Lazyass

was looking at shoes and came across some Giro Republic R Knit shoes. Then I read a review and I guess it's the new thing in the running world? Anyone have these kinds of shoes?

https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear...cycling-shoes/

Cross Creek

I guess it makes some kind of hipster sense to go from sock-free runners to knit runners, lol... Actually, i've seen the ads, and am also interested in what early adopters have to say about them.

Lazyass

I'm mainly interested in the ventilation. I deal with humidity from hell where I live.

fietsbob

.... rather than sandals? maybe chainmail ?

coupster

No way. Its almost sandals season. Yay. Let my little piggies breathe.

Jon T

I wouldn't be caught dead in those.
Jon

Lazyass

I wouldn't be using them off road. Supposedly the whole knit surface ventilates. I don't expect anyone to have these, but if knit running shoes are happening them maybe some had tried those.

And I'm not interested in opinions about looks. When it's 95 degrees and 90% humidity I couldn't care less about appearance.

Bandera

Shoelaces on a "cycling" shoe?
It's not 1968 anymore.

-Bandera

ddub

I have the Empire knit model. I quite like them so far. Haven't had to use laces for years but they really aren't an issue. I sweat heavily so any extra ventilation is a plus. Couple of 50-60 mi rides and never even noticed them so I believe that is a positive sign. Hipster? Not a my age but I'm not worried. Maybe the hipsters will talk to me.

TimothyH

I question the design of the gravel version.

High top shoes are not going to work in hot, deep south summers.

A knit fabric is going to get clogged with dust and/or mud. If they are not washable, or able to be rinsed like a leather or other hard shell material then they are a non-starter.


-Tim-

WNCGoater

I've got a pair of Shimano shoes that has laces. But you don't tie them, there is a little cinch clip/slide thing, and then like the ones shown, there is an elastic band to tuck it in. They look like sneakers and are very comfortable. But I wear a more traditional road-looking shoe for 80% of my riding.

Lazyass

Thanks. I'm looking at the Republic model. I have some leather Republic LX's and they're great but don't get much airflow.

Bandera

I'm sure that little "little cinch clip/slide thing" is totally reliable and laces would never get caught and jammed-up on the chain-ring as certainly did happen in old fashioned laces days.
Nothing like faux retro-style, although a mesh upper that is actually well designed for cycling shoe use w/ Boa fasteners: Sure.

-Bandera

Sy Reene

You should try clipless pedals. Then your feet and laces wouldn't be sliding and jumping anywhere close to the chainrings.

Lazyass

I'm not sure why you're participating in this thread. Nobody asked for your opinion on laces. Which happen to be re-entering the pro peloton. It's irrelevant to the topic.

-Lazyass

02Giant 

Interesting concept. The breath-ability aspect is appealing. I ride early as the sun is coming up, 90% + humidity is common.

Bandera

If you post about a shoe expect comments about design elements both negative and positive of said shoe to result.
""Irrelevant"? It's a shoe with laces.

-Bandera

igorek

Knit shoes or sneakers are fantastic, very breathable and very light, perfect for the summers.

Lazyass

I started the thread and specifically asked about the material of the shoe, not the retention system. Or the looks. The knit material. That's it. I've had cycling shoes with laces for 31 years. There's nothing about them you can educate me on.

rollagain

I'm wondering if the knit material would be much different than the breathable mesh stuff that a lot of sport shoes are made with now. Probably more flexible.

canklecat

Looks good to me. If they're stiff enough to minimize stretching when pulling up, and can resist coming apart from the soles.

I have no problem with laces. In fact I'd prefer them unless the alternatives offer at least four straps or closures rather than the usual three. I have really weird and picky feet -- very narrow with high arches, and too much pressure on the wrong part of the top of my feet can cut off circulation to my toes.

With my laced low top hiking shoes I have an elaborate lacing system that enables me to individually cinch down or loosen specific places to suit myself. It's a PITA to set up at first but works really well once it's done. Gives me just the right amount of snugness where it's needed without unnecessary tightness where it can interfere with circulation or cause pressure sores.

With my Scott Road Pro clipless shoes and three straps I'm often fiddling with strap tension while riding. I could avoid that with an additional strap or laces.

Road Fan

indyfabz

The Carnac LeMond model had laces and were produced at least in as late as the 90s. IIRC, he insisted that they be made with laces in return for the use of his name. They also had a non-laces closure system that covered the laces. The combination allowed one to fine tune the fit.

My PI touring shoes have laces. Wouldn't have it any other way.

What's old is new again:

High Performance Giro Cycling Shoes for Road & Dirt

SquidPuppet

Where are you in NC? I'm from the west coast and about 20 years ago I spent a week vacationing on Emerald Isle. I can't see how you could ride a bike in that humidity. I have traveled somewhat extensively, and what I experienced in NC was far more brutal than anywhere else I've ever been. Just crushing, really. I love hot weather, but I like dry desert heat.

I can't say anything about those particular shoes, but I've had boating shoes that had similar uppers. The ventilation benefits were very real, and significant at high temps.

Lazyass

I'm in what's called the Sandhills, about 80 miles east of Charlotte right on the SC border. The humidity is a killer, your sunglasses fog up when you go outside at sunrise. But during the summer I ride in the mornings when the humidity is max because of the cooler temps.

I lived in El Paso and I also like the dry heat. But the roads there had so much junk on them from the winds blowing stuff in from the desert that I would get a puncture about every ride. My last flat here was four years ago and I ride almost everyday.