Our classic high-performance, high-value MTB shoe always ranks high with industry editors for its light weight, durability, and Body Geometry ergo enhancements.
Lightweight injection composite sole with sturdy co-molded lugs for hike-a-bike traction: 5.0 stiffness index
Performance-enhancing BG contours in the outsole and footbed
Secure fitting 3-strap Velcro closure
Supple synthetic upper with mesh vent panels
2-bolt SPD-style cleat pattern, compatible with all major MTB pedals
Submitted by
sotos
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens-Greece
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2012
Strengths: Cheap and comfy !!!
Weaknesses: It would be nice to have a stronger rubber protection in front of finger section or made an interchangeable part...
Bottom Line:
Good shoe for wider feet !!! In my expirience specialized,diadora and northwave can be comfortable for my wider feet.It is a cheap comfy shoe with good value.Dont forget to wear a shoe cover or at least a gore tex shock in winter !!!!
Similar Products Used: six six one(dont remember the model)
Bike Setup: Scapin Kyoto scandium,Reba XX 100mm,XT group
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
twindaddy
a Cross Country Rider
from SF Bay Area CA
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2011
Strengths: Long lasting, stiff, velcro lasted 12 years!
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
I suppose it's possible there are still 'Sport MTB' shoes being made by Specialized, so please note that this review is for the 1999/2000 model year.
Here it is 2011 and I'm writing a review/goodbye for shoes that are 12 years old. That's right - these lasted 12 years! I have put thousands of miles on these and they are only now being retired due to the heal of the left shoe tearing after I poked a hole through the side of them about a year ago. In spite of the hole, they continued to hold up and didn't fall apart as I would have expected.
I'm bitterly disappointed. I cannot find any other shoes that fit quite as well as these (snug without being uncomfortable, firm and relatively light).
I haven't ever washed these in the 12 years I've worn them. The occasional rain ride would cleanse them well enough of the mud that was often caked around them.
The velcro is still sticky enough that I could get away without the laces if I had to.
The cleats never slipped and the soles held up well in numerous rocky hikes.
I ride a lot of cross-country. I assume that was the intention of these shoes as they are low around the ankles. The velcro helped keep them snug with thin socks, yet they fit well enough to accommodate thicker socks on cold rides.
These shoes were with me when longer than my children and will be missed. RIP old friends.
Bike Setup: DeVinci Cactus hardtail with Shimano SPD pedals.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Wellington, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2007
Strengths: Long lasting, good fit, grip, durable -- been using them for 5 years
Weaknesses: sole slippery on hard wet surfaces, only 2 straps so not super-tight fit
Bottom Line:
Great shoes -- I can say after 5 years they hold up really well. The last 2.5 years I've been riding maybe 3 - 6 hours a week, much of it offroad -- stream-crossings, mud, roots, you name it I've seen it, and it's held up well. Some of the pads on the sole were starting to peel away but I glued them down and hope to get another couple years use out of them.
I salivate over the carbon expert version but I can't justify spending that much on shoes. 3 straps would be nice but now the Sport version has 3 straps as well, so I would probably buy the sport version if I had to replace them right now.
Strengths: For the money... Comfort, Fit, they work
Weaknesses: Looks
Bottom Line:
Since this is my first pair, I don't have anything to compare them with but I'll try to give a good review.
I tried several pairs of shoes on before buying these. I have a US size 13 foot and it is often times hard for me to find shoes of any kind that fit me comfortably. After trying several brands in my size, these seemed to be the most comfortable to me IN THIS PRICE RANGE. Even though I thought I was going to lean towards one of the more expensive shoes with the 'ratcheted' laces, The velcro laces hold the shoes in place very securely. Overall, I'd say you get what you're paying for in comfort.
Again, since this is my first time, I couldn't tell you about peformance compared to other shoes. I can only tell you that they clipped in and with ease for me, but then again, I have my PD-M324 pedals (platform on one side and clip in on the other) set to the lightest tension. I have yet to take my bike on any 'serious' off road trails, but I feel comfortable in the way they have performed on me thus far.
I only wish that I would have found at my LBS similarly priced shoes that looked more like sneakers... b/c I sometimes just like to ride to the local cafe with my gf and grab a small bite, or even take my dog to the park, and I think most biking shoes look kinda dorky (as do the helmets).
Similar Products Used: None. This is my first pair of clip in biking shoes.
Bike Setup: Stumpjumper FSR
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
BEN Pupeza
a Cross Country Rider
from Blaine MN Anoka
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2004
Strengths: stiff, durable, laces and straps, not $100+ ,wide
Weaknesses: butt ugly, dry slowly due to real unfinished, raw or fuzzy type of leather v.s. smooth finished leather or synthetic materials.
Bottom Line:
I just got my bike and had to get shoes fast at LBS. I could have got a better deal on the web on better shoes but these shoes do the job. theyre not crap but certainly not high performance in any way. Very good is what I'd say. you know how that toyota just keeps going. It rusts out and has a low top speed but gets you from A to B without breaking down. Ive had these shoes for two abusive years. they are starting to rip on a seam on the inside ball of my foot. For what I paid and what Ive done I'd say they are a good value. Like I said theyre not crap. Live to ride, ride to live
Similar Products Used: nothing to comare. these are my first clipless shoes
Bike Setup: 02 specialized stumpjumper compe. spd pedals 525's.I wont brag on upgrades but love my fox shock oh yeah, baby butt smooth lie butta
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Billy
a Cross Country Rider
from Wynnewood
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2004
Strengths: These are very comfertable and strong shoes. I baught these used on ebay and they still are in great working and physical condition.
Weaknesses: For me at least they are kind of loose fitting unless i tighten them all the way. They are my size, yet still seem to fit a bit loose. I realize I did buy them online and didnt get to try them on, but they still are the same size as my old sneakers that fit perfectly.
Bottom Line:
Great shoes for the xc/aggresive xc rider like myself. They hold there ground and do what they are supposed to. I took one chilli off due to there loose fit. (I like them to be a bit tighter)
Bike Setup: Giant Boulder SE, Manitou Axel, Many upgraded parts
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Johnstown, PA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2003
Strengths: stiffness, comfort, price
Weaknesses: weight, ventilation
Bottom Line:
I originally bought these shoes in the spring of '01 and paid near full price at that time. Looking at the reviews for a friend, I noticed the deal at specialized.com and had to buy a second pair as a backup. My original pair is showing some wear at the seams and on the sole (esp at the toe), but are in pretty good shape for 2+ yrs and 2000+ miles.
I've used these shoes for both XC riding and a bit of racing as well as some cyclocross and have been very happy with them. They can be warm in hot weather, but they are OK for Pennsylvania. The flipside is they are great in cooler temps and I've ridden with just wool socks and these shoes down to 30F. They are quite stiff for a comfortable shoe and the soles provide great traction. I haven't had any problems running short distances (up to 25m) in them. A good value at the original $70, absolutely insane at $20.
Bike Setup: Old Cannondale SV, Kona King Kikapu, and Redline Conquest - all with SPD's
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Des Moines, IA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2003
Strengths: Comfortable, stiff, durable
Weaknesses: haven't noticed anything
Bottom Line:
I bought these off the website for a hella-low price, it was sweet. They always have cheap ass shoes, but most of the time the most common sizes are sold out, i got lucky. I would recommend anyone these shoes, especially for non-racing. Ive never washed them, just throw them in a corner and they look like new. The tread is holding up well.
Weaknesses: Not the lightest shoe, not the best colors
Bottom Line:
These shoes are great for the price. They are not the best looking nor are they the lightest shoes. More importantly, they fit very comforatbly and have lasted two years and are still in good shape. They actually out lasted my last bike. I am ready for new shoes but can't find a reason to replace these yet.
Strengths: Durability, stiffness, comfort. Really, really well built!
Weaknesses: Looks ... uncomfortable to walk in for any distances over 50 yards. They can bge a little warm during the summer. Oh, yeah, and looks! These things are so ugly even my dog won't chew on them.
Bottom Line:
Ugly, ugly, ugly! However, they are awesome shoes. I've had them for more than a year now and I just love these things. I don't use the laces, only the straps and they fit my feet perfectly.
Sure they are hot during the summer but I think that's part of teh durability. Besides, when it gets too hot, I thrown on my sandals and I'm good to go.
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002
Strengths: Comfortable fit and reasonable price. The combination of lace and straps makes this a great fitting shoe. Many other reviewers have said this shoe was the best fit for their wide feet. In my case, I have narrow feet and this was the only shoe I have tried which is comfortable with no heel slipage. I like this shoe better than others I tried at two to three times the price.
Weaknesses: Hot. Average looks. Soles must be trimmed to work with some pedals. -- These shoes don't breath real well, but I don't care too much because they fit right. They are not the greatest looking shoe either, but again, who cares. Also, the treads on the soles were too deep to work with my Crank Eggbeater pedals. I had to cut away a good part of the tread before I could get the shoes to clip in becasue the tread hit the pedal spindal before the cleat could clip in. The instructions for the shoes state that the same can be true for some Time A.T.A.C. pedals.
Bottom Line:
Fit is everything in a shoe. This design of this shoe makes it easily adjustable to fit comfortably. The price is right too! While it does have some minor drawbacks, its strengths of price and comfort make this shoe a winner.
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