Giro Prolight SLX II Shoes Matte Black/Gloss White, 48.0

It wasn't so long ago that Giro made helmets -- and just helmets. In the past few years, though, Giro shoes have become a mainstay at just about every race, from Grand Tours to outlaw CX races. The Prolight SLX II Shoes you see here lean toward that Grand Tour category. In addition to being incredibly light (just 410g per pair), they're also designed with the needs of the big-race rider in mind. Rather than adorn these shoes with the latest micro-adjusting buckle or cable retention system, Giro opted for the hook-and-loop strap. Why' Because crashes can break buckles, and if you need to chase back to the peloton, it's going to be a lot harder with a loose shoe. Underneath the microfiber uppers is Giro's EC90 SLX ACC sole. In addition to being phenomenally stiff, it also boasts a low, 6. 5mm stack height, which ultimately means less material between the shoe and the pedal to rob you of watts. Included in this package, as well, is Giro's SuperNatural Fit Kit, which likely needs no introduction. An insole system that includes three different arch height inserts, these are the key to getting the best fit out of any shoe we try.