A high performance off-road racing shoe featuring a carbon fiber-reinforced plate in the outsole that transfers all your energy straight to the pedals, and an aggressive tread with toe spikes that provides all the traction you need for run-ups. Shape-retention padding, rubber heel support and sole extension toe protector enhance comfort and durability. Buckle strap plus a twin hook-and-loop straps assure a custom, comfortable fit.
Schwinn Homegrown, full XTR, Fox front fork, Time atac pedals, panaracer rampage tires, easton carbon seatpost and haddlebar.
Bottom Line:
This is a older model Shimano shoe, I got these shoes about two and half years ago, I wear them with my road bike and my Mountainbike, they perform flawlessly. I know there are better made shoes out there, but for the price I paid they are an awsome deal!! I use them 4 to 6 times per week, they have never let me down Ever!! Shimano ROCKS!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Bowers
a Cross Country Rider
from Gold Coast _Queensland_Australia Date Reviewed: November 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
the next one
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Ryders
Strengths:
Stiff
Weaknesses:
Purchased same size as the carbon soled Shimano road shoes and they seem a half size to large (bike shop attendant tried to tell me that MTB shoes were supposed to be that way-right). After three months the blue material disintegrated in the heel cup. After six months the buckle forever comes loose and needs to be tighted one or two clicks per hour. At eight months the rubber toes began to fall off. They have not enough arch support and I suffer excrutiateing pain in both big toes after three hours riding/racing. Heavy. Developed a stench when wet like no other shoes I've owned.
Similar Products Used:
Carnac, Gaerne, Lake, Nike
Bike Setup:
20lb 7005 hardtail Fox F110X, XTR drive train, EC90bar and ct2 seat pillar, alloy discs, Formula B4SL discs, Stan Olympic rims, my own latex brew in my Conti Explorer Supersoniics and American Classic hubset.
Bottom Line:
For such an expensive shoe, and in comparasion to my carbon Shimano road shoes (same sizeing but actually comfortable), they are not a patch on my old Gaernes. These shoes just like my Nikes look "flash" but under perform and fell apart quite quickly. They might be stiff, which was what I was hoping for, but they are my most regretable shoe purchase ever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago,IL Date Reviewed: September 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Spincycle,Park City, UT
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$140.00
Strengths:
Incredibly stiff. I haven't experienced any of the other rider's complaints regarding this shoe's reliability. I broke a buckle during a crash, and easily replaced it after my dealer ordered the part from Shimano.
Weaknesses:
The shoe's stiffnes can result in some foot numbness during long climbs. This condition can be easily remedied with the insertion of a quality insole like Surefoot.
Similar Products Used:
Nike
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude, full XTR, Fox Float RLC
Bottom Line:
You can't find a better performing shoe for the price. I just purchased the newer Shimano M225 at an incredible price of $85.00.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leonard
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ont, Canada Date Reviewed: September 10, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
They are stiff.
Weaknesses:
Buckles, Materials, Weight
Similar Products Used:
Sidi & Lakes
Bottom Line:
My 6 year old Sidi's look in better shape then these. Both heels are wore right out. There very heavy compared to other high end shoes. I realized that today trying on new ones. Buckle broke going up a steep incline. Both feet get sore after a couple of hours in them. I never had sore feet before. This may be due to them being so stiff, I'm not sure. Funny thing today in all the LBS's I was in. When I told them that I dislikes these Shimano's and had issues with them, they all opened up and said yeah they had got alot of complaints about them. Retail cost is now up to $280.00 can. Way too much!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john grayer
a Cross Country Rider
from nz Date Reviewed: July 17, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
john bull
Strengths:
racers shoe stiff and hopefully lasts a while too
Weaknesses:
dont know yet looks like i paid heaps this was on sale to
Similar Products Used:
lakes lots o budget shoes.
Bike Setup:
heavey kona
Bottom Line:
good shoe look good and stiff,stiff,stiff have not used in a race yet but it seems they should be up to the challange i hope.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeffrey Zelek
a Racer
from Newington Date Reviewed: April 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
West Hartford Res
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$169.00
Purchased At:
web
Strengths:
Hight Zoot
Weaknesses:
Ratchet mechanism broke! Now faced with trying finding this part as a spare is not provided with the shoe. This is the shoes weakest link. If the racket straps wear out you are screwed. A replacable quality velcro strap would be much better. Ratchet mechanism also clogs in mud and you can not get the shoe off. This really sucks if you are cold and wet. Your fingers can not work well in the cold and you are forced to rip the shoe off your foot.
Would rather by 3 pairs of cheaper shoes and have a dry pair and a spare.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Bowers
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: March 8, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
stiff
Weaknesses:
no arch support, ordered 42s (same as my carbon Shimano road shoes) but they feel like 43s, velcro backing to stiff and hard to keep tight, ratchet comes loose, have had mold problems unlike any others shoes I've ever had, and expensive way to get a stiff shoe
Similar Products Used:
Carnac, Lake and Gaerne
Bike Setup:
Time ATACCs
Bottom Line:
I don't know why I've persited for so long with these shoes. Next time I'll buy Italian shoes, probably Carnac or Vittoria. For a top of the line shoe the M221s have cheap material and poor shape. Stiffness is the only thing going for them and if I hadn't paid so much for them I'd have tossed them two years ago.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lindsay Mitchell
a
from Alta Loma, CA Date Reviewed: December 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Incycle
Strengths:
Stiff Sole, Good Sturdy Uppers, Toe Spikes
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any.
Bottom Line:
I've had these shoes for over two years and they are fantastic. I picked up my first pair for $110 and my second pair today for $50. These shoes are fantastic! You can pick them up pretty cheep now because Shimano discontinued them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pablo Varhola
a Racer
from Quito, Ecuador Date Reviewed: November 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Ecuadorian Andes Mountains trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Very stiff sole, efficient buckle, great fit, shape is retained after the worst conditions, great look and style, for the price you get twice compared to a Sidi.
Weaknesses:
Velcro straps are way too stiff to tighten properly, a couple of graphics on the shoe erase too easily.
Similar Products Used:
Answer Palisade, Shimano m020.
Bike Setup:
Zenith Saga Team/ Easton scandium frame. XTR, mavic, etc.
Bottom Line:
After several races with these shoes, I realize that they actually make a difference in performance. The stiffness of the carbon sole is no joke, and the toe spikes are very usefull in foot climbs where you need traction. This shoes are specifically for the rider in search of performance. Save your bucks if you are looking only for a common shoe.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hendra
a Weekend Warrior
from Bali, Indonesia Date Reviewed: September 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere dusty and rocky around Bali island
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
Rodalink
Strengths:
Light weight, stiff carbon reinforced soles, good fine tune adjustable fit, reflective details, removeable toe spikes, good hand feel syntethic material used. Delivers efficient pedalling power. Work well with my PD-M545 pedal
Weaknesses:
almost nothing until now, except need more air vent, and the two carbon+velcro straps are too stiff to be adjusted.
Similar Products Used:
nothing in this range of price. Shimano MX-70
Bike Setup:
Da Bomb Cherry Bomb
Bottom Line:
This is a pro XC class shoe, I actually bought this shoes because it's got good reviews in mtbr.com, almost no weaknesses, and just $85 in Indo:):) for a pair of top end bike shoes from Shimano:):) These shoes are good for serious XC racer or just enthusiast biker who want to get more serious in MTB like me:):)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Big Smiley
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne,Australia Date Reviewed: September 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Always looking for a new one!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$130.00
Strengths:
Nice stiff sole, Shimano design outer means no problems with shaving bits of sole off to accept pedals. Durable straps. Come with cleats already installed.
Weaknesses:
The fit is not for someone with a wide foot. Ratcheting buckle is easy to damage(I haven't done mine in yet, but like any buckle they can get a rock bashing). If it rains, you're going to end up wet.
Similar Products Used:
Northwaves, specialized(shop fitting only)
Bike Setup:
2004 VT2
Bottom Line:
Fantastic shoe for the price. The cheapest carbon sole shoe out there. I can't comment on the performance from the other brands, but it seems they're much the same thing for alot more money.
Very stiff sole and surprisingly comfortable once they're bedded in. On that note, mine did take a good couple of weeks to truly become supple.
Fit-wise they're medium-narrow. Certainly not as narrow as many of the italian shoes out there.
So far, i don't have any complaints, they haven't worn out prematurely and nothing has broken. In fact, all i've done is slip them on and off without a thought for a year. What more can you ask for..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david
a Cross Country Rider
from athens, ga Date Reviewed: August 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
heritage
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
colorado cyclist
Strengths:
stiff sole, good velcro and ratcheting system, wide toebox
Weaknesses:
ventilation is poor
Bottom Line:
good power transfer, good quality feet get real hot, $170 price is $70 too high
tried to buy at local bike store, but they did not want to help me
-Not the most comfortable shoes to be walking in -No choices on colors
Similar Products Used:
Nike and less expensive Shimano shoes
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Bullit & Yeti A.R.C w/ mostly Shimano and Raceface components.
Bottom Line:
Overall, the M221 are awesome shoes. It's less expensive than the Italian brand(SIDI) for about the same quality. Putting the shoes on was a snap. I had trouble putting on the SIDIs. These shoes are very hard to find. If you see these shoe at your LBS, better get them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from East Coast Date Reviewed: April 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anything with rocks
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Very durable - lasted two years. Stiff carbon sole.
Weaknesses:
Not well ventilated.
Bottom Line:
This is a great shoe. Very durable and stiff. I did break the buckle ratcheting system when I clipped it on a rock but it was easily replaced. ( carrying a spare for epic rides/trips might be a good idea ) At $170 they are a lot cheaper than other companies high zoot shoes. If I had one complaint it would be that they are not very well ventilated and as a result get pretty hot in the Summer but that is nick-picking at this point.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
L Brown
a
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: February 21, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
--Super stiff carbon fiber sole --High quality --Ratcheting buckle for snug fit --Quality construction
Weaknesses:
--High price--I did not get the deals that others did who posted below --Velcro--how long can velcro really last? I guess you could have it replaced at a shoe store... --Insole--for 170, you should get a really good insole, but it is better than the thin cheap insert Sidi uses
Similar Products Used:
--Sidi SRS --Lake
Bike Setup:
--Time ATAC pedals on FS and SS bikes
Bottom Line:
As the top of the line Shimano shoes, I feel they are a very respectable product. Consider the Sidi Dragons as their competition, and for $110 (retail) less, they come out ahead. Both have stiff carbon fiber plates for rigidity, but the rubber on the Shimano soles will grip much better. Don't be fooled by the Sidi replacable soles. You can have any sole (Vibram, etc) put on your bike shoes by a shoe repair store. They will be of much better quality than the original soles, and WAY better than the Sidi SRS system, at equal or similar prices. If you have the cash and they fit, buy them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lindsay Mitchell
a Cross Country Rider
from Rancho Cucamonga, CA Date Reviewed: December 12, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
INCYCLE
Strengths:
These shoes are very stiff and durable. They have taken a beating and shey slightly show signs of wear.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Bottom Line:
I'm diabetic so I'm very picky about how my shoes fit. They are very stiff, but they feel great. I got a great deal on them and I wish I'd bought two pairs. I still wouldn't need the second pair though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Warwick Hall
a Racer
from Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: April 15, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
Bike now, Victoria
Strengths:
Quick to put on and take off. Soooo stiff and firm
Weaknesses:
The upper was a bit stiff to start off and there a bit pricee.
Similar Products Used:
John luck and Lake MX 300S (very good shoe also 4 year's and still going done lots of races in them)
Bike Setup:
Full XTR,EASTON hard tail, Marzocchi super flys, cris king
Bottom Line:
I use them alot on the mountain bike and just got my first road bike. I wanted somehting for both bikes.I can put the power down as hard as can and there so stiff. On the mountain bike I do long down hills with big water bars (jumps) and I can realy pull up hard & shift the bike where ever I wish. There great shoes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Woody McSporrin
a Cross Country Rider
from Tasmania, Australia Date Reviewed: March 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Oceania Bike and Multi Sport, Hobart Tasmaia, Australia
Strengths:
Stiff, very stiff.....just the way you want it! Good value. Look good.
Weaknesses:
None so far. Just purchased recently....so keep you posted!
Similar Products Used:
Cheaper street hybrid shoes.
Bike Setup:
Two wheels etc
Bottom Line:
Great value in comparison to other shoes of similar value. The shop I purchased them at does not hold many sizes, the company expressed other sizes overnight, very good service from wholesaler and the shop. Five Red hot rockets!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Isaias Job
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: November 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Soquel Demo - Braille Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Super Stiff outer sole. Buckle strap works well- easy in\out. Hook and loop straps are stiff, thus hard to bend, however after a few rides they are begin take shape. Combo off buckle and hook and loop straps make for a very adjustable shoe. Heel cup is very nice and snug. I only paid $99 bucks for the shoes on sale, however, for a shoe that retails for $180 you figure it would come with a nicer insole. I would definitely recommend chucking the crappy stock insole and buying a Superfeet insole.
Weaknesses:
The stiffness of the outer sole is a both a strength and a weakness. Since the out sole is soo stiff, it places a lot of pressure on the sole of your foot. Installing the Superfeet sole definitely helps. However, if you are doing long rides(20 miles or more) or long downhills, your feet get a little numb.
Similar Products Used:
2000 SH-151
Bike Setup:
Custom Hardtail - APEX Freeride hardtail. Designed by Mike Ahrens built by Rock Lobster. Full XT drivetrain. Hope mini disc brakes. Thompson Stem and Seatpost. Easton EA70 Monkey Bar rise, cut down to 24" wide. King Headset. 959 Shimano Pedals. WTB LaserDisc XC rims with WTB 2.4 Mutanoraptor tires. Last but not least, one of the most pimp forks on the market - Fox Float 100RLC.
Bottom Line:
These shoes are race ready and very adjustable. Do yourself a favor and buy the Superfeet insole. Shoes take about 2 weeks to break in. Overall, I am very pleased :) Only for flamin; chilis, because the stock insole sucks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad
a Racer
from Sterling Heights, MI Date Reviewed: October 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Devil's Gulch, Washington
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$124.00
Purchased At:
Local Shop
Strengths:
Stiff and snug fitting. The power transfer is great on these shoes and the ratchet strap is great for on the fly tightening. Sharp looking....
Weaknesses:
I'm concerned with durability. The Carbon Fiber around the cleat is already showing signs of wear....I'm not sure if this is just cosmetic.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano M110, Shimano old pieces of dung
Bike Setup:
'97 klein attitude frame...evrything else is custom....
Bottom Line:
As long as you don't mind the price tag, these shoes are well worth the $. I like the fit better than the SIDI, and I haven't seen other shoes with the ratchet straps for less. 5 flaming cow pies.......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wayne
a Cross Country Rider
from McCall, ID USA Date Reviewed: September 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Mackenzie River Trail, OR
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
light, stiff, 2 velcro straps and 1 ratchet strap, carbonfiber sole, not much trimming required for Speedplay frog cleats
Weaknesses:
price
Similar Products Used:
specialized, shimano, adidas
Bike Setup:
Homegrown Limited full XTR w/ King Racelite wheels
Bottom Line:
The adidas put my toes to sleep- Ouch. These are great shoes, but the retail price is crazy- check ebay for deals. They're comparable to my friend's more expensive Sidi's though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don
a Racer
from MD Date Reviewed: July 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
performance bicycle
Strengths:
Light, stiff sole, great power transfer, nice top strap ratchet adjuster, great traction from soft black rubber soles and toe spikes, good looks, and comfortable.
Weaknesses:
cost as much as SIDI's.
Similar Products Used:
A bunch of other brands.
Bike Setup:
mtn and road bikes wtb stealth 250 pedals
Bottom Line:
Great High Performance Shoe at reasonable price - Five Flamin' Chilis overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Sydney, australia Date Reviewed: May 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
phantom cycles
Strengths:
stiff sole, great power transfer, nice cimfortable show, Highly breathable, do not look outlandish
Weaknesses:
soft external leather gets hacked up by rocks, water pours in (see highly breathable)so cannot complain too much
Similar Products Used:
Carnac all the way until now baby
Bike Setup:
i sit on it and put these shoes on the pedals......you know the things that hang off the cranks, Thats them well done!
Bottom Line:
I had a pair of carnacs which took a woeful thrashing over numerous years and eventually threw their cards in. I looked at a replacement pair but they seemed to have gone downhill in quality. A friend has the old model of these and raves about them so I thought I would give em a try. I race road and mountain bikes with the same shoe and they rock. Stiff to get the power down yet comfortable. the best of both worlds. My only gripe is the leather/vinyl stuff on the toe box has been gashed and scratched by rocks but has not failed....yet. All in all a cool shoe if you want to get what you pay for, and pay you do my learned friend, pay you do! Now enough me let's talk about you........
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: April 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Anything that looks too scary
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
Universal Bicycles
Strengths:
Looks good, nice ratcheting system, extremely ridged, lightweight, and very powerful on the bike. I haven't noticed any cleat loosening. I'm using egg beater pedals, maybe thats why.
Weaknesses:
Very stiff and hiking the bike with these shoes is a little bit of a pain. I carry a extra pair of shoes with me on the trail for hiking.
Similar Products Used:
none, used straps prior to these clipless shoes.
Bike Setup:
Eggbeaters.
Bottom Line:
Awesome shoe, steep price (at least for me). The power transfer is great. Although, I notice a tiny tiny amount of heel raise from the stiff sole, but its so insignificant compared to the whole shoe. All in all, it was a good purchase and worth the cash. It should be a extremely durable shoe and I'd recommend it. Like one of the guys said, find this shoe on sale and you'll score big time. So, I'm going to give it 4 flamin' chilis because the price is kinda high, but overall I give this shoe a big whoppin 5 piles of flamin' dung.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Riley Daniels
a
from Naperville IL Date Reviewed: April 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
North shore of Grapevine lake (TX)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
performancebike.com ( member sale )
Strengths:
firm sole, looks fast as all hell, good velcro/ratchet, and colors are stealthey
Weaknesses:
cleat sometimes come loose(once a month), tread is slick
Similar Products Used:
Answer Speeder, Sidi Storm, Diadora Jalapenjo??
Bike Setup:
99 paragon, xt, xtr, bontrager race wheels, wcs stem, ct2 bar, 02 mars elite, avid mag brakes / levers.
Bottom Line:
good race shoe for the xc and roadie. FAST
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Clagett
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix,Az,USA Date Reviewed: March 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
national
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
airport bike
Strengths:
Extreamly firm sole, provides good protection from flying rocks. nice and comfortable. Takes a thorogh thrashig. Looks far less than obnoxious.
Weaknesses:
cleat seems to need tighting almost daily. May be in response to the large float in the 858 pedales.
Bottom Line:
Great shoe if you can get a deal on it. I would highly recomend it if you ride in areas that have a good deal of loose shale. And you are tired of going home with less than ten toe nails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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