I guess we also know why there was a huge sale on Empire SLX's and ACC's a few months ago. The majority of riders buy those shoes for style and the new versions definitely look a lot better. I think retailers over-bought the various Empire shoes, thinking that the whole laces thing would really take off. Up side - great deals via various channels on Empire shoes!
Personally, I can't say enough about the comfort and performance of the Empire road shoes - I had a pair of the original ACC's and now I have a pair of the SLX - love them. Light. Comfortable. Stiff!
Shoe fit is VERY personal I get that.
I think a lot of customers, have a look at the Empiresand then see other shoes with all the fancy ratchets, and buckles, and other stuff and they think these latter shoes are, "better" because of all the bells and whistles how could the Empires with laces for pete's-sake be better? The Empires, like the Bont shoes require a bit of a leap of faith on the part of the customer. I most typically see Empires and Bonts being worn by VERY experienced and savvy road riders and racers - who know what they are looking for in cycling shoe fit/performance.
As for the knit uppers - kudos to Giro for pushing the envelope AGAIN with shoes - they really are innovators with cycling shoes.
Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog
