Submitted by
Holmes
a Weekend Warrior
from Berthoud, CO
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2012
Strengths: Comfortable, stiff
Weaknesses: None so far
Bottom Line:
I have a fairly wide foot and these fit me like a glove - nice roomy toe box (which could be a minus for folks with narrow feet). Definitely the most comfy SPD compatible shoes I have ridden in so far. I was having some issues with my left knee that seem to have gone away since I switched to these - I think the ergo-footbed is working for me. I don't have enough miles on these to speak to long-term durability, but so far I love em'.
Submitted by
jeffj
a Weekend Warrior
from Castaic, CA
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2012
Strengths: Super comfortable and durable. Easy to get in and out with the strap and buckle system. Metal cleats help during those rugged hike-a-bike efforts. I have ridden with on average of 4 to 6 days a week for well over 3 years and they are still going although the right buckle spring just recently gave up. The buckle still works so I keep using them. Larger toe-box than many eurostyle MTB shoes. The footbeds on the Comps are a little more cushy than those on the Sport models, the Sport model doesn't have a provision for the toe cleats in the sole, and the Sport model is not quite as stiff (I also own a pair of the Sport model).
Weaknesses: The plastic toe protection on the left shoe was a little wonky from the get-go and stuck up a little right in the center. I trimmed it off with a single edge razor blade, but it left a small area for dirt to accumulate. It's mostly a cosmetic issue. Also, the stock straps are quite long so I trimmed them a little shorter and they don't catch on bushes and rocks anymore. Although many parts are available, I am surprised that wear item like the cleats are not available anywhere I could find. The stock metal tipped ones lasted for a couple years, but now I have been regulated to using plastic ones for soccer cleats that don't last as long.
Bottom Line:
In spite of a few very minor issues, I love these shoes. I have put them through way more than I have expected them to survive and they are still my everyday riding shoes. Considering what I have put them through, they are an excellent value and I will buy another pair in a heartbeat.
Similar Products Used: Shimano, Airwalk, Specialized Sport
Bike Setup: Shimano 540 M-SPD
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
timothyclaus
a Racer
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2011
Strengths: Comfy shoe, Lightweight
Weaknesses: Ratchets fell apart, customer service is horrible
Bottom Line:
These shoes were ok until the cheap buckles failed 5 months in. Then they wanted me to pay $20 a piece to replace them. CRAP CRAP CRAP I contacted the Specialized support and they guided me to a place on-line to buy them. Obviusly this company has no idea what good customer services is and that good customer service will save your business when you make cheap cheap cheap products.
If you want to see what the customer service team had to say then check the forums. I posted it there.
If there was a zero chili rating, Specialized as a company would get it.
Submitted by
bdunk
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2011
Strengths: Comfortable, Stiff
Weaknesses: SL buckle
Bottom Line:
I really liked these shoes until the ratcheting SL buckle broke and I have not been able to get a replacement. The Specialized web site has said "out of stock" for months. Local dealers do not carry this $15 part. So buy this shoe if you want invest in a product you can't use. Thanks for takling my money Spec. Can't believe you would want to lose customers over a $15 replacement part.
Best mtb show I've owned for the price. I got mine on sale for 90 or $100. I raced for 4 or 5 years with them and have since put on thousands and thousands of miles in Utah, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. They are fanstastic. I bought my pair in 2003 and I still use them 4-5 times per week. I've now decided to look for a new pair but hate to part with them. If you read this b/c you're looking for good value, buy these shoes.
Submitted by
kustomz
a Cross Country Rider
from Kansas City
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2010
Strengths: Stiffer footbed than previous versions of the Comp and the newer sole design has less chances for fall engagement. The Body Geometry design works well for me.
Weaknesses: Tongue seems to move around a bit, though it may settle in as it conforms to my foot.
Bottom Line:
Specialized Comp shoes work very well for the investment and offer many years of use. The Comp desin has evolved over the years and seems to receive trickle down technology from higher end models as time goes on.
Similar Products Used: Previous versions of Specialized Comp.
Bike Setup: '02 Gary Fisher Supercal 29
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Bikerbert
a Racer
from Mountain View ,CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2006
Strengths: fit, comfort, body geometry, lightweight, can be worn off the bike.
Weaknesses: STUPID BUCKLE SYSTEM! I broke the right one a few weeks ago, and for some reason Specialized is out of the right one as is every store near my house that sells the shoes. Lucky me EVERYONE needs a right buckle. A pair of needle nosed pliers will get you in the shoe, but the heck wants to do this????
The buckles get a little tricky after a little while, and its tough to get out of the shoe.
Bottom Line:
good shoe, get extra buckles! It would get five chills fir value and overall, but they expensive and I WANT THE RIGHT BUCKLE!!!!
Strengths: -Well ventilated -Straps stay put -Decent grip when off the bike
Weaknesses: -Hot spots galore -Soles disintegrate FAST in hike-a-bike conditions -Upper is not very comfortable leading to foot fatigue
Bottom Line:
These shoes are just OK. I decided to save a buck by going for these over my tried and true Sidi's that I'd been using for years and now wish I would have just spent the extra coin to reel in the much better Sidi shoe.
This is actually my second pair of these shoes becuase the first set literally disintegrated within one month of purchasing them. I did a couple of big rides with a fair amount of hike-a-bike over rather technical terrain with the first set and was amazed to take a look at my shoes and see that about 80% of the tread had either chunked off completely, was hanging on by a thread or was cracked and ready to go at any time; it was like nothing I've ever seen.
To be fair, Specialized did replace these with a new pair immediately and, to their credit, the second pair that I have (the ones that I'm currently using) have held up fairly well.
Unfortunately, poor soles isn't the only thing wrong with these shoes. While they aren't terribly uncomfortable, they do cause toe pain, hot spots and foot fatigue when spending hours in the saddle (frequent for me).
All in all, I would not tell anyone NOT to buy these - especially if you're looking to step up to a ratched closure system on a budget - however, if you're going to spend a lot of time in the saddle, I would save some extra money and buy a set of Sidis.
I'll give these three torched terds for value since they're priced fairly well and two for overall since they just aren't great.
Submitted by
Devin D
a Cross Country Rider
from Folsom
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2006
Strengths: Great lightweight design, durable and tough yet comfortable. Very breathable...
Weaknesses: Very Breathable. If it's raining or wet, your feet will get wet. But I don't mountain bike cause I'm a whiner...so it's not a big deal.
Bottom Line:
(05 Specialized Comp MTB Shoes)
These shoes are the bomb. I really like the feel of them and how performance oriented they are. Really lightweight and strong. If you have messed up knees they might go either way. The angle of them are perfect for me...
Submitted by
Blair Calvert
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbounre,VIC, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2005
Strengths: Tough shoe, secure fit, stiff base but not to slippery on hard surfaces.
Weaknesses: Water tends to pool inside the shoe when raining
Bottom Line:
Great shoes, I've had these for about 15mths now, and apart from the usual scratches and scuffs they're still going strong. These are my first pair of clip-in shoes so nothing to compare against, but so I'm pretty happy. I'd recommend these shoes to anyone looking for a tough, good quality shoe for primarily cross-country use, but also good on the asphalt.
Bike Setup: '04 Raceline Comp, stock apart from Mavic F219 rims
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
scott Holt
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Or, USA
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2005
Strengths: Nice construction, Good looks, Great design.
Weaknesses: Toe studs may or may not stay in.
Bottom Line:
These are great shoes if you have a medium to wide forefoot and a high arch. Lots of room in the toe box, ample forefoot width and a snug heel cup make for a great fit, at least for me. The plate is very stiff for good power transfer, but generous toe spring keeps the shoe comfortable for walking. The sockliner has "bulge" built into it just behind the met- heads which I was unsure of at first but now I like it very well. The ratchet buckle works well, though I haven't abused it much yet. Best shoes I've tried at any price!
Similar Products Used: Shimano m180, old specialized shoes.
Bike Setup: Schwinn Moab
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Fountain Hills, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2005
Strengths: Durable, Good features for the price, stiff
Weaknesses: Varus wedge not for me
Bottom Line:
The "varus wedge" eventually caused me knee pain. I had upgraded to these from my old Rockhoppers which were flat because the insole with the "metatarsal button" really felt great. I attribute it to helping me overcome a former foot injury. The newer 05 Comp however adds the "varus wedge" and this caused me knee problems. I switched to Sidi's and put the Specialized insole in them, now I have a great shoe.
Strengths: comfortable, stiff, does not hurt feet, durable
Weaknesses: None so far
Bottom Line:
After doing a stage race this weekend and having these shoes on my feet alot. I felt the need to post a review saying how impressed I am with these shoes. The rest of my body may be sore, but my feet feel fine. This is a great shoe for the money and I would buy another set when these wear out. Body Geometry is not just another marketing ploy. These really do feel good on your feet and on the pedals. The soles are durable, and up to the task of hike a biking up those unclimable climbs. I'll be racing these in a 24 hour race in a couple of months, and will post again to see how they hold up. A great shoe.
Strengths: Excellent fit, Fits like a snug pair of socks! Strong plus toe box armor, Color: just plain black what's better? Excellent traction and with removable toe spikes the traction gets even better. The Custom Arch by Specialized works great for me! The sole is super stiff allowing for excellent power to the pedals when needed. Cleat stays nicely tucked away from harm while walking. Ventalation is very good and the weight is right on target. Inexpensive when compared to import shoes!
Weaknesses: My only complaint is that you must check your toe spikes while they are in to make sure they don't fall out. After every ride make sure you can't move them by hand, Keep the wrench they supply you with in you hydration pack in case you need to tighten them!
Bottom Line:
I've tried some of those import shoes and lets just say I was not impressed! Specialized has been making good shoes for a very long time. I will be using them for now on! First off those wimpy import shoes leather is way too thin and gets wet and cold on muddy days. The soles they use are too soft and have been known to peel. At least my Diadoras did that was a pain! No screwy ratchet straps to get jammed when it gets muddy and sloppy.
These shoes are much better just a simple three strap design and Specialized's own "Sock Fit" that keeps most of the water, dirt and mud out of the shoes. The fit for me at least is right own! The Custom Arch makes my pedaling better. The shoes soles are stiff and strong and the cleat stays so nicely tucked away in the sole of the shoe so you get no premature wear. One year so far on them and they still look like new! Even with getting bashed by rocks, wet from rain, and coated in mud. NO damage on them from any trail hazards the toe box armor keeps my toes from getting broke! I use Crank Bros. Eggbeaters and they work so well with them! Just make sure you keep those toe spikes tightened but when I lost one I contacted Specailized and they hooked me up with new spikes for both shoes! Forget those expensive overrated and flimsy import shoes and try out ones born and breed on AMERICAN trails! Try out Specailized shoes before you buy they may surprise you!
