Giro New Road Republic Shoes Army/Gum, 44.0 – Men’s
@ Modeled along the same lines as the top-level competition Empire shoes, the New Road Republic Shoes democratize the casual-meets-cycling aesthetics of Giro’s lace-up cycling kicks. Instead of the low weight and high price of the ambitious Empire, the Republic features a walking sole made of DuPont’s Zytel nylon and armored with replaceable, sneaker-style walking pads that provide plenty of grip while you’re navigating the pedestrian world between rides. Of course, the Republics are cycling shoes, so the soles are still plenty stiff and bipedal freedom doesn’t come at the cost of efficiency when you’re pedaling a bicycle. They also feature a breathable, durable, non-stretch microfiber upper that’s similar to their imperial cousin, and the seven points of lace-up contact mean that the fit is just as customizable. A loop on the tongue locks the laces down after you’ve run the bunny around the tree, so the laces sit tight in their rabbit hole instead of hopping into your chainring.
- Upper Material: perforated microfiber
- Closure: lace
- Footbed: EVA molded
- Sole: DuPont Zytel nylon
- Cleat Compatibility: 2-hole MTB
List Price: $ 150.00
Price:
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Not durable enough for daily abuse as a messenger,
The walkability is on par with other mtb cycling shoes I use when I have to get off my bike. It’s “smoother” but no better or worse. I felt like the heel off the shoe could use more rubber on the sole. After a long day of work, my right heel would feel bruised. A better insole would have alleviated this issue.
These are great for all day comfort though. I never got hot spots. They don’t need to be cinched down to your feet because the shoe is designed to retain your foot well. I would wear my laces medium-tight to tight and feel no loss of power.
On the bike these shoes could have been stiffer in my opinion. However, these are designed as “touring” shoes and I suppose that has something to do with the flexibility.
Everything aside, these shoes are not made to last. Seriously. The rubber sole pieces wore out and separated from the replaceable plastic bits in ONE MONTH. This is unacceptable even for a messenger. I ride somewhere around 500 miles a week and spend just as much time standing and walking around. Replacement sole insert are nowhere to be found. Hey giro, don’t advertise replaceable parts unless you actually sell the replacement parts. It’s a bad look.
Overall, these are probably good for commuters and the weekend tourers out there. But if you demand serious quality and durability from your cycling shoes, look elsewhere.
I do plan on purchasing the Giro empires for my road bike. I still love giro products, but the republics are not for me.
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Walkable riding shoes,
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Awesome urban/touring shoes,
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