Submitted by
Graham Curkendall
a Weekend Warrior
from Bothell, WA Date Reviewed: November 19, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Stiff, breathe well, light weight
Weaknesses:
Bad velcro, insole
Similar Products Used:
Shimano M210
Bottom Line:
I've been pretty happy with these shoes. They've been durable, and they dry pretty quickly, my two main criteria for good cycling shoes. However, after a year or so the velcro on the straps has started to lose it's grip so that a strap occasionally comes loose while i'm riding. Also, the insole that comes with the shoe isn't the best in my opinion. It's pretty flat, and sometimes on all-day rides my feet start to go numb. It's not usually an issue on short rides though. I think that shimano went in the right direction when they put a ratcheting strap on the M221s. They'll probably be my next shoes.
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Submitted by
bob
a Racer
from cali Date Reviewed: August 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
cove bikes
Strengths:
carbon
Weaknesses:
weak straps
Similar Products Used:
sidi
Bike Setup:
xc team race bike
Bottom Line:
amazing shoe light stiff and comfortable its to bad about the straps
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Submitted by
Chris Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: July 14, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
Summit Cycles
Strengths:
Incredibly stiff sole, Very light weight, great ventilation, secure closure, durable heel and toe scuff pads, Toe spikes, Pimpy colour, Pimp value of carbon soles.
Weaknesses:
The sole is not the grippiest thing I've ever come across. The toe spikes would be nice a little further forward and slightly bigger. Although well ventilated, they let water and cold in. Good job I use thick waterproof socks.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano's (numerous), Northwave, Specialized.
Bike Setup:
Um... Well the pedals are 858's.
Bottom Line:
I love these shoes. I have always loved these shoes. I am just annoyed that I have to replace them.
2 years is a good innings for a pair of my shoes. The last ones managed about 9 months.
Only problem is now that they are starting to give up on the stitching at the back of the shoe, meaning that the heel scuff pad is coming off.
Overall, these shoes are great for racers, but also people that want a no-fuss, stiff, lightweight shoe.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Philip
a Racer
from LA Date Reviewed: May 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Bottom Line:
Since this is a site about opinions, allow me to share mine. I am another dude that grabbed these from pricepoint due to the great reviews and price. I tried them on and found the fit acceptable, but not snug (I did buy the right size). I found it hard to pull the velcro straps tight enough to get a great fit. I was about to take them for the first ride and then I tried on the Sidi Dominator 4's at the local bike shop. In my humble opinion, the SIDI's fit like a latex glove while the shimanos are a isotoner. Again, I havent ridden them, but I will be returning them and putting down an extra $60 or so for the SIDI's. The SIDI's just felt felt like part of my foot. Maybe its the italians, but what can I say, I wasnt sold. For the price though, its a great deal. I am just ready to pay whatever it takes to get the perfect shoe.
(Dont bag on me, I admit that I never used them on a bike, but I think that I can tell a lot by strapping them on).
Ride Angry.
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Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal Date Reviewed: May 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Comfort, breathability and adjustability.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale 801
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Super V 700 and Rocky Mountain Hammer Race
Bottom Line:
Very comfortable right from the start. Stiff sole for great energy transfer. Best with narrow feet. Adjustments work great with the 3 straps, after the first ten minutes or so just snug them up a bit and your off. After a ride I would always take my shoes off ASAP, but not with these. Feet stay drier and mine pump out a lot of water that normally doesn't make it out of other shoes, no problem with the 220's. Light and comfortable is the key to great shoes and the stiffness is a bonus. Grab 'em at this price and maybe an extra pair for the future.
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Submitted by
Glenn
a Racer
from Colorado Date Reviewed: May 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$79.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Stiff, Comfy
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Specialized
Bottom Line:
This is a great shoe. It has a very stiff sole and is a very comfortable shoe. It does run a tad big (I have a size 10 street shoe and wear a 9 in this shoe). I get some heel slippage when I walk in them, but none whatsoever when Im biking and thats what counts. Those straps keep you locked right in. Believe me these shoes are rock solid on your feet
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Submitted by
chad mcdaniel
a Weekend Warrior
from o-town Date Reviewed: March 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
snow hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
daves bike world
Strengths:
carbonfiber soles,sturdy and great looking.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
specialized
Bike Setup:
giant
Bottom Line:
the shoes are great and lite....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david padavic
a Cross Country Rider
from springfield Date Reviewed: February 1, 2002
It is a good shoe for the money. Maybe we should all learn how a shoe is supposed to fit before complaining about heel slippage. I guess not all bike shops are willing to carry every shoe in every company but it is the inevitable that the lbs's are going to have to suck up and put a little more money into inventory instead of concentrating on what kind of margin they are going to get at the end of the month. Come on and they wonder why supergo and nashbar are making so much money. it is calle inventory.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dale
a Cross Country Rider
from santa cruz Date Reviewed: January 22, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
this shoe is very stiff great transfer of power
Weaknesses:
because its so stiff it can cause a little heel lift when you are climbing
Similar Products Used:
performance/specialized
Bike Setup:
specialized m4 xtr
Bottom Line:
you can get this shoe at a great price right now but even at full retail its a great shoe
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Racer
from Nevada Date Reviewed: January 7, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$140.00
Strengths:
Light, stiff, comfy...what else?
Weaknesses:
Not the most durable shoes on the market.
Similar Products Used:
Lots!!!
Bike Setup:
Hardtail Baby!!!
Bottom Line:
Shimano doesn't call these "Top of the Line", but at this year's Worlds both Men's(Green) and Women's(Dunlap) winners had these same shoes on their feet! You are not a better rider than they are, and they choose these shoes! I have seen them online for $80. If you are looking for a racing shoe get these now!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin Date Reviewed: November 7, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Stiff, comfortable, perfect fit, great for road riding too, good value for $90.
Weaknesses:
Not the best shoe off the bike because of the stiffness.
Similar Products Used:
Axo Summit, Cannondale C-Sole, Specialized Sport
Bike Setup:
Time ATACs on both MTB & Road Bike
Bottom Line:
Everybody has different feet, but for me this is the most comfortable cycling shoe I've worn. Recently rode a 24 hour race in them - the only part of my body that didn't ache afterwards were my feet. Carbon sole is stiff and delivers the most power to the drivetrain - I could feel the difference in pedaling efficiency between the 220s and my Axos. The strapping system is the best I've used - though it'd be nice to have a ratchet for the top strap. I was looking for a dual-purpose shoe for road and off-road riding - I have found it. Seems to be very durable as well. If you can find a more comfortable, stiffer shoe for $90, buy it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Clark
a Cross Country Rider
from Campbell, CA Date Reviewed: August 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Not Telling!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Cool Looks, Stiff Sole, Lightweight
Weaknesses:
No heel grab, Price, If you have to "hike a bike" you are better off barefoot!
Similar Products Used:
Northwave
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR XC XTR, KING, MAVIC, THOMPSON You get the Idea!?
Bottom Line:
I wish I had spent the extra $40 and bought Sidi's. I am very dissapointed. I cinch the velcro straps down to the point of circulation pain and still my heel lifts on every pedal stroke. Forget trying to walk in these things. They took a road shoe and tried to make it a mountain bike shoe. For me and my type of riding it just doesn't work.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SPD RIDER
a Cross Country Rider
from Florida Date Reviewed: July 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Stiff excellent power transfer to the cranks.
Weaknesses:
Slippery on smooth surfaces. Rock resistance is not best in class.
Similar Products Used:
Nike nguba, Sidi Action
Bike Setup:
Y-22 custom build
Bottom Line:
Excellent power transfer, comparable to a good road shoe. If you portage your bike often then consider that it does not flex and makes scurrying over rough terrain dicey. Good ventilation. On the bike attached to the pedals this is the best shoe I have worn in terms of efficiency. I am using these with Shimano 858 pedals and the combination works well. Roomy toe box, triple strap keeps the upper snug. Easy to clean with the hose. This shoe is designed for stiffness and it works as intended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
A.C.
a Cross Country Rider
from Mpls,MN Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$129.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
- Very stiff sole,great power transfer - Light - Synthetic "pleatha" for long life and resiliance after getting wet and muddy,easy to clean - Good ventilation - Good traction on dirt and over roots
Weaknesses:
-Don't wear 'em on tile floors, spikes 'll scratch
Similar Products Used:
Other Shimano road and mtn shoes,nike mtn shoes
Bike Setup:
SC Superlight X w/Time ATAC Carbon pedals
Bottom Line:
Great shoes,stiff,light,breathable,good traction&easy to clean. Velcro straps keep things reliably snug. Short term durability is good,need to wait a couple years for long term results. Last set of Shimano mtn shoes lasted 7yrs. The power transfer on these babys is like a set of premium road shoes! The toebox area is a little wider than Shimano offerings in the past,pretty comfortable all around shoe,that I can spend 3-4 hrs without a second thought. Sizing runs a tad on the large side. After a long muddy ride they look like new after a blast of the garden hose, or scrubbing in the basement sink. I give 'em 5 flames overall, and 5 for value assuming they last a few years.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from Irvine, CA Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
This babies are *stiff*. Velcro closures are effective. The blue color is kool. Fit is great. The carbon fiber sole is what makes this shoe a great shoe.
Weaknesses:
None, unless you find the price a problem.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing like it. Specialized Sport model, Adidas high "winter" boots.
Bike Setup:
stock Trek Fuel 100
Bottom Line:
These are full-on racing boots, and they made an enormous difference in the feel of my bike. The bike responds so positively that I felt a noticeable sense that the bike wants to go with these shoes. They would be a drag to walk or hike around in, there is essentially no flex in the sole. It has screw in mounts for toe cleats that I will probably never use. Awesome, just awesome shoes. They probably would make a decent road shoe. No regrets on this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lars Frick
a Cross Country Rider
from Stockholm Date Reviewed: April 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
technical stuff
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
Retail store
Strengths:
Stiff sole, fit, lightweight, design
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
other Shimano shoes and Sidi Eagle
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude Race w. SRAM/XTR stuff
Bottom Line:
These shoes fit very well and the design feels snug and well thought through. The shoes are light and the carbon-sole is very, very stiff. I use these for both my racer as well as my MTB, with equally good results. The shoe fits really tight without any pressure points, and the three straps are sufficient to keep 'em tight. I really like these shoes, and they have held up well for my abuse in the woods. The longest ride I have used them for is a 300k-race, and my feet was probably the only part that did'nt hurt after the race...
I think these shoes are great for XC use, and especially for the rider who wants a performance shoe. Since they are light, there are probably more rugged shoes out there. Five flamin' chilis! I am not really a Shimano-fan, but these shoes rock!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Quinn Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Burlington, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: April 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Dundas Valley
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
Freewheel - Dundas ON
Strengths:
Comfortable for people with wider feet, looks great
Weaknesses:
Very stiff for walking, more expensive than many
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
1990 Rocky Mountain Blizzard
Bottom Line:
I bought these shoes with a new pair of M858 pedals and have been quite pleased with the package. I have very flat feet and in looking at both the Sidi Dominator 2 (too narrow) and the Northwave (too flexible), this shoe was the only one that I wouldn't have to put inserts into. I have ridden with these on for about 20 hours in total, and have not had one minute of discomfort or any blisters. The other thing that scared me off of the Sidi was the lack of dealer support here in Ontario, Canada - not a lot of people carrying them anymore. The Northwaves had too much flex in the sole for my comfort, while the Shimanos feel very secure when I'm clipped in. Talk to Vince at Freewheel for some great advice and assistance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jovan
a Cross Country Rider
from Philippines Date Reviewed: March 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Batangas Trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$86.00
Purchased At:
Cristy's Bike Shop
Strengths:
The shoes are light and really stiff. If you're looking for a wider platform but would like to enjoy the lighter weight of a cross country racing pedal, this is it.
It also looks cool. I love the blue color and the red highlights.
Weaknesses:
You better be really good in biking because it could be really harsh when walking due to the carbon fiber soles. Also, it'll make you think if it's really made for mountain biking because the tread pattern is more of a road shoe. It is also slippery on non-dirt surfaces (i.e., marble floors)
Similar Products Used:
Shimano I'm not really sure about the model number, but it was first shimano shoe ever, and The Black and orange version with a silver strap), Sidi Eagle (Dominator lookalike), and the 2000 Answer Accelerators
Bike Setup:
Cannondale CAAD3 Hardtail with a Marzocchi Z.2 Bam fork, Spox wheels, Cook Bros. E Cranks, Shimano 747's, and a whole lot more.
Bottom Line:
Good racing shoe. Bad for beginners who hike-a-bike a lot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Noe
a Racer
from Scottsdale, AZ Date Reviewed: February 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
National @ South Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Airpark Bicycle
Strengths:
Light & Stiff. Velcro closure.
Weaknesses:
Black Material around toe & heel is very soft.
Similar Products Used:
AXO Cortez
Bike Setup:
Diamondback DBR XR-8
Bottom Line:
I purchased a pair of Shimano M220S's about 2 weeks ago. I've used them for relatively light duty, and Saturday was my first race with them. I didn't crash, nor do I remember putting my foot down particularly hard, however, I notice that the soft black fabric that wraps around the toe and heel was ripped almost completely off the right heel. This fabric LOOK like it's a nylon webbing or something, but when you see it torn, it looks more like felt - not very tough. I called Shimano, but they said that this type of tear is due to me putting my foot down some place where I shouldn't have, and not a manufacturer defect. I certainly agree with this analysis, however, I feel that it's a design defect, as opposed to a manufacturer defect (don't protect a mountain bike shoe with soft material). The support rep then recommend that I glue the fabric back in place and consider purchasing a pair of M320 shoes (not going to do that).
That being said I'm otherwise happy with these shoes. They are comfortable, and have good ventilation. Nice, stiff, carbon fiber sole. I can't recommend them for any type of rough conditions - I'm not sure what kind of mountain biking doesn't involve rough conditions.
Buy 'em if you want a relatively expensive shoe that's stiff, light, well ventilated, and you don't ride near anything sharp.
Stay away if you are riding on rocky terrain, near jagged or sharp objects. Or if you simply expect a pair mountain bike shoes to be durable and hold together for more than a couple of weeks in these conditions.
I really liked these shoes - I'm just disapointed that they ripped so easily (without me even noticing).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: January 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ganaraska Forest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Sporting Life
Strengths:
A very stiff shoe, feels very efficient. Very comfortable and durable
Weaknesses:
Difficult to walk on hard surfaces (they're stiff)- no problem walking in dirt and steel cleats work well to climb steep/slippery hills
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 110, Nike, various italian shoes
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Obed, Fisher Sugar 1
Bottom Line:
The best shoe I've ever used. Very comfortable. Stiffness means the shoe feels very efficient and provides great pedal feedback.
After a full season, they look like new. Tread wear is negligible.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Racer
from Chapel Hill NC Date Reviewed: January 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$129.00
Purchased At:
Local bike shop
Strengths:
Very, VERY stiff. Increadably stiff. Love the shiny blue finish. Alsome deal, best shoes for the money.
Weaknesses:
the stiffness if great for XC racing and riding, but if your looking for a comfy walk around town shoe, ummm ya probably wont like them as much
Similar Products Used:
Nike Carns (Had to get rid of 'em, presure points and buckles! :-( Performance pro mtn shoes, dont know real name, and Specialized comps a long time ago.
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Rocket 88, stage one.
Bottom Line:
This is an alsome shoe for any XC racer or rider thats looking to me more efficiant on his/her bike. The stiff (and alsome looking!!!) carbon fiber sole will give you all the power you can put into 'em with out flexing nearly at all when on the bike. These shoes are known to be one of the only shoes that can compeat with the Time Race shoes that every one in Europ uses. I like the lowprofile treat, that actualy doesnt walk to badly, its nicly rockerd under the feet. all in all i give this shoe 10 flamin' mexican candy bars. i great shoe, go try it/and buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Leuven Date Reviewed: December 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Dinant
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$146.00
Purchased At:
Lievens Velo's
Strengths:
Great looks, carbon
Weaknesses:
Haven't discovered yet.
Similar Products Used:
SH-M111
Bike Setup:
Full XT, Judy Race
Bottom Line:
A bit pricy but well worth the money if you can spare it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Flash Miller
a Cross Country Rider
from Goleta, California, USA Date Reviewed: December 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Little Pine Mountain, Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara County, California
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$169.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Really Great fit. I went up a size from my last Shimano shoes, though. Really good finish. Stitching is really strong. Can take a beating. I like the low tread in the front. Without the toe cleats would be a good touring shoe.
Weaknesses:
The Shimano shoes run kind of narrow. Glad I have narrow feet.
Similar Products Used:
I also have a pair of Sidi Dominator 2's. It's a toss up!
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Toccoa, XL, Mavic 517 rims, IRC Mythos 26x1.95 tires, Chris King headset, RockShox Psylo Race fork, Shimano 858 pedals.
Bottom Line:
I'm really pleased with this shoe. I purchased them because I read that the Shimano 858 pedals were giving people problems unclicking. Not a problem here. I'm glad I bought them. I haven't tried my Sidi Dominator 2's with the 858's, however. I looked at the Shimano 320 because I like the buckle on the Sidi Dominator. The Shimano buckle looks cheap. You don't need it. This shoe is a better value and fits great. If you have wider feet you may want to go for the Sidi Dominator 2. It's a great shoe, too. Otherwise, this is the way to go!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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