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Which shoes


whiskers's picture

By whiskers - Posted on 26 August 2013

NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.

Looking at getting a pair of carbon sole shoes for the stiffness what's a good brand to spend me bonus on Smiling any suggestions tanks

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Rob's picture

Do you have fat... erm... wide feet? Eye-wink

I do, so went looking for something that was a little wider. It was a while back now, but when I was still racing bought a pair of Northwave carbon MTB shoes. I also have a pair of Gaerne carbon shoes for the road. Both these are very comfy am sure the stiffness really helps. When you are riding that is... there's nothing worse than blowing up in a marathon and having to walk hills in shoes that don't bend - bear that in mind Eye-wink

Of course, the pros will tell you Sidi is the brand to buy. I know loads of discerning riders who love their Sidi shoes, but I've never actually owned a pair.

I guess it depends if you want to take a punt on-line or not? Because if not, the choice really comes down to what your LBS(s) have.

Edit: Oh... of course we should probably ask, what are you wearing now? Is there something about your current brand that's stopping you from just moving up to a carbon pair from them?

GAZZA's picture

I love them but they are a little heavy compared to brands like Specialized although the new models have dropped quite a bit of weight.
They're also tough as hell and last ages.
If i wasn't wearing Sidi's i'd be wearing Spesh shoes probably.

Dicko's picture

If you can get the Specilalixed shoes with the BOA - light comfortable - if anything maybe they are a little cold in winter given how much ventalation they have.

If not specialized the SIDI's have come right down in weight and as
Gazza said are bomb proof.

Remember shoe weight is important - the amount of times your shoes goes round and round defintely adds to fatigue.

As Rob says, if you go carbon soles, make sure there is sme rubber traction tread or spikes available otherwise hike a bike sections become very difficult.

rp91's picture

Comfort is going to out weigh stiffness or weight on a long ride. Go with whatever fits best.
For me, specialized fit by far the best.

Discodan's picture

+1 for the s-works Boa's, I recently picked up two pairs (road and MTB) and they are the most comfortable shoes I've had and nice and light. I have average fit shoes and they suit me very nicely. Bastards to walk in though because of the stiff soles, I still use my Shimano's anytime there's going to be much walking

jp's picture

Bont Vaypor XC - extremely light and stiff, and a heelcup that really helps your upward pedal stroke. Fantastic shoes. I reckon I gained 10% power when I switched to them from Specialised.

Synjin's picture

I recently went for some Mavic Furys. After the first few rides bedding them in they have been excellent. Comfortable, light and very stiff. That being said I am not looking forward for C2C Day 1's walk section of Heartbreak hill Smiling

Oldernslower's picture

The Hill won't be as bad this year as the D100 ppl wont be going up it on the first lap whilst the D40 ppl will -

Back to topic - Spesh S-works - light and comfy - BUT I have narrow feet.

pharmaboy's picture

How come $10 worth of carbon ends up in a $100 price increase to a shoe?

Stiff shoes feel more efficient, Mtb shoes also need to be able to be walked in. Wider foot, I like specialized, shimano in one size further up - but more importantly, it has to be comfortable

Scottboy's picture

I have a size 44 you can try I think they are Louis Gaerne brand

Rob's picture

@Smiley... you may not have noticed, but the OP is in Perth Eye-wink

Please let's not get off topic about that either Eye-wink

GAZZA's picture

CARBON TAX!!!!!!!!!
Boom!

Fatboy's picture

I've had a couple of different Specialized shoes and swear by them. My top of the line bling carbon ones from about 5 years back won't die despite my best efforts and still feel like a pair of slippers. I have a wide foot and I recall they were uncomfortable for the first few months then seemed to stretch to suit my feet and have been gold ever since.

I currently use Sidi Dragon 3 and had the same problem where they are a bit tight in the back half of an enduro as my feet swell but unlike the Specialized they haven't stretched so I endure a little discomfort. The plastic/neoprene screw on bits on the base have not worn at all well and make the shoes look a lot older than what they are.

Next time I'd go back to specialized.

Synjin's picture

Thanks for the info Oldernslower as that is relevant to doing Dwelli for the first time this year but I was referring to Cape to Cape re; hike a bike Sticking out tongue

whiskers's picture

I have regular width feet but own a pair of sidi s-pro 43 keep forgetting spesh makes shoes I'll have a look at em my sidi should last but it's good to have a spare set just in case you get caught in a down pour or worse they break

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