Submitted by
Jim S
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, KY
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2002
Strengths: super stiff sole, lightweight, look great, fit great
Weaknesses: inner sock thingy feels a little tight at times
Bottom Line:
I really dig these shoes. All the "Body Geometry" technology really makes a difference. The little, wrap-a-round inner sock thingy feels tight occasionally (I don't know why its not all the time) but its not uncomfortable enough to ditch the shoes. Wow are these shoes light and stiff!
Bike Setup: '96 Specialized S-works FSR, X'vert Super, XTR (all but Paul rear Derailluer, and GripShift shifters), Body geometry saddle, Hugi 240 hubs laced to Specialized rims
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Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati, Ohio
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2002
Strengths: These shoes are great. I always suffered from my big toes falling asleep, the BG insole seems to have cured me of this. The soles are stiff, and the uppers very breathable. 3 velco straps and laces allow alot of adjustability.
Weaknesses: My heel slips when I walk due to the stiff sole.
Bottom Line:
I like these shoes alot. The stiff sole really makes you feel like none of your power is lost. My feet are very comfortable now compared to all of my past shoes. The Body Geometry insole will feel weird intially when trying these shoes on, but once pedaling you won't notice it. I have bunions and they aren't bothered by these shoes at all.
Strengths: Most comfptable cycling shoes i've ever owned
Weaknesses: Hard to walk in
Bottom Line:
as I said, these shoes are the most comfortbale pair of cycling shoes I have ever owned (so far..) Walking is a bit diffcult, mainly due to stiff sole, Which is a comprimise I can live with. If you have Flatt feet , you probably should avoid these, due to the BG contured insole.I have noticed with workmanship whatsoever. The price could be a little cheaper, but I did pay it. A very good par of shoes.
Similar Products Used: Specialized, Nikem, Carnacs
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Submitted by
Clay E Ewing
a Weekend Warrior
from Corpus Christi, TX
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2001
Strengths: Accustomed to heavy, stiff, leather Carnac Evolution shoes (their top of the line from almost 6 years ago), I was put off by the thin feeling I got when putting these on at first. The upper snugged nicely around my foot, the sole was rigor mortis stiff, but, I thought, this is not a substantial shoe. I think--after almost a thousand miles--I may have been a bit hasty. These very light, very stiff, well ventilated shoes, may have cured the problems I've had for years with 2 pair of Carnacs, one pair of Diadora: feet that fall asleep after about 35 miles, and a feeling that my foot is not properly aligned with the pedals or my body. Is the Varus Wedge and Metatarsal Button gimmicks or real? I don't know, though maybe after a few more thousand miles I will know. What I'm willing to say thus far is that these shoes are substantial, my feet don't fall asleep anymore, though it's a bit early to really tell about my knees (which are damaged and I'm putting off surgery until I can't put it off any more). The three straps are exceptionally easy to adjust on the fly, the neoprene sock is nice, too. The heel reflector lights up in car headlights, which is great for us commuters. Some of my first mountain bike shoes were Specialized, then I got off on what I was told was "the best" (Carnacs), and, I have to say I've mostly worn out one pair, though the Evolutions just keep going and going. My first two pair of Specialized--so many years ago--were great, and I'm now glad to be back to this brand. I would recommend them, without hesitation.
Weaknesses: None so far, but the idea that great shoes cost $150 still seems weak to me. But, my Carnacs, 6 years ago, were $240, my hiking boots currently go for $195, even my work shoes (walking type) were $150. I guess I can't get with the program.
Bottom Line:
If you want well designed and well made shoes, and these fit your feet (the Metatarsal Button feels weird at first, but you won't notice it 10 minutes into your first ride), they'll do great for you.
Similar Products Used: Carnac, Diadora, Specialized
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Submitted by
Chris Lashua
a Cross Country Rider
from Peabody, MA
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2001
Strengths: Heals are stiff. Shoe is very comfortable after a few rides.
Weaknesses: The molded cleats started to separate from the heals after 2 months of 3 time a week riding. Specialized replaced them quickly with no problems, so far so good on the second pair.
Bottom Line:
Perform great, stiff and comfortable, hopefully will prove to be durable. May not be comfortable for wide feet.
I have tried to get use to the shoe, but after a couple of miles they just hurt. I have to pull up and coast through the trail. If they did not hurt so bad they would be the best.
Submitted by
W C
a Weekend Warrior
from southern USA
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2001
Strengths: Very Stiff Sole
Weaknesses: Heel slippage. Velcro straps had to be trimmed, rubbed pedal. Color(i have the red/yellow/black model may be y2k
Bottom Line:
Shoe fit is subjective to the person wearing them. That being said, great shoe on the bike. They are very stiff, which i like.
I have some heel slip problems when walking. Occasionally have pain on outside of foot oppposite of arch. May be due to over tightening to make up for heel slip. The middle velcro strap rubbed against crankarm which was annoying, i trimmed it with scissors. Not sure why they dont just flip it the other way.
I will probably try something different for my next pair, which may be a few years becasue these seem to be holding up very well.
Strengths: The color, straps do not cause blisters or numbness in feet, did not get blisters (which is common for me to break in shoes)
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
These shoes fit like my soccer cleats. I can sprint in them, even though I do not play in them. They hold my feet well with little bend in the sole. I started with azonic platforms and switched to time's, with these shoes put in the picture I could never go back. I highly recommend them to anyone. Especially if you know someone that works at Specialized and can get them for $54. Buy them...
Strengths: great looks, extremely stiff sole, you put this shoe on and it FITS.
Weaknesses: maybe the comfort an longer walks. (but hey, this is not a walking shoe)
Bottom Line:
3 straps hold your foot thight. The upper mesh seems breathable, no prob with hot feet so far. The laces are not really neccassary and don´t improve the fit. I bought the shoes one week ago, so i´ll post a following review in a couple of weeks. Best shoes I´ve ever had so far...
Strengths: good stiff shoe the new body geometry insole makes it the most comfortable riding shoe i have ever owned
Weaknesses: none so far
Bottom Line:
by far the best riding shoe i have ever used the 3 velcro straps secure the feet tightly in the shoe and the neopreme liner keeps my feet happy and dry excelent shoe!
