Whether you're a dedicated racer looking to shave a few grams from your kit, or simply appreciate a classic look on your Sunday pootle, the current trend for laces in cycling footwear has something for you.
We take a look at seven of the best lace-up cycling shoes out there. Got a favourite? Vote with your feet...
Vittoria Lorica 1976
The Lorica 1976 is a reboot (sorry) of the original Vittoria 1976 shoe by the Vittoria shoe company. Updated for the needs of the modern-day road cyclist, the Lorica is SPD compatible via a recess in the rubber sole - so you can look just as graceful on dry land as on the bike.
The shoe's uppers are vegan friendly, say Lorica - just as well, as they look almost good enough to eat.
£139 from alwaysriding.co.uk
Specialized S-Works Sub6
As well as offering classic looks, laced shoes can yield a weight saving over newer closure mechanisms. Take the new S-Works Sub6 shoes for example, which weigh in at a claimed 170g each. Specialized also claim an aero benefit that could, they say, save you 35 seconds over 40km - opening the intriguing possibility of actually travelling back in time over a long sportive.
The Sub6 hasn't been released yet so testing those claims will have to wait. All we know at present is that the shoes feature a slightly roomier toe box than previous Specialized road shoes, and a stiff but lighter sole.
On looks alone, we think these will be popular when they hit the shelves later this year.
£TBC, www.specialized.com
Bontrager Classique
"Classic styling and details are intelligently tempered with modern features for the ultimate comfortable and stylish cycling shoe," say Bontrager about their Classique lace-up.
Those modern features include a 12k weave carbon/fiberglass sole, microfiber upper, and a stiffness index of 12.
We don't know what the stiffness index is either, and it's probably best not to research that at work. Instead, admire the retro styling and decide which of the four lace colours you'd choose: black, red, white, or bleu.
Bontrager also do some matching leather cycling mitts as well, if you want to complete the look.
£199.99 from tritoncycles.co.uk
Dromarti Race
Perhaps the quintessential classic leather cycling shoe, the Race sits alongside the Sportivo as one of two lustworthy models from Italian cobblers extraordinaire, Dromarti.
Featuring standard 3-hole cleat fixing and hand-made from the finest leather, Dromarti claim its shoes uniquely mould to your individual footprint, "giving you the 'ultimate fit' that maximises both power and comfort."
But more importantly, they look absolutely stunning.
£223.70 from dromarti.com
Read our review of the Dromarti Race Classic...
Rocket7 Superlite
If Sonic the Hedgehog was into cycling we reckon the Superlite from Rocket7 would be his shoe of choice.
Based in Erie, Colorado, Rocket7 have been churning out custom lace-ups since before it was fashionable. The carbon-soled Superlite is their latest and lightest offering; weighing in at just 145g for a size 42 they are possibly the airiest shoes out there.
Not only that but Rocket7 shoes are genuinely custom made to fit your foot. When you place your order you'll receive a moulding kit in the post: mail back the impression of your foot back to Rocket7, and they'll get to work creating your custom-made footbed.
The personalisation doesn't stop there. "We can add any bells and whistles you want for a minor upcharge", promise Rocket7, and their website showcases a dizzying array of custom colours and design options (albeit sadly short of actual bells and whistles).
Worldwide shipping is available, with pricing for a custom shoe starting at $725 (£465).
Quoc Pham Urbanite Low
We're fans of Quoc Pham here, ever since reviewing the Fixed - a flat-soled leather lace-up. But for gadding about town, the Urbanite Low looks a practical and stylish choice.
Featuring genuine leather uppers, the Urbanites feature a reflective heel strip and recessed SPD fixings making them ideal for touring or commuting, while a hardened midsole and elasticated shoelace catch offer performance and practicality all in the same elegant package.
£169 from quocpham.com
Read our review of the Quoc Night cycling shoe...
Giro Empire SLX
When Giro created a one-off custom lace-up for US pro Taylor Phinney a couple of years back, word (and pictures) soon leaked. Public demand for the shoe was so great that Giro were obliged to release it on the market. The result was the Empire and, with endorsement from pros including Sir Bradley Wiggins, Giro's retro-looking shoes sold like hotcakes.
The Empire SLX is an updated version for 2015, featuring significant weight reductions (claimed 175g per shoe) and a refreshed colour scheme including this zesty version in "anodized glowing red".
Featuring an Easton EC90 SLX2 high-modulus outsole, replaceable heel pads, full titanium hardware and Giro's adjustable SuperNatural Fit Kit, Giro say these are "full-featured shoes built to win, and built to last."
For a shoe that combines classic looks with cutting-edge materials and pro-level performance, the Giro Empire SLX is hard to beat.
£237.49 from sigmasport.co.uk
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