Giro

Empire VR90 Limited Edition Shoes

An unprecedented race calls for an extraordinary shoe, and with the launch of an all-new race format, Giro knew they had to pull out all the stops. Defining itself as part gravel grinder, part hill climb, and incorporating an enduro-type timing system, the Grinduro set out to raise the proverbial bar. It spans an epic 62 miles of Sierra Nevada hardpack, gravel, and a sprinkle of pavement punctuated with delicious food, saddle-bound bonhomie, and good-natured competition. Giro celebrates this new race with the Empire VR90 Limited Edition Shoes, which are resplendent in the Grinduro race's signature purple. These shoes stole the show at Interbike, and we can confirm that at least one Competitive staffer has been on a desperate mission to find a pair ever since. With 50 pairs sold at the Grinduro itself and only 150 available to the general public, they're likely to go fast.

Setting aside the amazing color for just a moment, these shoes pack all the features we love about the standard VR90s, including a lace-up closure system for seven points of adjustability and a comfy, near-custom fit. The shoes also include Giro's SuperNatural Fit Kit, a series of three arch support options that lets you further fine tune the fit.

Giro uses a one-piece upper made from soft, breathable Evofiber with perforations for extra cooling ventilation when the day gets warm. This material is malleable enough to shape to your foot for an exceptionally comfortable fit while resisting stretch and loss of shape over time. In this regard, we might liken them to a favorite pair of well-worn slippers — if, that is, the slippers were high-tech, durable, and ridiculously low-weight. The polished finish accentuates the color with a pop of class and the added bonus of quick and easy cleaning after a muddy day in the saddle.

Underfoot, Giro incorporates an ultralight and ultra-stiff Easton EC90 carbon fiber sole with a low 6.5mm stack height for fast and efficient power transfer regardless of terrain. To manage hike-a-bike or barrier running situations, Giro finishes off the VR90's with a Vibram Mont rubber lugged outsole and a Mid-Foot Scuff Guard. The two conspire for solid grip whether you're clambering up a rocky face or pounding through a mid-race run-up, and they help provide purchase on the pedal if you miss a clip-in while remounting. Each shoe also includes fittings for two toe spikes for extra traction when you really need to dig in.

As a final touch to the VR90 Limited Edition Shoes, Giro replaces the standard logo found on the VR90's lace keepers with the mischievous mountain logo of the Grinduro for a dash of sass and a reminder to seek out new adventures on every ride. Each pair comes packaged with two sets of laces (Grinduro purple and black), four steel toe spikes, and a zippered Giro shoe bag for easy storage and transport.