What Our Gearhead(R) Experts Are Saying: "I love the Empire for riders who appreciate the feel of laces but still want top-tier performance. The Easton(R) carbon sole is incredibly stiff and responsive, and the low stack height keeps you connected to the pedals. Once you dial in the laces and arch support, the fit feels custom."When race day calls for precision and timeless style, the Empire XC Mountain Bike Shoe from Giro answers with classic laced comfort and uncompromising performance. Built for cross-country speed and endurance efforts, it blends a supple upper with a race-proven carbon sole for a direct, efficient pedal feel. The premium Teijin(R) Samo(TM) microfiber upper wraps the foot with a soft, leather-like feel while resisting stretch and moisture. Seven points of lace adjustment allow us to fine-tune tension across the entire foot, delivering a secure, natural fit that adapts to long efforts. Underfoot, the Easton(R) EC90(TM) SLX2 carbon composite outsole is engineered for optimal stiffness in the toe, arch, and heel zones while maintaining an ultra-low 6. 5mm stack height for a close connection to the pedals. The adjustable SuperNatural Fit System includes low, medium, and high arch supports, letting us customize support to improve efficiency and reduce discomfort. Weighing just 225g (size 42), the Empire XC balances featherweight construction, efficient power transfer, and refined style for riders who demand both speed and feel.