Sole: Innersole made of Diapan Fiber® and Politech® dual components featuring a diversified rigidity. Sole track made of vulcanised high resistance Duratech® rubber.
Material: Lorica®, synthetic wear-proof and resinated polyester fibre with wide transpiration Mesh® panels. Reflecting inserts.
Closure: A micrometric multiple-pitch lever with two self-locking Tech Stopper® tie rods. Lever support plates made of Politech® and E.V.A. shock-proof inserts.
Heel: Containing cupping made of dual-density Politech® and a carbon insert.
Support: Anatomic and removable made of E.V.A. and Cambrelle® with forced aeration and micro-perforated holes.
Submitted by
sprksthrsc
a Downhiller
from Nassau, NY
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2010
Strengths: Indescribable
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I don't bike, really. I managed to find these shoes on ebay and got'em for a steal, thinking that they were running shoes. Not only do they look good, but even if you are a runner, they get the job done, and get it done well. Superb fit, and a grip that just seems to make your pace faster. You'd be a fool not to get these.
Submitted by
Shoe Ultimate
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, OL, USA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2009
Strengths: Looks and feels the way it fits - superb.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
This is a shoe that seems to have a secret energy transfer technology that kick's ass. The shoes conformed to my feet and gave me a sense that all the energy I put into my feet was transferred directly into my bike. They seemed to meld me to the bike. Yes, they were a little stiff, but that seem to be what was needed to make the connection to the bike.
Strengths: It was cheap! :o) Nice stiff sole for good power transfer Quite a long thin shoe that fits my long skinny feet, and the rachets make it easy to get a firm comfortable fit.
Weaknesses: None that I've found, but then again I'm throwing myself down rocky mountains on my bike.
Bottom Line:
I wanted a pair of slightly stiffer soled shoes to use with my commuter road bike that has mountian-style pedals attached. This pair of "New old-stock" 1997 Kava's came up in a clear out at one of the big bike store chain and I jumped at the opportunity - at the price it was pretty hard to go wrong!
I note that most of the complaints about the Kava's have been that they are too narrow and pinch people's feet. I usually have the opposite problem with my forefoot swimming in any shoe that is long enough for me, as I have ridiculously long thin feet. The Kava's are a great fit, and the rachet system is superb - I wish more manufacturers used it. I may change my mind if and when one of them breaks, but for now they're terrific.
Submitted by
shredbetty
a Cross Country Rider
from sacramento, ca
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2004
Strengths: stiff sole, gripping tread, and excellent fit especially secure feeling around heel and arch for maximal spin and power transfer to pedals
Weaknesses: hook&loop closures a bit worn after a while, but still hold straps well; really nothing to complain about
Bottom Line:
Excellent shoe, comfort and performance, good value, fun riding -- not much more to say about it, really; except that you shouldn't buy a shoe that doesn't fit your feet... too many people complain about narrow fit or pointy toes, or what have you. Try them on and find the shoe that fits your foot. Different manufacturers use different lasts and architecture. Don't whine when you can't ride more than 10 miles in a shoe that doesn't fit right, and don't blame the shoe either. And of course, when you find the right shoe, you'll know it by the comfort and strength you find for those long long climbs and those long long slogs through the mud, sand, and over rock.
These shoes, I think, give plenty of room in the toe, the shoe fits nice and long through the midsection and has good arch support. As a woman, I only wear men's shoes (they're more plentiful and generally fit better). Also I have a fairly broad front foot with high instep and these fit wonderfully. The heal cup also snugs the foot into the shoe well. The three strap closure allows considerable adjustment for narrower or wider feet and higher or lower insteps. If you're looking for a solid, stiff shoe with good traction when necessary, and for a shoe that will last quite a while, then these are worth looking for and if they feel right, buying!
Strengths: Everything-Stiff sole (you can pedal so much faster), good ratcheting device, great 2nd and 3rd tech straps, great on the feet, surprisingly easy to walk in for a stiff soled race shoe, very comfortable, light, good looks, great sole, lots of technology put in this shoe
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
These are the best shoes on the market. I have never tried sidi's but have heard they are very comfortable but lack a race worthy stiff sole. These Diadora's are very, very comfortable and have a very stiff sole for excellent power transfer, you can fly with these shoes. Although i have never tried sidi's i would say it would be hard to beat these diadora's. Even if the performance was the same i would still get these due to the radical look and to have something different - everybody has sidi's.
Shoes are tough, easy to break in, and exceptionally comfortable. As a woman, I wear the men's version which fits perfectly (narrower footbed) and feels great. In fact, my teammates also use the same shoe and we've all loved it. In my state, summer racing is heatstroke central, yet compared to other synthetic leather shoes, these are cool, airy, and quick drying. They go through the washing machine, take a beating, and never fail. I've raced endlessley in them for over a year and they still look new (and feel new too) when washed. Only one mishap, a heavier guy who rides in them had problems with the toe studs ripping loose. I'd recommend them to anyone under 180 lbs. Along with the superhero color scheme, these shoes are your friend!
I was a little worried about fit when I ordered them. Pressure points?, I wasn't sure. So I took them out for a test ride on the road, pinch flatted about 3 miles out, and took a shortcut through the woods back. I had to run the whole way back to keep the mosquitoes at bay. Needless to say they were (well) broken in by the time I got back to the truck. One year later, after training for and riding in 9 Wors races the shoes are still in great shape and just as comfortable. 5 hot cobs for these ones.
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Macomb Twp, MI
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2001
Strengths: Comfort (they're shoes, if they don't feel comfortable, DONT buy em) Subdued looks (mine are black and grey, not the flashy red in the pic. above)
Weaknesses: Buckles: seem somewhat flimsy but no problems yet. Width: I have what I believe is a relatively "normal" width foot but I am not able to feed in more than a couple notches from the straps into the ratcheting buckles or my feet go numb (may be a personal problem because my hands fall asleep while riding too....and im fairly certain that is NOT caused by my shoes... haha)
Bottom Line:
I'm glad I went with a "higher end" shoe for my first set of shoes. They fit like a glove (read above comments) and are very comfy to ride in so long as I don't try to crank 'em too tight. The shoes are stiff, as they are SUPPOSED to be, so walking in them isn't the best..... I guess that's why they're biking shoes not hiking shoes though. At least now, if I think I'm having an "energy transfer" problem, I KNOW it's cuz I'm just not supplying enough energy. Great shoes, buy 'em if they fit ya.
Submitted by
Keith
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene, OR
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001
Strengths: Fit, style, stiffness
Weaknesses: Minor hot spots initially
Bottom Line:
Good shoe. Initially it's not as comfortable as my old SIDI's (few shoes are), but give me a few more rides and I'll post another review in a few months. So far no complaints. The hot spots are around the buckles and I suspect that as I get more looooong rides in the shoes will stretch a bit and become more comfortable. Luckily the hot spots have not resulted in blisters. I too had to order my shoes a size larger than you'd normally order and it made all the difference in the world. The soles are mega stiff and that's what I like. I'm a relatively big rider (pushing 200lbs.) and I like it when I can get all my weight into a pedal stroke. Walking is a little uncomfortable in these shoes (So ride everything you slacker and quit whining if you hike a bike a lot!) A great price for these shoes at Performance. Hence I'm giving them 5 flamin' chilis for both value and overall.
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from York, Pa. USA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2001
Strengths: Awesome durability. I am now on my second pair of Kavas...yes my previous pair hurt my feet like some other people mentioned, but this time I went a size bigger and that seemed to do the trick (not to mention some redesigning by Diadora). All I need to say is that my original pair still is going strong despite the abuse they've seen over the past few years. As long as the new pair holds up the same, I'll be quite happy.
Weaknesses: My original pair hurt my toes (like a few other people mentioned). Going up 1 size for my new pair seemed to do the trick...not to mention some redesigning by Diadora.
Bottom Line:
Diadora makes kick-ass shoes for both road and mountain use. If you are interested in and like the looks of Diadoras, go try 'em on. If they fit, buy 'em. If not, buy something that does fit. It's not rocket science here folks. So buy what fits and get out there and ride!
I bought the Nikes hoping to get away from a lace-up shoe. And was very disappointed. Nothing bad wrong with the Nikes, but I can already tell you that these here Kava shoes kick serious butt. I've just put them on and walked around in them. If they're half as good on the bike as they are off, then I may buy a second pair for later on.
I was scared away from the Sidi's by the lack of grip on rocks. I was right. These Diadoras have mondo gription.
If they don't kick arse on the trail. I'll be sure to report it here.
Don't want them any cheaper, then everybody'd have a pair.
Strengths: Very Flashy, I have the Yellow colour, instant comfort (like a scuba boot), Not as pricy as Shimano shoes
Weaknesses: On my first ride the RLS buckle broke (THE FIRST RIDE!!!!) Kind of a pain to send back, then they got lost in the mail! GRRRRRRRR!!!!!! Could have made a better product for the price u pay for these shoes
Bottom Line:
Alright shoe excellent fit, but just not a very durable shoe in my opinion. Try SIDI, or Shimano if u have the money
Bike Setup: 95 TREK Y-11 OCLV Carbon Full suspension, XT deraillers, XT V-Brakes, XT shifters, XT levers, AXIOM bar, Matrix rims, topped off with a BLT Fireball lighting systems
Weaknesses: takes about a 2 months to break them in, b/c of buckle
Bottom Line:
The take a few months of some off bike walking to break in and until then they do have a pressure point. After they are broken in the are fine though. They are extremely durable I have hade mine through two WV race seasons and training that is over 3,000 miles and the are still great. Extremely stiff sole equals very efficient transfer of energy. They are easy to clean up, and people will see you on night rides. I give 5 chilis, b/c a month of a little pressure for 2 years of great performance is worth it.
Submitted by
Joey
a cross-country rider
from Pensacola, Florida
Date Reviewed: March 1, 1999
Bottom Line:
These shoes are great. I bought the 99's a few weeks ago and they are very comfortable right out of the box. I have heard horror stories about the old kava's, but the new ones have a different buckle, so the problems are gone. They look alot better than the old ones too.
The adjustibility on there shoes are great and the removeable cleats are a great featue for muddy conditions. Unfourtuniatly like many other people I am feeling the same foot pain twards the front of the shoe where the first bucle is located. After having these shoes for eight months of serious riding thew are still in the process of breaking in. But they are getting better. Their durribility is very impressive after going through many muddy rivers and riding thruoght lots of sloppy conditions they are still lookinh remotely new.
