Giro Factor Techlace

The Giro Factor Techlace shoes are lightweight and comfortable, and the novel closure system – a hybrid lace and Velcro strap, plus a Boa dial – makes it easy to adjust the fit on the fly.

First, let's talk about the closure system because that's the really new feature. Crikey, there's a lot going on here! The upper strap is controlled by a Boa IP1 dial that allows you to adjust the fit in both directions in 1mm increments (a typical ratchet type buckle will give you jumps of 3mm in tension). Below the Boa dials you get the hybrid lace/Velcro strap Techlace system.

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Laced shoes have enjoyed a renaissance over the past few years, not least in the shape of Giro's own Empire models. Laces can be light, they're likely to survive a crash, and the styling often looks good. On the flip side, adjusting the tightness of the closure while riding is tricky.

The Techlace system solves that problem by allowing you to alter the lace tension via Velcro straps. You move the Velcro strap outboard to pull the laces tighter. Simple.

I set the lower strap to suit my foot volume before my first ride and I've never touched it since. The upper Velcro strap and the Boa dial are the ones you need to open and close, and these are both simple to fine-tune.

The Boa dial adjusts a super-strong steel lace (seven strands of steel are wrapped together in a nylon cover, then seven of those groups are wound together to form a complete lace).

The Techlace system works equally well. The Velcro adjustment performs exactly like any other Velcro strap but you get more anchor points. Adjusting the fit while you ride could hardly be easier. It's a one-handed operation that you can perform without taking your eyes off the road.

The Techlace system has a lot of adjustability but if there's too much or too little lace for the width of your foot, you can swap to a lace of a different length. The plastic ends of the lace – they're called aglets, if that sort of thing interests you – snap into place inside a little plastic coupler at the end of the Velcro strap. You can buy the laces – which are slightly springy – in 12 different lengths. You can also get the laces in six different colours and the Boa IP1 dials in four different colours, so there's plenty of customisation on offer here. (The shoes themselves come in black, black/red, and black/white.)

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I could have done with slightly shorter laces on my shoes. Sending off for (and paying for) new laces is a bit of a fag. I'd have thought Giro could have devised a system where you just cut the laces shorter and tie the ends together, the knot being hidden inside the plastic coupler... but what do I know?

Anyway, that small gripe apart, the system works well and all of the different elements are quickly and easily replaceable if they get damaged or wear out.

Putting the closure system to one side, these are already very good shoes. You get an Easton EC90 SLX2 carbon fibre outsole that I couldn't bend or twist despite my best efforts, and a heel pad that's replaceable if you ever wear it out.

The upper is made from Premium Evofiber SL breathable Teijin microfibre. It's one piece – so there are no seams to annoy you – and very supple. It's also simple to clean with a damp cloth. Bish bash bosh and it's as good as new.

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The heel and the area surrounding the foot opening are lightly padded and I didn't feel any particular pressure there, and the same is true of the tongue.

The X-Static Supernatural insole comes with adjustable arch support. You just select the pad that best suits your foot shape. This has a big effect on comfort.

All in all, these are excellent shoes. I guess some people aren't going to like the busy looks of the multi-system closure while other people are going to love them. That'll just come down to taste.

In terms of function, I've found them to be superb. For me the only real sticking point is the price. You can't get around the fact that £290 is a lot to spend on a pair of cycling shoes, although many other brands price their top-end shoes similarly. If you don't want to spend that much, Giro is also offering the Sentrie and its female counterpart the Raes at £199.99. A snip! These use the same Techlace closure system but they're made with lower level materials and parts.

Verdict

Excellent road shoes that are lightweight, comfortable and easy to adjust on the fly