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.
Submitted by
Chris Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2002
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.
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.
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).
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2002
Strengths: Comfort, breathability and adjustability.
Weaknesses: None so far.
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.
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
Submitted by
david padavic
a Cross Country Rider
from springfield
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2002
Strengths: stiff sole, very wide, blue, carbon, toe spike,
Weaknesses: metal on straps is beginning to rust
Bottom Line:
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.
Weaknesses: Not the most durable shoes on the market.
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!
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2001
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.
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!
Similar Products Used: Axo Summit, Cannondale C-Sole, Specialized Sport
Bike Setup: Time ATACs on both MTB & Road Bike
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Clark
a Cross Country Rider
from Campbell, CA
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2001
Strengths: Cool Looks, Stiff Sole, Lightweight
Weaknesses: No heel grab, Price, If you have to "hike a bike" you are better off barefoot!
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.
Bike Setup: Specialized FSR XC XTR, KING, MAVIC, THOMPSON You get the Idea!?
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
SPD RIDER
a Cross Country Rider
from Florida
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2001
Strengths: Stiff excellent power transfer to the cranks.
Weaknesses: Slippery on smooth surfaces. Rock resistance is not best in class.
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.
Submitted by
A.C.
a Cross Country Rider
from Mpls,MN
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001
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
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.
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.
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.
