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Specialized
Ground Control
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Submitted by
windy
a
from putian fujian china
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Bottom Line: | Shoes Co., Ltd(www .nikemade. com) is a professional Famous Sports shoes manufacturer in China, which including exploitation, production, and distribution .
Our main business is NIKE SHOES, TN, AIRMAX95,97,2003,2004,TL,R4,R5,NZ,OZ,BWM,Turbo,JORDAN1-21, DUNK and some other brands of PUMA, TIMBERLAND, PRADA, ADIDAS,T-shirts, Jacket, Hat, Handbag, Designer Sunglasses and Mp4 player, PSP, Cell phone and so on.
We own professional, scientific product line. Our hard working, high educated employees promise you best quality goods.
Our products are well known for their high quality and good hand making. We wish to pursue the opportunities to work with any interested parties. A strong teamwork hardly to open abroad market.
Hope to get a long term business with all buyers over the world!
MSN: windynikemade@hotmail.com email:windynikemade@yahoo.com | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Ng
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Buckwallow | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | Don't know | | Strengths: | The upper of the shoe is soft and comfortable (but not too soft!) | | Weaknesses: | The heel came right off. It starts to detach at the arch of the foot and peel its way back until the heel comes off completely. This is probably due to aggressive riding.
I tried to glue it back on, but as we all know, this is not a permanent solution. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano M-152 (currently using) | | Bike Setup: | 2004 Giant Iguana Disc | | Bottom Line: | The shoe worked well for me but the undoing of the heel was what made me eventually go out and buy a new pair.
The laces would need to be tucked into the front lace loop so as not to impede your riding, but I could deal with that.
I bought the shoes many years ago and used them for quite some time. I only recently bought a new pair (in the past 3 months.)
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Medford, Oregon. USA
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Too many to list | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Orange Cycle, Orlando, Fl. | | Strengths: | Very durable, very comfortable, plenty stiff, adjustable velcro strap on heel makes it easy to adjust fit after they get wet. | | Weaknesses: | Tread on sole not very agressive. | | Similar Products Used: | No other off road shoes. Diadora and 2 styles of Nike road shoes. | | Bike Setup: | Kona Cindercone w/ Onza HO
Balance XR750 w/ Onza HO
96 GT LTS1 w/ Onza HO | | Bottom Line: | I guess they don't make em like they used to. I researched shoes very thouroughly in 1992 and decided on these. The price seemed a bit high but I was assured they were worth it. Well almost ten years later they are still holding up well. I've used them for offroad, road, and commuting with no problems ever. It surprised me to see the drop in quality that must have taken place a few years later.
I have always used them with the Onza HO pedals which aren't the greatest, but once you get used to their shortcomings, aren't bad pedals. I was lucky to find a set when I recently purchased the LTS1 after my fine steel Balance was stolen.
I am unquestionably old school, not because I don't like new technology, but more because I can afford the high end older stuff and being an XC rider, not a racer, much of the benifits of newer technology is wasted on me.
I have thought to get some new cooler shoes,but the truth is they are working so well I really can't justify it.
Keep on grinding!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trusty Terry
a cross-country rider
from Stow Ohio
Date Reviewed: December 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had these shoes for two years now. After three weeks of use,these shoes fell apart. The soles peeled off & the stitching came apart. Leaving me very mad & with two specialized piles of crap. I took them back, and they gave me another pair. The second pair is holding up. These have been good shoes. I will never buy specialized shoes again,because of the first pair. I give these shoes two specialized flamin piles of crap,for all I went through. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bennett
a racer
from PA
Date Reviewed: December 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased these shoes in 97. I have had them for almost a year now and have had little trouble. These shoes are very comfortable and enjoyable to ride in. The laces are a bit of a pain to tie but once they are tied they fit great. The only to problems i have had with them are the sole cracked at the cleat. The sole also wore down fairly quickly in just a little less than a year. It was really not a major concern though b/c i bought these from supergo for $30 and i really cant argue that they are shot after one year. your could bye 3 pairs of these shoes and replace them each year for the cost of one pair of quality shoes. Another thing that i noticed is that they have minimal traction in the mud. I am now looking to buy a better quality shoe with toe spikes so i can get some good traction but overal good value | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kerry Lensing`
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: November 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
No problems with these shoes at 4-5 rides a week. Black in color is a hell of a lot better than RED and YELLOW And the price is right too Going on 5 years now . But I dont walk in them either just ride! By the way I wont buy nikes because everything I've bought from them for running or hiking has come apart in a very short time not any 2-3 runs though! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rippin Rollin
a cross-country rider
from georgia
Date Reviewed: November 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I owned the Ground Controls (grey version with red trim) for two years. Nice shoes but are a pain to clip into pedals with. I thought it was either my technique or the pedals (Ritchey Logics) but several months ago I bought the Nike Yuha Plus. What a diff! Even though I think Nike is a huge, evil conglomerate with too many tentacles in too many areas, I have to say their shoes rock.
So, buy the Ground Controls and be happy or buy the Nikes and be very happy. Rating below applies to the Ground Controls. I give the Nikes 5 stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glenn
a weekend warrior
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Overall the shoe is good. However, the flap on the top tends to dig into my ankle so it's a pain. Make sure it fits!I had also had problems putting on the cleats so my cleats move around now. Unless you're good at it, have a bike mechanic/shop put on the cleats for you. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Onno Baack
a weekend warrior
from The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The design of these shoes is really old, i bought my first set in 1992, after two years of riding races, the carbon/thermoplastic sole broke at the pedal cleat attachment. No warranty whatsoever, Specialized just gave me new ones for free !!! what a service. Nowadays I'm not riding that much anymore and the sole didn't brake again, but after six years of testing my conclusion is that this shoe absolutely rocks !!!! and Specialized too !!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LB
a cross-country rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: August 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had these for about two years and they are holding up fine. I don't have anything else to compare them to, but they they have served their purpose well so far. My only complaint is that the agresive sole pattern makes it difficult to get into my toe clips. They tend to get caught on the pedals. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a cross-country rider
from Florida
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This shoe rocks! I have the Ground Control,as pictured,not the El Gato.
I have taken this thing through every kind condition you could imagine.
Rain,mud,sand,dirt,and occasionally,a few streams.Everything except snow!
I'v even raced with it once.I bought it through Supergo for only 30 bucks!The
best purchase I ever made.Now,get off the computer and go buy these! :-) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Francis
a cross-country rider
from Manchester, MA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These are the only shoes I've had in my 2 years of mountain biking, so I can't compare them with anything else, except what my friends ride with.
They are really comfortable, but they have basicly fallen apart to nothing. The soles have pretty much disintegrated, there are many tears, and a couple weeks ago the heel strap ripped of one shoe. They're comfortable enough that I'm going to take a look at another pair of specialized shoes. For $40 I think they held up reasonably well, and I definitely was happy with their comfort. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Warren
a cross-country rider
from Mississauga, Ontario
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This shoe did not last 1 season of riding. Poor stitching. This shoe is not recommended in muddy conditions (poor traction). Would not recommend this shoe to anyone. I'm looking into a pair of Nike's this year. I'm also looking for something that looks more casual so I can wear out on hiking trips, etc... Any Suggestions? | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JR
a weekend warrior
from L.A.
Date Reviewed: June 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have used these gray shoes ror over 1.5 years (2x per week) and have suffered no problems as stated elsewhere here. I don't putt along; I can twist the knob pretty well. They seem a little heavy (size 45), but hold up fine. No problems with cleats interfacing with soles(747s and Onza). There is an art to properly setting up SPDs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
keenan
a racer
from hell
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
these shoes really suck I bought the ultimate version (grey) and the
sole has peeled off of the bottom of the shoe. do not buy these
do not buy these they are worthless if i hadn't gotten them for 30 bucks
at nashbar i would be a lot more pissed than i already am | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sander
a cross-country rider
from Netherlands
Date Reviewed: May 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had these shoes for one and half years.
In the beginning they were OK, but in the mud they do not have any grip.
Because of the position of the shoe on the pedal the side tore apart.
This is a bit disappointing
So all in all an average performance.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
keenan
a racer
from hell
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got the g.c. ultimates from nashbar for 30 bucks they work pretty good
and they have a cool micro lock buckle and heal straps they work fine for me
I don't see what was wrong with the other ones that the people had but
for 30 bucks it's a good deal I don't think they have anymore though
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chriztian Chang
a cross-country rider
from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: May 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
SUCKS!!!!!..that's all that I can say...the piece of shit shoes fell apart after 2 rides. Stitching fell apart....and the rubber soles ripped off. I paid $30 for them...but still....they should of at least lasted out more than 2 rides. I am never going to purchase Specialized shoes again. I'm going with a pair of Nikes next.
HELL WITH SPECIALIZED!!!!!!..cheap piece of shit!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a cross-country rider
from berkeley, ca
Date Reviewed: May 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the cheap lace-up onces and they suck. they uppers stretched way too much and the sole lost any stiffness it once had. my heel pops out now - they no longer fit. the plastic around the cleat is all white and about to break. you get what you pay for. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Souka
a cross-country rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Specialized Ground Control Sport (for pic, http://www.lickbike.com/i2967050.htm)I've had them for 2+ years. Put over 5,000 miles on them. Racing, singletrack, mud, dry, etc. I wear just a thin sock and don't develop hot-spots, and never a blister. Not made anymore, so availability/sizes are limited. Currently trying to find a replacement, trying all shoes from $30-$200....if it fits, I'll buy it...my feet are such a pain to find shoes for. Keep riding,
--SoukaP.S. If you know where I can pickup a pair, email me...PLEASE! :) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a downhiller
from La Grande OR
Date Reviewed: February 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great shoes. I have 700 miles on them and not one stich has come out. I have Shimano 737's and have no problems at all cliping in. I dont know what the other people are talking about. there comfy stiff shoes. Only four clillies because of the stupid gray color. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Motan
a cross-country rider
from singapore
Date Reviewed: January 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Do not buy specialized 'rockhopper' shoes as they are the worst in the world! they look good but weigh a ton. They look like they have been designed for the recreational market, but even then these are still MTB shoes, but they sure do not act like them. If caught in a rain storm, these shoes soak up water like a sponge and the worse part is that they do not drain well either, so your feet start shriveling up in the boot. The sole pattern is really thick and useless and the cleats losen themselves much to often ( even after I tried machining them into place ). Overall, a poor MTB shoe and if I were you I would not waste money or time with it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rob s.
a cross-country rider
from san bruno, ca.
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
So you say Specialized can't make good shoes ? Well, on the contrary , these ARE
good shoes. i've had them for 1 year now and they've been through rain and mud and still hold together. Although I have had some problems with the cleats, I still highly recommend the Ground Controls. Plus that big velcro strap up front is great protection from the mud and water. 4-stars ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a cross-country rider
from Tacoma
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Apparently I'm not the only one to be disappointed in these shoes. I broke the sole in front of the cleat in less than six months. Very frustrating. On the upside they were stiff while they lasted. Just bought a pair of Crackendale MC600's. They're a bit heavy, but very comfy. As for the Ground Control Ultimate's...4 chilies for performance, but only one for durability. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billie-Joe-Bob
a racer
from Hickville, USA
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I had to warranty my first pair because the stitching fell apart everywhere. Recieved my second pair after about a month and haven't ridden them on the trail yet, but the stitching is coming apart AGAIN! They've only seen use on my indoor trainer. Specialized may know how to spec bikes, but they should stay away from the shoe market. These things suck! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pika
a
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: November 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Specialized shoes and I just don't get along. They use a last that makes my feet ache. I'm now on my fourth pair (third model) of Specialized shoes and they ALL have that weird last.But I do like the Ground Control enough to keep a pair as a second set of shoes (Sidi Mavericks are my top choice). The GCs were the only shoe I could find that had a stiff sole with a sneaker-type tread so I can use them with cage pedals. (I'm sticking with slot cleats/cage pedals as long as possible - hence, the Sidi Mavericks - because the only fall-over you'll ever have with them would be due 100% to user error (forgetting to loosen the toestrap). No jamming from any debris or other hystrionics from finicky bindings.) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a cross-country rider
from jamaica plain, ma
Date Reviewed: November 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I ended up getting a pair of these because they were one of the only shoes that fit my wide feet. I would agree that the shoes don't seem to stay on to well climbing uphill. The shoes are also sketchy on rock due to their rock hard sole. The venting on top of the shoes allows them to breath well- they also let alot of water in (not that you can keep water out of any shoe). i worry my toes are going to freeze as the weather gets colder. My other compliant is that the shoes are not to durable. The nylon has shredded on the shoe near the ankle from rubbing against the crank as well as the vinyl in the heel cracking. Oh well, they were cheap, but at least the cost reflects the quality of materials. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: September 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a pair of ground controls and was soooooooo diapointed in them Cause they SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! they feel apart after like 2 rides all the stiching was coming out I thought that they would be good and stiff when riding but they weren't they were sucking away alot of my power when I was pedelingwish I could give them - chillies they suckDO NOT BUY THEM!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JASON KEHAYA
a cross-country rider
from 36 BRICKYARD RD. #4,ESSEX JCT.,VT
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
ANYONE LOOKING AT THE EL GATO TEAM SHOE FROM SPECIALIZED DO IT! THESE SHOES ARE STIFF AND FEEL GOOD WHEN RIDING. THAT IS, AS GOOD AS A SHOE WITH NO FLEX CAN FEEL | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Coolfish
a weekend warrior
from GREELY CANADA!
Date Reviewed: August 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
these shoes are poo. i hope to find something better.
the things are falling apart after not even one season.
they could have made 'em a lot better by : better stiching
better sole (the bottom part comes easily unglued)
and by putting loops at the end of the velcro straps - these get undone
with all the mud and stuff. check out nike sandles for the strap
thing specialized ppl! it would be nice! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anand
a cross-country rider
from Oxford,UK
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Specialized shoes are good and cheap. However they never seem to last that long. I have had several pair and they always seem to fall apart after 6 months. However they are very cheap and can be replaced without to much wallet damage. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
skinny narly dude
a cross-country rider
from midland,mi
Date Reviewed: July 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
i've got the old style ground controls. can i say after one year, they have been nifty some days and a pain in the ass on others. most of the problems lie in the sole design and its compatability with my shimano 535s. the rubber tears around the cleat and causes VERY BAD things to happen. they slip and lead to no release at all. the shoe is comfortable and relatively easy to walk in. this is good. maybe with the new el gato design specialized shoes will reflect the reputation their bikes have!thanks for reading.
big ring technical riding rules! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Miller
a downhiller
from Portland Or USA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I do not understand some of your complaints with this shoe. Numb, foot slips out, not SPD compatible, 1500 miles later? For starters get the right size shoe. Two I have used mine for 500 miles on 747's and have not had one problem. Three I would hope that they would not survive 1500 miles. Holy cow. I ride hard and for 80 bucks you can not beat this shoe by any means with anything else on the market. Pick up any 96 mountain bike review magazine and see for yourself. One of the top 5 best new items of 96. Beat that Thrifty shoppers. This shoe is excellent for 80 bucks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a
from Cupertino, CA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Junk! Junk! Junk! Heel slip, poor traction, stitching on toe is fraying. When portaging the bike up a steep section, its like sh#t, my f%cking shoes are falling off! To top it off, I bought this shoe a size under. I can't believe I wasted my money on this crap! Just shows its never frugal to buy cheap! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richie Rich
a cross-country rider
from Denton,TX
Date Reviewed: July 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Specialized Ground Control Sport: Nice price, but not for anything more than an
occasional weekend ride on the trails. Mine are falling apart after only 6 months
of intermediate trail riding. The rubber tread is comming unglued. I paid about 35
bucks for mine through Nashbar mail order. Get 'em only if you are a weekend
warrior. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gibson Anderson
a cross-country rider
from Saratoga, CA
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Specialized shoes are not Shimano SPD compatible. The sole binds on the pedal leading to failure to release and subsequent body trauma. I'd used SPD (Shimano 737) for a couple of years on my road bike but was switching to 747 pedals on a new mountain bike and having a terrible time. I began to suspect the new Specialized shoes I had bought but Specialized customer support said they were absolutely SPD compatible and that they had had no complaints from customers or shops. Finally, a local shop familiar with the problem told me it was my Specialized shoes and that I'd have to cut the sole away all around the cleat to get them to work. I cut and cut and made them much better but was never able to get them to work as well as my old Performance grey, green and purple shoes I use on my road bike. I finally gave up and bought Shimano shoes which worked great right out of the box-just like the Performance shoes. Don't give up on clipless. Just set them loose at first and DON'T BUY SPECIALIZED SHOES! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Galli
a cross-country rider
from Germany / Mainz
Date Reviewed: May 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've used the previous model for 3 years now ! and there's still no reason to bye new ones. They fit perfectly. The only thing about the older model is the grip when walking might be better. Don't know bout the new sole. Overall a real longlasting shoe ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Farley
a cross-country rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: April 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I am sadly disappointed with the Ground Contol shoe. After only three months of usage the sole on one of the shoes snapped in half adjacent to the cleat. I ride every day but is is mostly city riding. The shoes do spend a fair amount of time off the bike walking around but nothing too extreme. I wouln't buy this shoe again. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thai-Hoc Nguyen
a weekend warrior
from Mountain View, CA
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The El Gato is an ok shoe. Good price though. Sturdy velcro straps, heel cup was a little too big though. Sometimes on downhills my rigt foot would go numb. The shoe could use a little more tread on it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
S. R. Crandall
a
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: March 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The good news is that they are cheap. The bad news is that they are cheap. I destroyed two pair in less that 1,500 miles (only used the second pair because they were a replacement fo the first). The metal insert used to stiffen the sole also cuts through the sole as the sole is flexed (i.e if you must walk in them). Comfort wise, they are fair, but even pressure distrubution is difficult (switching to nylon laces helps). Note: this refers to the Ground Control (the shoe pictured), not the El Gato. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis Pedersen
a weekend warrior
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Specialized shoes are outstanding! When you are out standing in mud, water, climbing rocks... you name it, they can take it! I've been abusing mine for over 1,200 miles of dirt riding in all kinds of weather and trail conditions (well, except snow!), I've waded through creeks and mud flows, and they just keep working.Very good quality! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a
from arkansas
Date Reviewed: November 9, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
My friend got him some of these, and they gave him a lot of trouble clipping
into his pedals. Plus they made him look gay. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a weekend warrior
from Staten Island, New York
Date Reviewed: November 9, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
These shoes are great! Great for everything. They are easy to get in and out of and they arent that heavy, they where also chEAP. GO GET E/\/\ | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a weekend warrior
from S.F.
Date Reviewed: June 21, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought these shoes about a year ago, and always thought I would end up upgrading. I just havenot needed to. My friend who turned me on to them still has'nt either. They are really good. Very stiff sole, and cheap. They lack somewahat in the water area, but they were about $40, so hey. They haven't blown out yet, and the cleats are hanging on fine too. | | Overall Rating: |
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