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Submitted by
cherub
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2010 | | Favorite Trail: | Australia | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Strengths: | All black was a good colour choice for MTB trails. Fit well. Good for narrow feet. | | Weaknesses: | Soles failed catastrophically over a distance of 5km and not on a rough trail either. Compound between the sole and the rest of the shoe upper crumbled away leaving the sole with nothing to adhere to. I sincerely hope that NW have changed their shoe raw materials. | | Similar Products Used: | first pair of MTB shoes | | Bike Setup: | Kona hardtail standard, no frills. | | Bottom Line: | Sad to say that my first pair of MTB shoes have failed dismally. I have really looked after these shoes and not mistreated them. They are now 4.5yrs old but still in mint condition except for the sole failure. Problem appears to be the breakdown of the rubber compound between the upper and the sole. Definitely not due to rough treatment and only 1000km of use. Storage indoors and away from chemicals, sun & moisture. Unlike other reviews above, the first response from local distributor seems positive. Given that I've had them for 5 years, I don't really expect to get anything out of it but THESE SHOES SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED SO CATASTROPHICALLY. DEFINITELY A QUALITY FAULT. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
robin D
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Nice fit,Euro looks if you like that sort of thing | | Weaknesses: | Self destructing | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano,answer | | Bike Setup: | Reynolds 853 cyclocross and road bikes,Ti hardtail | | Bottom Line: | My third pair just fell apart,I have complained to the company,no response..Garbage | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taneli
a Cross Country Rider
from Tübingen, Germany
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in the Schwäbische Alb region. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Sierra Trading Post | | Strengths: | IF you close your eyes you won't notice how damn ugly they are! | | Weaknesses: | Soles WILL fall off. Too narrow. | | Similar Products Used: | None, but but now I am looking for a new pair, definitely not Northwaves. | | Bike Setup: | Dual Susp. KHS, disc brakes... | | Bottom Line: | I bought these rip off shoes on a closeout from STP, thank god I did not pay the real price. The sole on my right shoe is now halfway detatched, read through some of the other review for Northwave here: THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM. If your feet are as skinny as toothpicks then these P.O.S. might at least be comfortable.
Overpriced, about as durable as a pair of "Payless Shoe Source" shoes. Please do not buy them!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stefan Merchant
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Strengths: | Excellent fit for my foot. Good quality materials. | | Weaknesses: | Poor quality glue and construction techniques. The colours. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized shoes(Don't know the model name) | | Bottom Line: | The right shoe lasted 22 minutes. The right another five minutes. Both soles came completely unglued from the uppers. It was a muddy day and the shoes were definitely wet but isn't that part of mountain biking. I couldn't believe the shoes crapped out so quickly. The soles were not fixed to the upper with anything except glue. No stitching or nails. I find that unbelievable. I would also note that my SPDs were set very loose and I wasn't bunny hopping or submitting the shoe to anything extreme. Had only one shoe failed I would have thought it was a fluke but both shoes at almost the same time makes me think unbeliavably bad design and construction quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Hosmanek
a Racer
from Springfield
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | berryman | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | jensonusa.com | | Strengths: | they might last 6 months or so before they take a dump | | Weaknesses: | velcro doesn't stay tight, Velcro straps come apart, sole seperates, insoles are paper thin. | | Similar Products Used: | nothing is this crappy | | Bottom Line: | After a muddy race (Lots of running up hills) I put on my shoes and they felt like flip-flops. "What the heck," I noticed that the sole on the right foot had separated. I accepted this and had them glued at a shoe repair shop. Then a few weeks later my left sole separated from the mesh uppers. Had that one glued at the shoe shop. After another few weeks the right shoe separated again. This time I glued it and put a screw through the heel and used lock tight on a nut on the bottom. This finally worked. While shopping for new shoes I was comparing these and found a crack in the sole of the right foot where the cleat is. I had to tighten the Velcro straps 5 or 6 times during rides because they wouldn't stay tight. Right where the strap bends around the metal loop is where it is glued together; I have re-glued this spot on both shoes at least twice and stapled the left one to finally fix the problem. The paper-thin insoles made my feet go numb because my big toe would hang off of the insole. I put some padding under my big toe, this worked for a few weeks. I finally fixed the problem by stealing some thicker insoles from my other mtb shoes. Its not just me, a friend of mine had the same problem with the soles and he was using epoxy. I met another racer who had the same prob and he said that Northwave basically told him that he was S.O.L.
THESE SHOES ARE HORRIBLE PIECES OF MONKEY SHIOT
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jupp
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore, via Germany
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Just happy if it's not paved | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Cannondale Asia | | Strengths: | good fit
stiffness | | Weaknesses: | quality (if they fall apart in mid-ride, I guess that's a weakness)
tacky colors
upper velcro straps close toward the inside of the shoe and easily catch on crank | | Similar Products Used: | Sidi | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F4000 w/ Lefty ELO, XTR drivetrain, Magura Louise, Ritchey pedals | | Bottom Line: | Bought these shoes less than a year ago at the local Cannondale distributor, who didn't offer a lot of choice for Size 12.5 (always a problem in Asia) and recommended the Northwaves. The wacky coloring wasn't really for me, but the shoes fit nicely and were as stiff as I wanted them. So I went ahead with the purchase, which I most definetely wouldn't have done had I first consulted this forum.
Just this last weekend (after only a couple of hundred miles with the shoes) during a ride through the woods I too got to "enjoy" the quality of these shoes: BOTH soles gave way at the same time. They literally peeled off from the heel and were only held in place by the cleats. I did't notice while on the bike, but when I had to get off and jumped in some mud I noticed my feet get very wet very suddenly, and then I saw what had happened.
Before I went to nag at the dealer I checked the forum and, yeah, I guess I should have done that earlier. At least Cannondale didn't make much of a fuss. The fact that they only had one last pair of Northwaves on the shelf tells it all. I got the equivalent of an $80 credit voucher, which I think is fair considering I didn't have too much to complain about the shoes before they fell apart.
Bottom line is that while the shoes most certainly had a quality problem, and (judging by some of the other postings here) Northwave apparently fails to stand behind their product, Cannondale Asia picked up the tab without me even having to argue.
My advice would be to avoid these shoes definitely, and perhaps even Northwave products generally, at least unless they get a grip on their attitude. Anyway, I'm back to Sidi and got myself a pair of Bullets now. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Racer
from Chester
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | betwys-y-coed | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | lifestyle centre | | Strengths: | colours, style, comfort | | Weaknesses: | insoles | | Similar Products Used: | answer accelerator | | Bike Setup: | hardtail | | Bottom Line: | Used these shoes for just over 2.5 years. Very comfortable and have had no issues with them whatsoever. Soles arestill in place ad no signs of loose stiching. Would recommend them to anyone who races XC.
Not really suitsble for heavy trailriding as they have no scuff protection.
Plastic heel cup alows excellent foot retention for efficiency. Soles are stiff but allow some flex to aid walking. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Racer
from New Mexico
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Overall fit, closure system | | Weaknesses: | goodluck in keeping them together | | Similar Products Used: | Nike, Sidi | | Bike Setup: | painted frame, overpriced components, steering wheel, 2 wheels. | | Bottom Line: | Perfect fit for the narrowly challenged, however, the piper must be paid in the form of duct tape, highly toxic epoxy glue, and roofing nails, yes, my soles have nails running through them. Now they are separating from the side seam. I didn't even try the "famous" customer support. I leave you with one word: SIDI. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl Boni
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | CO Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | STP | | Strengths: | Great fit | | Weaknesses: | Poor Quality, lack of warranty support | | Similar Products Used: | Pearl Izumi, Sidi, Shimano | | Bottom Line: | Wow, I thought my situation would be unique...apparently not. Used these for only ~300 miles, loved them, then the right sole peeled at Fruita. Okay, duct tape at camp, keep riding. Then, left sole delams, too. Still liked the shoes, tried to contact Northwave for warranty. Their website has no contact info--coming soon for 3 months now! Nice way to duck customers.
Finally get a hold of the local rep, he agrees it is an obvious quality problem, but they will not take back, no way, no how, without a receipt, even though he agrees they are hardly used.
I don't have it anymore of course. Glad I didn't waste full price on those pieces of s*$#!
Now, I ride P/I Vortex and am totally happy with them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Racer
from Suffield, Ct
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | fast singletrack with jumps | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | State line cycles | | Strengths: | Very comfortable, breathable, very stiff, lightweight, did i mention theyre really comfy, and the color scheme can grow on you | | Weaknesses: | None that i have found | | Similar Products Used: | Pearl izumi vapor, some diadora and simano clipless too | | Bike Setup: | Time ATAC pedals, bunch of other stuff | | Bottom Line: | i really like these shoes, unlike some of our other testers who may have had some issues with the sole i find that they do pretty much everything well, they have a great fit and feel, and when im clipped in the soles are so perfect. love them. buy them. Im just glad i got a discount | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Racer
from CO
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Strengths: | light, cool, stiff | | Weaknesses: | sole fell off yesterday while riding. | | Bottom Line: | Unbelievable! I'll let you know how awful the warranty experience is, but so far I've contacted the U.S. distributor and the local rep, so we'll see what happens. I have friends who swear by NW shoes, so maybe it's just mine, but I still can't believe that the sole falls off of a pair of $210 shoes in six months. Oh, and it was six months of the offseason, which was some commuting, road riding, and the occaisional trail ride. No warning signs, either, I was cranking up a hill and felt something weird inj my right foot. sure enough, the sole fell off. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | They go great with a Ronald McDonald halloween costume (the red and yellow ones at least) | | Weaknesses: | Soles delaminate from the shoes after little use. Dismal customer service and a hideous farce of a warranty policy. | | Similar Products Used: | Sidi Dominators | | Bike Setup: | Easton frame, Manitou Mars Elite, Time ATAC, Truvativ Stylo Team cranks, SRAM 9.0 and best of all its SHIMANO FREE!!! | | Bottom Line: | I have used my Northwaves less than twenty times and the soles are delaminating. I contacted Northwave regarding warranty and they refused to stand behind their product. As I work in the bicycle industry and have worked in warranty departments before I find Northwave's warranty policy, customer service, and products to be inexcusable. Looking through the other postings here my problems with both my shoes and Northwave the company seem very common. Adding insult to injury is the high price of their products...even at employee purchase. Does all Northwave's money go into marketing and paying nubile women to pose with Cipollini? How about spending some of that on R&D to make a product that could make it through at least a few months of use?
I had a pair of Sidi Dominators for 4 years of mountain bike racing and cyclocross, and beyond replacing the buckles they were still going strong. I would give my Northwaves to my dog as a chew toy, but he deserves better.
Bottom line: a)buy anything but these shoes b)MTBr should add a "zero flaming chili" rating for products like these. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gregg Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago IL
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Village Cycle | | Strengths: | Nice fit, heel cup is super | | Weaknesses: | Don't like not being able to replace the cleat plate if something happens to it. | | Similar Products Used: | Nike, Adiddas | | Bike Setup: | Now, 2002 Giant XTC SE2, Kona Lave Dome before | | Bottom Line: | I got these on sale, and would never have paid the suggested retail ($200.00) for them. Nice shoes...but not THAT nice. They fit well, and as long as you aren't abusing them they seem to hold up well. The appearance? Well looking like a refugee from McDonald's isn't that bad is it? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoff
a Cross Country Rider
from Idaho
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the one where my shoe does not fall apart | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$95.00 | | Purchased At: | Jensonusa.com | | Strengths: | Stiff, comfortable, good soles | | Weaknesses: | The fact that they are total crap. Poor workmanship and total lack of quality. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized El Gato comp | | Bike Setup: | Gunnar Rock Hound | | Bottom Line: | Remember the old addage - you get what you pay for. I bought the team steaths last winter on sale for $95 from Jensonusa.com. I guess that the regular price of these shoes was $210. Why, I have no idea, but I feel sorry for anyone who paid full price for these pieces of sh*t. In less than a season of riding. they have had to be repaired 3 different times. The last time, I'm on a long ride in the middle of nowhere and the right sole completely delaminated from the rest of the shoe. Hint - if you buy these or if you own a pair, make sure that you keep a roll of electrical tape with you on every ride! Northwaves are OK roadie shoes, but go with Sidi for MTB shoes. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Striker
a Cross Country Rider
from MA
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | stiff, fit, comfortable, color scheme, grippy sole | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bottom Line: | These are great shoes. They are stiff, fit well, and are comfy to the point where I'd wear them all the time. Some people hate the alternating color scheme, I use to, but after the dozens of compliments, I decided it wasn't so bad after all. Also, the sole is grippy and they have held up perfectly. I have had no durability issues and can't understand how anyone could find two velcro straps hard to use. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
n
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Fit, Fit, Fit | | Weaknesses: | Ugly!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Nike, Performance | | Bike Setup: | Ibis Mojo | | Bottom Line: | The northwave team shoes are wonderful. I have been riding in them for over a year without any problems. The fit is the best of any cycling shoe I have ever tried, and I have tried on just about every brand available. The only thing I have found wrong with them is the Ronald McDonald color scheme. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Timothy Case
a Racer
from St. Paul, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Afton Alps | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$189.00 | | Purchased At: | Sport Hut | | Strengths: | Nice, secure fit. | | Weaknesses: | The shoe plate cracked right behind where the spd cleats attach to the shoe. | | Similar Products Used: | Compact 3V (same problem with these) | | Bike Setup: | S-Works | | Bottom Line: | DO NOT BUY NORTHWAVE SHOES - their warranty process is attrocious and negligent and they treat you (the consumer) like dirt. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marty
a Racer
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | heel cup | | Weaknesses: | mismatched colors
sole delaminates at toe | | Similar Products Used: | sidi, lake, nike | | Bottom Line: | I love the fit of these shoes. The toe delaminated after a season on the trail so I made them my commute shoe. After three years of daily use the velcro finally gave out. I bought a second pair for trail use and the toe also delaminated on them (left shoe both times). The velcro only straps are a bit of an issue in the mud since they tend to come undone. All the same, I use and abuse these shoes more than any of my others so I am looking for a deal on another pair. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, Wa
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | fast singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$170.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | Stiff, Light, & Comfortable | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Sidi | | Bike Setup: | Trek 6500 | | Bottom Line: | I commute every day to train and these shoes have been a life saver! Previously I had a pair of Nike Ngubas for 5 years. They worked, but were too soft. The best thing about these shoes is their stiffness. The rigid center piece with the velcro straps locks your foot to the soles. The plastic formed heel cups fits snugly & prevents slippage.
I am very surprised at some of the trouble some people have had, these are the best shoes I have ever worn! I tried the Sidi Dominators, but they were too narrow and the leather was not stiff enough. They are well worth the money if you want a good stiff shoe, you can truely feel connected to your bike.
Best of all is the alternating colors! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | Colorado Cyclist | | Strengths: | Durability
Stiffness
Dual Retention (laces and velcro)
Colors
| | Weaknesses: | None, really | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz with Kooka Cranks and Corratec Ti SPD's | | Bottom Line: | I actually have the Compact (not the Super Compact or the Team). The dual retention laces and velcro are nice. The soles are grippy on the wet stuff and very durable. The toe spikes did wear down quickly and one fell off, but I don't think they were really doing anything. No cleat interference with my Corratec Ti SPD pedals (great pedals by the way). I have ridden these for over a year 3 or 4 times a week every week in very wet and dry conditions and they have held up great. I recommend these to everybody. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Calgary, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Strengths: | -stiff
-light
-cool | | Weaknesses: | -cost
| | Bottom Line: | These shoes cost a lot of money, but in my opinion these are the best shoes out there (for my feet anyways). The sole of the shoe is lasting very well and the uppers are showing no signs of delaminating. The shoe itself grips my foot and keeps it cool on those hot summer rides. My only complaint is that all but one of the toe cleats has snapped off. Not a big deal, but for that kind of money you would expect a little bit more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, Tx
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$109.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Italian fit, breathability, durability, fairly stiff | | Weaknesses: | Contrasting gaudy colors from left to right shoe are an eyesore | | Similar Products Used: | Nike Yuha | | Bike Setup: | Klein Pulse, Time ATAC pedals | | Bottom Line: | I haven't had the same problems as the others, my shoes have been very tough and they fit like good Italian shoes should (unlike my Nike Yuhas, which have hot spots). They work just fine with Time ATAC pedals, no tread shaving is required. I tried to reach Northwave once on their website regarding toe spikes, got no replies, and reviews below seem to confirm my suspicions that there is no customer service/support. Still, I can't complain about my shoes, they've done the job well and I got them for just a little over a hundred bucks at Supergo. And I've gotten used to people making fun of my shoes not matching. Bottom line is they work well for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Bennett
a Racer
from Ottawa, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | n/a | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | n/a | | Strengths: | see my reviews below | | Weaknesses: | see my reviews below | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Sidi, Answer, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Seven Ti Sola | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up to my previous reviews. I'm happy to write that the Canadian distributor (OGC) and Northwave have finally warrantied my Team MTBs with a new pair of Super Compacts.
OGC tried to repair the delaminated shoe, but after only a couple days of riding, the repair began to fail. I e-mailed OGC about the failed repair and they agreed to finally honour my warrany with a new pair of shoes. I met the OGC guys at the Worlds Masters Championships this weekend at Bromont, QC and exchanged my damaged shoes for a new pair. I'm not holding my breathe about the reliability of these new shoes though.
Although my warranty issue has finally been resolved, it took over 5 months to do so! Since I race, and OGC had my shoes for 5 months, I was forced to buy another pair of shoes in order to race/ride. This expense and inconvienence is unacceptable with a $200 pair of shoes. As such, I will never, ever buy another pair of Northwave shoes.
Ride Hard,
Mike B. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake
a Cross Country Rider
from LaSalle,Illinois
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Colorado Cyclist | | Strengths: | Great heel retention, light, cool colors | | Weaknesses: | Have to keep tightening, straps are complicated, cheap plastic | | Similar Products Used: | Sidi Dominator 2, Nike Yuha | | Bike Setup: | Manitou HT | | Bottom Line: | I have to keep readjusting the velcro straps to maintain secure fit. The plastic part that holds onto the straps busted on both shoes. I smothered both sides with epoxy to keep the straps in place just until I can buy the Sidi Dominators again. Sidi's have a very simple design and a ratcheting mechanism. That's what I would recommend. But the Northwave Compacts have that, too so they could be good. All I know is the the Teams aren't very good for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Bennett
a Racer
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | N/A | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | See my review below | | Weaknesses: | Very, very poor customer service and warranty | | Similar Products Used: | You name it (Answer, Shimano, Sidi, etc...) | | Bike Setup: | Seven Sola | | Bottom Line: | Do NOT buy Northwave shoes. They do not stand behind their products!
I only used my Team MTBs a couple months and the sole began to delaminate from the shoe. Unfortunately, because I used BeBop pedals which required removal of some of the lugs on the tread, Northwave is voiding my warranty! Yes, I fully admit I modified the tread of the shoe, but this in no way had any bearing on the delamination of the sole from the shoe. Northwave saw a loophole and took it.
Unfortunately, before my fiasco with Northwave started, I bought a pair of their Team Road shoes. Had I known the mess I'd be put through with warrantying my Team MTBs, I'd never have bought their road shoes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Bennett
a Racer
from Ottawa, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | - Cool looking...love that the right and left shoes are different colors
- Nice fit | | Weaknesses: | - Cost
- Delaminating sole
- Broken cleat retention plate
| | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Sidi, Answer, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Seven Ti Sola, Hope discs, Morati cranks, Z2 X-Fly, XTR... | | Bottom Line: | Although the Team MTB shoes are a cool looking shoe with the right and left being different colors, and they offer an excellent fit, the lack durability to justify their cost.
I used my shoes for 4 months and then the cleat retention plate cracked making it impossible to mount my ATAC cleats. Also, the sole had started to delaminate from the upper. The Northwave rep said that these would definitely be warrantied; however, they did not have any Team MTBs or any comparable shoes left in stock in my size and will not have any until next year. So, I guess I am SOL in getting any replacement Northwave shoes anytime soon. Fortunately, the distributor has offered to give my LBS a damage replacement receipt for any shoe I choose at the same price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Cross Country Rider
from The East Coast
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Fit, Fit, Fit
Light but stiff | | Weaknesses: | Ugly as sin | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Duegi, Sidi | | Bottom Line: | Reading the only other review of these shoes, I can only conclude that greg got a pair with a bad cleat plate. I'm surprised he didn't just return them to the shop he bought them at for a new pair. The shoes have a 2-year warranty.
Personally, I have had only good experiences. The shoes fit like shoes should, they're stiff enough for anybody short of a sumo wrestler, the heel cup is far better than anything else out there and the outsoles are great in soft dirt or mud.
The only downside is the color. Maybe it's my yankee nature, but I really have trouble with how ugly these suckers are. But then again, I don't look at my feet while riding, so no big deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross-Country Rider
from Calgary,Alberta
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
any singletrack | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
stiff,comfy,snazzy colors,Paulo Pezzo wears them. Evans wears em | | Weaknesses: |
if i find any I'l teel ya -- price mebbe | | Similar Products Used: |
Spec. Team Mtn., Lake MX300 | | Bike Setup: |
Spec. S-works M4, full XTR, SID SL, spec. cranks, etc. | | Bottom Line: | stiiff, sleek, cool colors, basically the best shoe on the market. Nuff said. you can't stand for anything less -- GO OUT AND BUY RIGHT NOW | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Slim
a racer
from Milwaukie OR
Date Reviewed: January 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
These shoes are the bomb. Comfortable, cool(temperature wise), and awesome looking. They seem to be holding up well through one season of racing. They kinda suck in the winter time though, they sure do flow alot of air. Mine are especially nice because they are signed by Steve Larsen.(caught him at a race in Bend) Highly recommended for the racer type. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg
a cross-country rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These shoes cost a small fortune. They fit well, are very light and have a stiff sole but..... after 3 weeks, the cleat mounting plate in the sole cracked. No problem, take it out and replace the plate with any Shimano one....wait...you can't take the plate out!!! There is no way to remove the plate from the sole. The insole is not removable and there is no cut out on the insole to remove either. How do you get the plate out to replace it??? Hack at the insole with an x-acto Knife. How could a shoe this expensive not have an easily accessable cleat mounting plate. MAJOR design flaw. Go buy NIKE. Oh, NORTHWAVE does not answer e-mail. That should tell you something. | | Overall Rating: |
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Bike Press Camp - See the latest 2011 bikes, parts and gear featuring Scott Sports, Cannondale, Mongoose, Fox, WTB and more»
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Sea Otter Classic - 2011 Product News & Info
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