Submitted by
Tom Face
a Downhiller
from Yucaipa, CA
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2002
Strengths: fit was good, stiff and comfortable
Weaknesses: the adjustment buckle broke after about 1 year. I used a zip tie and kept using them. One month later the other buckle broke. lousy investment.
Bottom Line:
I feel violated by Shimano. How is it possible that you buy the best shoe they sell, and they last for a year? Don't even try to contact Shimano. they could G.A.S. what you think! Look elsewhere for a good shoe, I am!
Similar Products Used: specialized sport shoes, answer
Bike Setup: Intense Uzzi DH, boxxer, hayes, 3 chainrings
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Submitted by
miro
a Racer
from Huntsville, Alabama
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2001
Strengths: distribution of power
Weaknesses: Buckle recently broke and can not get replacement anywhere, even shimano does not have it. After 20-30 min. of racing tongue will slide outside and shoes become loose what force you to tight it while balancing on rocky trail. Few times I tryied to stop and fix tongue, but after 10 min. it is in its "natural position".
Bottom Line:
I think that buckle system is not good idea on any racing shoes.
Submitted by
Matt N.
a Cross Country Rider
from Flemington, NJ
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2001
Strengths: Plastic "bumper" protecting your entire foot and the uppers from rocks, etc. Good looks, easy in & out, neoprene insert in tongue, & smart cleat pocket in sole that does not require trimming (with Ritcheys, at least).
Weaknesses: Tricky buckle adjustment.
Bottom Line:
Only time will tell how the shoes stand up to the voracious rocks of western Jersey (they ate my old Lakes in 2 seasons), but after a couple hundred combined road/offroad miles, I can definitely say these are the best fitting shoes I've ever had.
I do have an extremely narrow & flat foot (I use orthotics to pump up the volume), so this jives with what other reviewers have written: _not_ for fat feet!
Only one complaint thus far: the buckle does not snug up "progressively" -- one click too far and you have a major pressure point. Back it up one tooth though, and you've got a nice, snug fit.
As for another reviewer's claim that the 220 was the "fix" for all of the 320's problems: the 2002 shoe that will replace both (the M-221) also features the wrap-around "bumper" sole of the 320 - now that's what I call a fix!
The bottom line: It's about time shoe manufacturers stopped trying to pass off whimpy, unreinforced road shoes with a rubber sole slapped on the bottom as MTB shoes (yeah, that means you Sidi)! For $99 these shoes are a deal!
Strengths: Stiff, great power transfer, light, looks good, great fit for my foot
Weaknesses: None yet. Will report back after some more miles
Bottom Line:
I only have two rides totally about 85 miles on these but I have to say that they are the most comfortable race level shoe I have worn. The power transfer is noticeably better than other shoes also. The fit is great for my relatively narrow size 44.5. Hopefully they will be durable since they were a replacement for my Nike's which broke on the soul. Will report back.
Submitted by
Tom Hightower
a Weekend Warrior
from Rancho Cucamonga ,Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2001
Strengths: Looks good, really stiff ,fit well I have big feet and I kinda ride agressive just kinda these shoe`s are the best I have had .
Weaknesses: They are not strong enough I broke the sole right behind the cleat this sucks I hate breaking stuff these are well balanced shoe`s but they should last longer I know they (shimano) will give me new ones but it is just the hassel
Bottom Line:
If you are a racer maybe these would work for you they fit well with big American feet size 12.5 just wish they would`nt break!!!!!
Bike Setup: santa cruz bullit white bro`s DH>2 fork`s shimano XT- disc`s Hadley DH hubs 521`s
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Submitted by
Fred Porter
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2000
Strengths: --Stiff --Foot is encased in an 'armored' plastic bathtub --Wraparound sole should improve durability.
Weaknesses: --Fits NARROW --No pressure distribution under rachet strap --The rachet strap is not as durable as Sidi's
Bottom Line:
The M320 looked like my ideal shoe. I always blow out my Sidis somewhere around my pinky toe from whacking them on rocks which tears through the lorica. The wrap around plastic sole of the M320 looks provides two advantages: plastic armor to protect my foot and also to protect the shoe's upper. The wrap around of the sole also makes for a very stiff shoe, stiffer than than the Sidi D2. However shimano must use elves for their foot shape since the shoe fits very narrow. My friend and I both got size 46 and have had to stretch them out width wise. I wear a 45.5 Sidi D2 which fits great. In contrast, the size 46 M320 is longer, yet narrower than my Sidi D2.
The plastic strap in the rachet buckle is not as durable as the Sidi--the plastic is more brittle. One of the adjustment steps has shorn off, making adjustment difficult. Of the 3 pairs of Sidis I've owned, I never broke a strap (nor a buckle for that matter). The plastic levers of the M320 rachet feel more brittle than the Sidi. Also, there is not adequate pressure distribution under the rachet strap. Running it tight causes a painful hot spot. The two velcro front straps are more effective than those of the Sidi.
So three problems and two advantages. Time will tell if they are more durable, but I know already that the plastic wraparound sole does protect my toes from rock and root hits. With some stretching they do fit well. DO NOT pay the retail price of over $200 for these shoes (my value rating is based on MSRP).
BTW, I use Superfeet insoles in almost all my shoes and they make a huge difference--great arch support and a nice heel cup.
Bike Setup: hardtail, I weigh 175, somewhat flatfooted and I pronate
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Submitted by
Carsten Fisker
a Cross Country Rider
from AArhus, Denmark
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2000
Strengths: after extensive use I must say: NONE
Weaknesses: read below
Bottom Line:
At first sight this shoe seems awsome. Looks like quality, but isn't. The quality of the spikefittings is way below standard and does not last more than one winter season. The sole is a chapter of is self. Because of the special design, with the plastic sole expanding up on the sides of the shoe, it´s like stepping on a bowl-shaped sole instead of a flat one (and I even have a narrow footprint). This is some you do not notice at first, but try riding this shoe for hours - it's like feeding your feet sleepingpills. I recently competed in a 24 hour race, now one month later I still suffer from nerve-spasms in 3 toes on each foot. Shimano is out with a new shoe: SH- M220, which seems to solwe all of these problems mentioned above. Just ordered a pair and will post a review as soon as I get out riding them!
Submitted by
Tan Kin Sung
a Cross-Country Rider
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1999
Strengths: stiff,look,buckle and comfort
Weaknesses: sole and price
Bottom Line:
This shoe are great better then the Sidi but one this for this price they should have given you real leather. I fall in love with the shoe when it first came in my shop(I work in a bike shop) and bought them I cycle with everyday to work and back that is about 24 km a day no problem with these pair of shoe but recently after my first wash i found a small crack on the sole is just about 4mm long no problem. Love these shoe thank Shimano. Give it a four due to the crack in the sole.
Strengths: Stiffness, Ratcheting buckle, looks. toe spikes
Weaknesses: On the first pair, I had, the rivet that holds the buckle on broke through the shell, rendering the shoes useless. After about a month, I did get a new pair back from Shimano, though.
Bottom Line:
A great show for racing and hardcore riding - the wraparound skeleton can't be beat! However, I did deduct one chili for the buckle problem.
Similar Products Used: Shimano M150, Shimano M110 (2 pairs), Lake LX 50
Bike Setup: Rocky Mountain Instinct
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Submitted by
fakaui
a Cross-Country Rider
from Rancho Santa Margarita
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1999
Strengths: Fit,Comfort,Sole Stiffness.
Weaknesses: Price, Color
Bottom Line:
One of the best fitting shoes ive tried and one of the few that keeps my heels in place!! Great stiffness which helps let you hammer up climbs without loss of power. Only 4 chilies because of the price.
Bike Setup: Schiwinn Homgrown 4Banger All Mountain. SID XL
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Submitted by
Steve
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cape Elizabeth, Me
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1999
Strengths: stiff and comfy
Weaknesses: none so far
Bottom Line:
Shimano finally got it right! This is my third pair of their shoes. They've always been okay. I like the 210s and used them until they began to fall apart. But these new 320s are stiff, light and confortable -- a very nice shoe!
Similar Products Used: shimano 210s and rockasocki
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Submitted by
Steven
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cape Cod, Ma.
Date Reviewed: May 29, 1999
Bottom Line:
I've used these shoes on around 10 rides since I purchased them around a month ago. This is a very stiff, but comfortable shoe. It has two straps and a replacable ratcheting buckle, which make adjustment easy.The shoe comes with toe spikes included. I really like the full wrap-aeound vinyl protector, which seems to be bonded to the sole. This is my 3rd pair of high end Shimano shoes. The previous two pairs are still usable, after 3 years of use, which is one of the reasons that I decided to buy this new pair.
