especially if I can attach the laces to the tongue as well. But the duct tape wasn’t as terrible as it sounded!!

Don't get me wrong. I've got nothing against duck tape or your usage of it. It's just not I the same league as the paper clip idea.

Post a photo!!!

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2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

With TT not needing a quick shoe lacing, what’s the consensus speed wise of just flat laces versus using an adult “soccer lace cover” over the laces?

You can get those for like $4 a pair.

Not a reply to you specifically. Just posting my version of the concept in this thread.

I picked up a pair of Giro Empire E70 Knit for $100 this spring and removed the tongues by cutting a few stitches. I initially added some ROUND elastic laces (because that's all Walmart had). The round laces proved to be not-so-comfy on the bare feet and probably not-so-aero. I've since swapped out to proper flat elastic laces.

I also stitched a small loop on the heel to give me something to hook rubber bands to.

The knit material is excellent comfort wise. They are, by far, the lightest shoes I've ever owned. It feels like I'm just wearing socks, but with a stiff sole.

I can get into and out of them faster than a traditional tri shoe with Velcro closures, yet I've never once had my foot slide around on a hard effort or climb.

I’m ready to take the plunge on the Empires and find your modifications appealing. I appreciate the clean finish and practical application.

Would you do anything differently if you were setting up your shoes today?

Scott

If anyone is scared of modifying 300$ shoes, I did it to a pair of DHB Dorica road shoes. https://www.wiggle.com/dhb-dorica-road-shoe-1/

I bought them three months ago for 50 (they're more now). But they work. Granted, not nearly as nice as the Empire, but I just wanted to see if I would like the lace set up. I may switch to Empires next seasons, but I've done one olympic and one half-iron so far. They're way easier to get into than my old Bont Riots. Plus I use them for every trainer session.

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@floathammerholdon | @partners_in_tri

I’ve gone halfway and cut the tongue partially half way up and glued to the outside. Then xpand laces on the other side to allow me to put them on and keep them tight.

NB currently too snug to put on while riding, will be putting them on in T1

 

I bit the bullet and cut the tongue a few months ago.

Elastic laces (skipping every other hole). At the top I tied off a knot at the end of each to keep it in place, then trimmed off the excess and singed it with a lighter.

Works great.

Exactly what i did.

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2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

How tight are the shoes on your feet?

I bought cheap DHB laced shoes and was riding with them for a few months. Mid session I switched back to my Bont Vaypor Classics (the laced ones, carbon sole, heat moldable) and it was night and day. The chepa shoes are straight garbage.

Is there a way to get the shoe to really hug your foot without being so snug that I cant get my feet in after T1?

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@floathammerholdon | @partners_in_tri

Not about laces, but does anyone have experience with the updated upper? Looks like they switched from a synthetic leather upper to Synchwire (which they use in the Imperial road shoe). I'm guessing this will make them a bit more breathable and keep them from getting 'soggy.' But does it affect sockless comfort at all?

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Matt

Nice looking shoes

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Let food be thy medicine...

Have em. Can’t get to like em. Might need to go 1/2sz bigger. They are warmer than my bontrager tri shoes. They also dented in the toe somehow.

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http://www.TriScottsdale.org

Great looking shoe know. Few people with them that like them.

I was going to buy them just for IMFL but was going to be so cold just wore road shoes. Probably buy these next year.

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2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

I have them and I prefer them over the originals. They do feel more breathable and bit wider than the originals. I used them in kona and had no issues.

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blog

I've just found a cheap pair of SLX and am looking to set them up for flying mounts per this thread.

I'm wondering if anyone who has used the zipper option can provide feedback after LT use? Are you still using same system?

Elastic laces seem to work but zipper seems even better!

Is the zipper option in this thread? I use a pair of ACCs and we just bought a pair of older SLXs for my wife, which I was planning on using elastic for as well but I like the concept of a zipper.

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Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
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AJ Baucco had a bomber pair of zippers made. I forget how he liked them. I am sure I made comment in this thread somewhere but I suspect zippers are tough. Part of the beauty of elastic is it naturally expands and contracts and the foot will swell while riding, especially if you are consuming a lot of salt and it is a hot day. You could always send AJ a message, I may send this post to him for feedback.

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There are quite a few examples. AJ Baucco's is here. Another couple of my favourites:

• From ni31mo I think these look the business but worry about flexibility per Thomas' comment:

• From aoja, these use elastic which would help the flexibility issue: