|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
Spencer
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | chicopee/blankets creek | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | REI.com | | Strengths: | Got them on the cheap. When the sole was intact the shoe performed better than I expected. | | Weaknesses: | The sole split in half. Like all nike shoes this shoe is not ment for wide feet. I had to cut out all the plastic along the outside of the shoe just to let my foot in. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Shimano | | Bike Setup: | BMC fourstroke | | Bottom Line: | I had the orange shoes. They held together for over 2 years: after I modded them, cut all the plastic off the outside, they were great. The sole was stiff enough that I could feel pressure on my heels when pounding on the pedals. After about 2 seasons the sole cracked in half, I was road riding and had to stop to fix a flat. They still work but its just not the same. For what I paid these shoes get 5 chillis. Nike is bourgeois company end of. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peregrine Islands
a Downhiller
from Denver, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Boulder County | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Nike Outlet | | Strengths: | Fit, comfort | | Weaknesses: | Durability (cracks along sole) | | Similar Products Used: | Look | | Bottom Line: | As with everyone else, I have had cracks along the sole, above the cleat, since the very first ride. However, I have not had issues with the ride because of this. As with all Nike shoes, I had to go a half a size up. Unusual for Nike is the fact that this shoe fits me in the width. (I wear a AAA width normally).
These shoes have a great comfort, beating out my old Look shoes - so much so that I actually put the pedals on my commuter and my mountain bike.
The shoes are a little scary to walk on when on slick surfaces, such as tile, but I've come to expect that from any kind of bike shoe. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mik
a Weekend Warrior
from Hobart, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | um... | | Weaknesses: | the shoe | | Similar Products Used: | answer accelerator, nike yuha, nike cairns ORANGE | | Bike Setup: | Yeti ARC, RS Duke race, XT | | Bottom Line: | OK if you look a few reviews down you'll see a review from me, loving my cairns, now that orange pair is still going strong, I love them... but yesturday i finally broke out my red pair, the reds are what people seem to be having problems with...
Had to go pick up the girlfriends car, so i figure a 3km road ride would be great to see if i hav the cleats set up OK, all fine there, but walking bike back up driveway, 3 steps, crack crack, the soles of both shoes broke, 10 minutes use...knackered.
Now i realise this is a old shoe, but my orange ones are still going fine (up same driveway). so all i can say, orange good, red bad... but at least i now have a spare ratchet strap... haha
the rating is only for the red version | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke Franklin
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno, NV, USA
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | flume or peavine | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Stiffness. | | Weaknesses: | Bad customer support and weak structural integrity. | | Similar Products Used: | Northwave something or others, for both mountain and road. | | Bike Setup: | At time of failure, Schwinn Moab 1. | | Bottom Line: | After almost a year of use, I too experienced a snap in the plate right beneath the cleat area. All the way through, from one side to the other. Imagine a shoe with a crease in it that would allow the toe to touch the toungue. I sent it to Nike, who basically told me their product was supposed to suck, and there was nothing that could be done. My Northwaves lasted me the next 4000 miles that I put on my Moab. Needless to say, if I could give this pair of shoes 0 flaming cat turds, I would. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Outlet | | Strengths: | Extremely well planted to the bike, no slop, stiff, in my case durability...though others may see differently. | | Weaknesses: | Some pressure points, not for cold weather, rattle at buckle, heavy, not made for walking any distance (not by choice of course). | | Similar Products Used: | Sidi Techno Fire, Old school Shimano, Shimano 220s. | | Bike Setup: | These have been on more bikes than I can remember, used with eggbeaters and frogs. | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding these things for over 7 years. Durability has not been a problem for me. Others I have known have torn through the cleat area, and these finally succumbed after a long time. In that time I have ranged from 8 rides per week, to barely one per week, so they have been thoroughly used. The only problem I had with the toe spikes was getting them off after wearing them to the stubs. Spikes become a liability in rocky terrain. Overall they have been a great shoe, but obviously the quality control is spotty if you read all the posts. One more thing...they are NOT meant for extended walking unless you like blisters on the heals. Switched to a set of Shimano 220s after putting them to rest. More comfortable, still stiff, much lighter, similar buckle mech. minus the rattling, we will see about durability. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Siggins
a Weekend Warrior
from Tasmania, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepiont/ebay | | Strengths: | stiff, comfortable, ventilation | | Weaknesses: | ratchet buckle, narrow | | Similar Products Used: | shimano, answer, nike yuha | | Bike Setup: | Dimond Back Axis TR, Specialised Epic
Manitou FS | | Bottom Line: | I really like these shoes, i have 2 pairs. bought the first about 3 years ago and they are still going really well, bouhgt the second last year. I have had no falling apart problems like others here.
I had some yuha's and reall like them so i had to get the cairns, here in australia they were like $400 but i got shipped out from the states for not much. They are really stiff and comfortable, good to walk in to, if you don't go too far. Well ventilated and give good pedalling support.
I have only had 2 problems, 1st was the buckle, i found would keep coming loose on hard upstroke, turns out when you ratchet them up you have to lock it down too... er well thats what you get for being stoopid i guess. 2nd was that the cleats would come loose over time, last tiem a cleat come loose completely whilst on the lat downhill of a XC race and i couldn't clip out at the fininsh. Once again, my bad for not checking them regularly.
While there comfortable they are also narrow, so you have to take that into account, i buy 1/2 size bigger than a running shoe.
Personally for the price they are now, absolute bargain. my buddie has 2 pairs as well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yogi
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Comfortable right out of the box. Ultra stiff sole. | | Weaknesses: | A friend of mine has had a pair of the orange Cairns for 4 years and he says they're the absolute best shoes you can buy. My experience has not been so favorable. I got two pairs of the RED Cairns brand new on Ebay. The sole plate on the first pair cracked on my third ride. The shoe is obviously ruined.
I switched my cleats over to the second pair and got a whole TWO rides out of those. I was walking up a steep section of trail and the rubber tip of the shoe detached from the sole plate and popped up over the tip of the shoe. I fixed this by prying it back with a screwdriver. Then on my next ride I noticed that the hard rubber tread of BOTH shoes had become mostly detached from the shoe. Those shoes are ruined as well. If I had paid retail ($200+) for these shoes I'd be livid. I guess these shoes were closed out at a fraction of retail price for a reason. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Comp MTN and Specialized Pro MTN. | | Bike Setup: | Intense Spider XVP. XT/XTR. Crossmax disc wheels with Avid mechs. Time pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Reviews for these shoes are pretty much all or nothing.
I think it's safe to say that the red cairns are crap, and the orange ones are awesome. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan R
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Fast and flowing | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | rei-outlet.com | | Strengths: | - The fit. Oh, the fit. I'm swooning just thinking about it.
- Stiff.
- Good outsole traction when walking.
- Good ventilation.
mmm...fit... | | Weaknesses: | - Both pairs broke.
- Rather heavy.
- Very little rocker to the stiff sole, so they're somewhat awkward to walk in.
- The Shimano cleats protruded slightly below the outsole, so there was a small, but deadly, region whenever I walked on a tile surface (I commuted in them).
Note that mine were the original, red and silver models. I've heard the orange and grey ones are more reliable, but I can't say that from experience. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried on many pairs; owned various generations of top o' the line Shimanos and a pair of Specialized 2003 BG Pros (road shoes, but they're a worthwhile comparison in many ways). | | Bike Setup: | Shimano 959 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I bought two pairs from reioutlet.com for $35 each. Why I thought I needed two pairs is a mystery, but seriously, 35 bucks - how could I not? It turned out that I should've bought 10...
The one shoe from the first pair had a midsole snap edge-to-edge, right through the cleat area. Split in two. Now three midsoles for the price of two. It lasted almost one blissful year, the REI took it back for a full refund. I think they even refunded shipping. That made me happy.
The next pair's failure was rather more bizarre. I was hiking the bike up an absurdly steep hill and my foot slid back a few inches. The upper and the outsole stayed attached to each other, but they came unglued from the midsole. The midsole poked through the toe-spike opening in the outsole and was utterly stuck there, forcing me to complete the ride with a comically upturned - and very uncomfortable - toe. REI again gave me a full refund.
You'd think I'd hate these shoes, but I don't. Maybe I'd feel differently if I'd lost $450 on them (that's two pairs at full retail), but even two failures can't make me forget how sweet they were. I still look for a pair on some crazy blowout sale. Yeah, I'd take my chances on another pair...if I could get them for $35 again. eBay usually has 'em for $50 to $80, but maybe I'll get lucky.
By the way, I'm going to rate these for value based on the current price, not the original price, and I'll try to factor in the high, but not certain, liklihood of failure. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Ventura Ca.
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | White Ledge | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Open Air | | Strengths: | Stiff, Good fit. | | Weaknesses: | Buckels rattel, sole broken behind cleat mount | | Similar Products Used: | Nike Yuha | | Bike Setup: | 04 Ellsworth Truth w/ FOX Terra Logic | | Bottom Line: | I ride almost 5 days a week so I guess that they hold up ok. The buckels will rattel when the springs get weak, but a drop of silicone seal behind the latch will stop the noise. Overall a good shoe, they are bit on the heavy side but are quite sturdy. I think that the Yuha is a better shoe for the money. If you can get them cheap and ride 2-3 days a week they should last a long time. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Somxay
a Racer
from Philadelphia, PA
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Price, looks and great fit | | Weaknesses: | straps are weak | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized S-works and AXO Decend | | Bike Setup: | Vertex team, XTR, Sid Race, Crossmax | | Bottom Line: | Great pair of shoes for under $50 bucks. It looks great and feels great. I don't have problem putting them on or off. It these shoes gets worn out, I'll probaly get the Sidi Dominator. But I'll keep these shoes for now, and I really like them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed Francis
a Cross Country Rider
from Palmdale California USA
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any and all | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$59.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Killer stylish looks, and excellent materials and construction. Truly a very striking design job. | | Weaknesses: | Just a tad on the narrow side.....but they do break in after a short time. People with wide feet, however, will never fit into them. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized team shoes | | Bike Setup: | EPX Terrashark carbon fiber full suspension bike. | | Bottom Line: | I have read the poor reviews from alot of the people who have the Nike Cairns, and totally do not understand why they could fault this shoe. The workmanship and quality of materials that went into these shoes are FIRST RATE. They fit my feet like a GLOVE, and are extremely comfortable (after a short break in period). I'm almost thinking that the rival shoes companies hired a few people to post negative reviews about this shoe....in order to damage it's reputation. I have not used the shoe long enough, however, to be able to comment on the alleged issue of the soles breaking in two.I purchased my shoes on Ebay.... and paid only $59.00 for them......so I consider that an extremely good deal for shoes of this quality. Back on the subject of the alleged breaking of soles at point where cleats attach: Perhaps laminating( bonding using epoxy or similar adhesive) a thin square piece of steel in the cleat area, would eliminate the stresses caused by the cleats biting into the plastic/ fiber sole material. I'm sure that would lessen the chances of the shoes cracking in that area.
In any event...... so far, I find the Nike Cairns to be an excellent shoe in all regards..... so much so, that I'm purchasing a second pair of them from Ebay, to keep as a spare.I'm giving the shoes 5 flaming tamales for the craftsmanship that went into them......and will leave another review later on..... as to their durability. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
[]D[][]v[][]D
a Cross Country Rider
from Norwalk, CT
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Strengths: | fit, durability | | Weaknesses: | the run narrow...not for the fat footed | | Similar Products Used: | Nike Yuha, specialized | | Bike Setup: | Intense Tracer fully loaded | | Bottom Line: | I'm going on my third season with these shoes and no complaints....durable, fit well, buckled have lasted. I bought another pair cheap on ebay last summer and I am waiting for my current pair to crap out so i can use the new pair, BUT THEY JUST WON'T QUIT! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Racer
from Ann Arbor, MI
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Potawatomi | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Dunham's | | Strengths: | Mine have been bulletproof. | | Weaknesses: | heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp FSRXC | | Bottom Line: | I couldn't pass up the deal on these shoes. They were sitting in the clearance section of our local sporting goods store with a $19.99 price tag on them. I bought two pair and have been riding the first ones 4 times a week for two years. The only problems I've had was blowing out one buckle in a crash, and the occasional loosening of the cleat screws on one shoe. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ol' Dirty Baxter
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland OR
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Slickrock, Moab UT | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Rigid platform | | Weaknesses: | Buckle spontaneously releases & warranty folks won't work with me. | | Similar Products Used: | Sidi Dominators | | Bike Setup: | Hardtail & Boinger, both with Time ATACs | | Bottom Line: | I called Nike and the store I bought these at. All I wanted was a new buckle. No one wanted to stand behind the product. I'd rather have a crappy shoe that delaminates, as long as the company will repair it or replace it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chester Thomas
a Cross Country Rider
from Vilseck, Germany
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Pottenstein | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | Stiff, lightweight, fit, well ventilated | | Weaknesses: | Not good for cold rides, buckles can be noisy | | Similar Products Used: | Nike Inyo,Diadoro | | Bike Setup: | C'Dale F2000, XT/XTR, Raceface, WTB, Kore | | Bottom Line: | I've read the bad reviews and don't get it. My shoes have done great. I've worn them for a year and a half including 9 months of riding through mud and yuck in Louisiana and the only problem I've had is the sole tore away a little by the cleat on one shoe. They aren't "natural" to walk in on pavement but they do ine when I have to push my bike. Maybe I'm lucky but I like these shoes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan Staehling
a Weekend Warrior
from Tulsa
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Womble | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | REI-Outlet | | Strengths: | Comfortable fit after break-in. Stiff soles. | | Weaknesses: | Poor durability. Long breakin-period. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Other Nike, Performance | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakota 1998 Frame, 2001 XT drivetrain, Marzocchi Z2 fork | | Bottom Line: | I needed a new set of shoes and couldn't pass up the sale on these. When I first put them on I found them downright painful. I kept on wearing them, as I didn't have another option. They "broke-in" and kind of molded to the shape of my foot. They became one of the most comfortable shoes I have had. Unfortunatley, the soles kept chipping apart piece by piece and the cleats kept coming loose. Finally the whole plate broke apart. I suppose they would be excellent for someone who only wanted them to race on or was extremely gentle to them. For me, I want something that will last much longer. I ride some, but don't consider myself much more than a weekend warrior. A $50 shoe should have lasted much longer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
splat
a Weekend Warrior
from ohio
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$79.00 | | Purchased At: | don't remember | | Strengths: | stiff sole, tight fit zero slop | | Weaknesses: | durabilty, pain to get on and off | | Similar Products Used: | sidi action srs, and several other velcro only shoes | | Bike Setup: | speedplay frogs is anything else realy matter | | Bottom Line: | I got these shoes at about 75% off and still feel riped off because the cleat plate kept breaking over the course of the slightly less than two years I rode there things I broke the cleat plat 4 times and nike replaced them for s&h only each time but it was a pain waiting on them and having to use my cheep shoes whil I waited.
so the bottom line is don't buy them even on a great sale save your pennies and get some sidi action srs it is worth the extra money unlike nike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Used | | Strengths: | Stiff
Ratchet buckle | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Sugar 2, SID fork, Time ATAC pedals | | Bottom Line: | OK...I bought mine for $60. For that price, it's hard to go wrong. You definitely need to have narrow feet to have these actually be comfortable(mine are borderline). They are extremely stiff, which is great. Mine haven't broken yet...I like the ratcheting buckle and they have great ventalation. I would recommend these if you can get them for under $75 and you don't have a big foot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rocco Calgiano
a Racer
from washington dc
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the Shen. Mts, VA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint.com | | Strengths: | cheap. cool color. strong, stiff sole(so far)
tight fit. it almost cuts circulation off to the toes. herein lies the problem... | | Weaknesses: | one velcro and one buckle strap is what you get to hold these dogs on. the buckle is junk. its eithier too tight or too loose. no in between.
the grooves on the buckle have almost stripped after a couple races.they were wrecked after the first race/test.
junk.
it always nice to have a new looking shoe that is useless.
| | Similar Products Used: | answer.scott. | | Bike Setup: | racey.light. | | Bottom Line: | cons out weight the pros.
don't buy these crappers unless you want to throw money away.
i think Nike cycling needs to spend more time on R&D before they put this crap on the market.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
k2
a Cross Country Rider
from Fraser, CO
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | mountain goat | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | mail order | | Strengths: | well, let me think... I really can't see any. WELL THEY ARE BETTER THAN JUST USING SOCKS. | | Weaknesses: | Zero durability factor, I was not sure about these "things"
when I bought them, I was right. Everything came apart/cracked, accept the laces. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano | | Bike Setup: | Team Issue Marin, custom built. (STEEL IS REAL) | | Bottom Line: | CONSUMER ALERT (MY OPINION) DO NOT BUY THESE SHOES.
****UNLESS YOU ARE A NIKE GEEK
THIS is the first and last nike product I will buy, period. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Igor
a Weekend Warrior
from Mpls, MN USA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | CAMBA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | REI Outlet | | Strengths: | They look cool. | | Weaknesses: | Soles break. | | Similar Products Used: | Nike Air Puba | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Rocky Mountain Hammer, Time Atacs. | | Bottom Line: | Now I know why these shoes are so cheap in all tha' rags. They suck @$$!!!! If you buy these shoes yer a chump. The sole broke just clippin' out on the second ride with them! What a joke! Nike may be fine for Lance but not for me! Nike should be ashamed of themselves for puttin out such crap!!!!! Please do not buy these shoes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from PA
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bring You Down | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | + Looks
+ PricePoint's price | | Weaknesses: | - Cleats loosen up quickly
-have to stop during rides to tighten
- Clip often comes loose
- SOLES BREAK
- Stock price | | Similar Products Used: | Answer XC-1
Shimano M320 | | Bike Setup: | Trek Pro 9.9 with full XTR, XT Disks and Rolf Disk Wheels | | Bottom Line: | DO NOT BUY THESE SHOES!!!!!!
I've had to stop many times during riding to fix the loosened cleats or tighten the strap
After about 6 months the sole broke while unclipping at an intersection right between the screw holes and now when i wear them the sole digs into my foot!
DO NOT BUY THESE SHOES!!!!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Samuel
a
from Santiago,Chile
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any hard one | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$160.00 | | Purchased At: | A shop in Denver I can´t remenber the name | | Strengths: | Stiff sole, great fit when pedaling | | Weaknesses: | Horrible for walking, sometimes the cleat come loose, they don´t last much | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale CAAD3 whith LX/XT | | Bottom Line: | They lasted me 1 year and a half after the sole broke. I was happy with the overall performance of the shoe, but I also had problems with the cleat that came loose constantly.
These shoes are defenitly race only shoes cause the sole brakes if you walk and they are extremly uncomfortable for walking over any surface.
For 210 they are way too expensive, but for 70-100 it´s a pretty good deal | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kris
a Cross Country Rider
from madison, wi
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | kettle moraine | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | maxwell st. days | | Strengths: | looks cool | | Weaknesses: | uncomfortable, makes clanking nioses, thin plastic sole, soft plastic | | Similar Products Used: | specialized(quality) | | Bike Setup: | 98 hardtail and 01 schwinn rocket 88 II with brooks seat, crossmax wheels, thompson post, bontrager pedals | | Bottom Line: | they look so cool, and I got them for a banging deal, but what a crappy shoe. the cleats come loose all the time because the plastic on the bottom is thin and scrapes away easily, after about 400 mi riding the plastic folded and the shoes are useless. thank god because they where so uncomfortable I'd have blisters the size of boulders after riding. also the cool clamping mechanism would rattle incessantly and drive me nuts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daryl
a Racer
from Webster, Texas
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any race course | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | Fit, stiff sole, great ventilation, very tight buckle, great racing shoe | | Weaknesses: | crazy colors only | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Team Comp | | Bike Setup: | DEAN Colonel, Full XTR, Avid Ti Brakes, Avid Cables, Crossmax (non-tubless), Thomson stem, Easton carbon bar, Titec carbon post, Hutchinson Python Air-Lites (always) | | Bottom Line: | I read some of the reviews below and that is too bad for those people. I have had nothing but good experiences with these shoes. I race really hard and I need the items that these shoes deliver for good racing. I was skeptical about the shoes because they were on sale for such a good price. Once I put them on and pedaled though - all skeptisism was gone. I cannot find a pair of regular Nikes to fit me right, but these couldn't fit any better. That must be because these shoes are made in Italy. For anyone looking into a good all around race shoe that is stiff and plenty tight - this shoe has the right price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Szczembara
a Weekend Warrior
from Kalamazoo, MI USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Fort Custer | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Dunhams | | Strengths: | Everything about this shoe is awesome. Except the weaknesses. | | Weaknesses: | They have like a rainbow thing going on on the front velcro straps. Not a big fan of rainbows on my bike gear. | | Similar Products Used: | my first clipless shoes | | Bike Setup: | 00' K2 Zed X (stock)just got the bike about a week before the shoes and being a college student at WMU i don't have any cash left for any upgrades just yet. | | Bottom Line: | The only reason i really bought these shoes was because they were on sale at Dunhams for $19.99. 20 dollars for a pair of biking shoes is amazing, even I realized that. Then after i bought them i did some research online only to find out that i scored big. The retail for these shoes is around $200 from what I can tell. They're very confortable as long as you don't plan walking on them very much. The soles don't give at all. I've taken them out on the trail only twice so far but both times i was pounding the crap out of them and my bike. Go to your local Dunhams and pick a pair up. You won't regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WYM
a Racer
from SF, CA
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Various | | Strengths: | Well designed. Wide heel a definate advantage when hiking (especially at night) over rough terrain. | | Weaknesses: | Rubber sole occasionally delaminates from internal plate. Stay far away from the red & silver model. | | Similar Products Used: | All. | | Bike Setup: | Litespeed Owl Hollow, XTR, etc., etc. | | Bottom Line: | On my fourth pair after three pairs of the red & silver model (which broke at the cleat, very easily and were all warrantied).
Current pair (orange and silver) have lasted for two years of hard riding all over NorCal. Yes, even runnning uphill.
Just ordered another pair from Pricepoint as I do not believe another manufacturer makes a comparable product (i.e stable when walking, durable and comfortable). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtbmon
a Racer
from Northern Ohio
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Vulture's Knob/Poto | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint | | Strengths: | Looks cool and waaaaayyy stiff, buckle adjustment, comfort (believe it or not) | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | Specilaized Comps, Sidi | | Bike Setup: | Kona Kula, Sram 9.0sl drivetrain, Maggie Louise hydros, Atacs, TruVativ Team SL cranks/bb | | Bottom Line: | Well, I read the reviews and decided to take my chances. For $70 beans, seemed worth it. First ride I was worried b/c of the pain in the outside of my foot from the exo skeleton. Apparently just a break in issue since it went away on the next ride. Raced 'em this weekend and the course had one short hike a bike section (due to pathetic trail maintenance but I diverge). No breaks, cracks, etc. Seems a little too early to tell but they were really stiff and comfortable. The buckle adjuster is nice and allows for fine tuning and they worked well with my Atac's. Not too hot (although it was only 70 deg.). I did order a full size larger than I normally wear and it was perfect. Thanks to all previous posters b/c I would have never done that otherwise. I'll review again after more time has passed but so far, not a single complaint. FYI, they are the orange ones as there seems to be some issue with the reds. Peace all! Flamin' dog piles a plenty for performance and price (at $70, but I don't think any shoe at $200 is value) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerald
a Racer
from Monterey, CA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | Light | | Weaknesses: | Sole cracks on any running section. (Yes Midwesterners there are hills in California that you have to Hike-a-Bike). No insulation at all in the toe (Don't ride them in the wet and cold.) | | Similar Products Used: | Axo, Answer, Sidi, Shimano | | Bike Setup: | SC Super light | | Bottom Line: | Absolute piece of outsourced garbage. This shoe broke on the sole at the Napa World Cup. The Cleat was then totally locked into the pedal for the rest of the race. I somehow managed a second at the race and wore them on the Podium. I sent the shoes back to Nike and they had the gaul to say that that there was no defect in workmanship etc.. To hell with them. I will go with another company that appreciates amature athletes and builds a good product. Absolutely terrible service and crappy shoe. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Pinckney,Mi
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | poto | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | PricePoint | | Strengths: | Stiff
Color | | Weaknesses: | Weak Soles
Poor Construction
Weak Buckle
Slippery Midsection | | Similar Products Used: | Too many to count | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Stumpjumper Comp | | Bottom Line: | Of the many shoes i have used these are the cheapest(NOT PRICE) and worst. After only a few rides i got new ones from Nike for a Break in the sole. They sent me more reds. Alsothey sent me ones withe the exoskeloten peeling off, when i contacted them the person said "Itis normal" i couldn't believe it.
Dont even buy these shoes to ride in if they cost 5 dollars they break and have poor service to get new ones out to you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max
a Weekend Warrior
from Hamilton
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mercer NJ | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | PRicePOINT.com | | Strengths: | very good feel; awsome clip in/out; not that $$ from pricepoint.com, great for eveything; awsome ventalation when hot, dry quick, easy cleaning, nice straps, really strong | | Weaknesses: | First time i used them the cleat plate on shoe broke, but i my specialized team pedels too tightl; nike was great about returning them under warranty
| | Bike Setup: | Haro escape 7.1 factoy w/ specialized kevlar tubes and speedzone elite computer | | Bottom Line: | great product if u look around for a good price; wouldn't pay more than $110. great for biking, love what they do for me | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco,CA USA
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Downieville... Pauley Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | | | Strengths: | Stiff, good fit for those of us with narrow feet | | Weaknesses: | Nike RMA process, ratchet spring could be a little stronger, orange????? | | Similar Products Used: | You name it. | | Bike Setup: | Ventana El Saltamontes, Z1 Xfly, King hubs & headset, Phil Wood BB, Raceface LP cranks, bar, seatpost, XT disc brakes, XTR drivetrain, Time Carbon, 317 wheels, Kore Elite stem, LP carbon barends, Koobi Tri saddle | | Bottom Line: | Had the red & silver pair, they broke, RMA'd them and must say that Nike fixed the sole issue in the orange & silvers.
Forgive the caps, have to make a point to those who read. Bottom line is IF YOU HAVE WIDE FEET, DON'T BUY THESE SHOES. Who the hell buys a shoe without trying it on?
Also, rumor has it THE RED & SILVER CAIRN SOLES HAVE A FLAW (I'd agree based on personal experience), BUY THE ORANGE & SILVER.
These shoes can be had for $70 on pricepoint.com. Good deal in my book. You buy full retail for these puppies, you wear a helmet when you walk. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | always the new one i havent been through yet | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$49.00 | | Purchased At: | rei-outlet.com | | Strengths: | great fit, comfort, stiff as you could ever want. love the shoe. | | Weaknesses: | carbon plate snapped | | Similar Products Used: | axo vipers, shimanos | | Bike Setup: | specialized stump - heavily modified | | Bottom Line: | Great shoe, killer deal on price at rei-outlet, but the damned plate broke right behind the cleats. Snapped pushing off from a stoplight on the street, I hardly believe this counts as a "moron" move. When you feel and hear the snap you cant mistake it, nor can your toes. Had to ride back 12 miles with my toes bent straight up. still love the shoe though and am hoping nike will back em up. I'll put in an update either way. Value at the price i bought them is great, but i'd really be steamed if i paid 200 for em. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff k
a Racer
from winchester, tn
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | st. andrews race course | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | looks, stiffness, comfort, did i mention looks??? | | Weaknesses: | sides of shoe have been tured black by various crashes.... | | Similar Products Used: | alpinestars | | Bike Setup: | race | | Bottom Line: | good racing shoe, very stiff, also very comfortable. i agree with the guy who wrote the last review.... u cant run in a mtb shoe.... it the cleat starts to come loose, put some loc-tight o it on quit your squabbling! great race shoe! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Canton
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bluff Point | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Price point | | Strengths: | Great shoe, looks great, feels great, I like that it has three lock ups (laces, velcro, and Strap) real stiff, did i mention that it feels great | | Weaknesses: | non that i can think of | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Pisgah, full xt, Avid mags, Marzocchi z.3
| | Bottom Line: | For the idiot who said, The sole broke when i was running up a hill, OF COURSE IT DID, ITS A BIKE SHOE NOT A RUNNING SHOE, ANYTHING THAT STIFF WILL BREAK IF U ARE A IDIOT AND ARE RUNNING UP A HILL, THATS WHY U HAVE A BIKE!!!
Don't listen to the idiots that write stupid reviews, and say that this is a bad product, because it is a great shoe, Price Point, has them on sale right now, for 1/4 of the Suggested price. Really nice shoe, UNLESS U ARE A MORON AND RUN UP A HILL IN THEM!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christopher Mead
a Racer
from copperas cove,TX,united states
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Sparta mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$85.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | none | | Weaknesses: | the cleat for the pedal come loose and gets stuck in the pedal | | Similar Products Used: | this is the worst shoe i have ever used there isn't one similar | | Bike Setup: | VooDoo Canzo with XT/XTR components a SID fork and a Stratos Xc pro rear shock Mavic Crossland wheelset | | Bottom Line: | Buy the shoe if you like things that don't work so you can have an excuse to be slow or if you like to say the "F" word. The first tim with the shoes is great but frome thesecond ride on the cleat kept coming loose and sometimes got stuck in the pedal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Fenton
a Racer
from Clinton
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any one with rocks | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$160.00 | | Purchased At: | performancebike.com | | Strengths: | Light weight, stiff, cool buckle, nice and cool in the summer, comfy (well for a little while) | | Weaknesses: | COLD!! poor buckle designe (it came undone almost every ride) tiny toe box, these shoes are really narrow | | Similar Products Used: | Lot's of Nike's and Specialized, and some shimano's | | Bike Setup: | K21000 with 2001 Nolleen Mega air and full XTR setup | | Bottom Line: | crappy shoe, almost. It is stiff and light weight though. The buckle sucks and the shoe is really narrow. The tread is really rugged but the toes spikes suck. They are extremely cold in the winter and they let in all kinds of rocks and sand. They are not really worth the money, go buy some shimano's or even better, some Specialized! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua Jacobs
a Racer
from Martin, Tennessee U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Canal Loop at Land Between the Lakes | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$129.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bicyce on sale | | Strengths: | I loved the looks of the shoe. The stiffness and great fit.I thought I was really getting something that would last.I was wrong. | | Weaknesses: | I broke the sole under the spd cleat. while trying to run up a hill. And the buckles started coming loose during rides.For a shoe the msrp at $210 I expect alot more. And you would think that a shoe company like Nike would have a better product than that.This my third pair of Nike Bike shoes that have cracked at the sole. I think I have purchased my last pair of Nike Cycling shoes. | | Similar Products Used: | My first pair of shoes where Shimano. I broke the soles on them too. Then went to the Nikes. I think Iwill try some Sidis next maybe they will hold up | | Bike Setup: | I have a 98 Trek Y-22 that I love. | | Bottom Line: | I think The bottom line is a company such as Nike should develop there product alittle more before entering a new area. I have read the other reviews and this is a real problem for them. I wish the Nike shoes had been what I thought they were. A superior product but they weren't.
So I will look else where. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali Trail NC | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Price, fit, stiffness, front cleats | | Weaknesses: | Prefer leather over a mesh outer so a little cold in winter. | | Similar Products Used: | Sidi Dominator, 94, 98, Lake, Shimano, other Nike shoes. | | Bike Setup: | 2 KIein Attitude Race/XTR | | Bottom Line: | Euro fitting shoe. If you are used to the feel of a good road shoe then you will like 'em. If you have wide feet, buy another pair of shoes.
They run a size small. I wear a 9.5 in most shoes but must have a 10 in Cairns. This is true for me with all Nike shoes.
Had several types of shoes in my 15+ years of riding. Lake, SIDI, Shimano, other Nike's. As for Cairns, at the price I bought my second pair (88 w/shipping: pricepoint), they are really not that bad.
The cleats in the front are awesome when on a hike a bike.
Overall I’ll wear these all day long for 88 bucks!!! Other shoes with similar stiffness and fit are well over $150.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Stamford
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint | | Strengths: | Hmmmm...let me think...Uhhh NONE! | | Weaknesses: | Too narrow, poor quality | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher, Hayes, xtr, full susp, Panaracer, Azonic | | Bottom Line: | I bought this shoe becuase of the tremndous offer at pricepoint. Now I know they were on clearance because they S*ck. The narrowness of the shoe caused the sole of my foot to hurt. The screw the holds the clamp in loosened and fell out on the first ride. I can't believ that the MSRP is over $200. I would choose these shoes again if they were offered at $35!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Flume Trail: California | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | REI Outlet | | Strengths: | Stiff, tight fastening system, protective tongue covers the shoes' front | | Weaknesses: | Quality: The sole cracked/split on my 6th ride! | | Similar Products Used: | Diadora Chilli | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Intense Tracer, Hayes Disc, Z2 Xfly | | Bottom Line: | I got these as a backup pair since they were priced right ($40) on REI Outlet's website. I liked the performance & feel better than my Diadora Chillis. They're a bit narrow, but I got used to it after a couple of rides.
Today as I was walking on them I heard & felt a 'crack', as my right shoe became as flexible as a slipper. The sole cracked just rear of the pedaling platform. Pretty poor quality, if you ask me. I requested an RMA on Nike's website. Rumor has it Nike doesn't make them any longer-I hope they've a few spares kicking around. Great price, great stiffness, poor quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J L
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Monarch Crest Trail, CO | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | PricePoint | | Strengths: | none | | Weaknesses: | Size, soles | | Similar Products Used: | Sidi | | Bottom Line: | Bought these shoes because they were on clearance for $70, and figured that they couldn't be that bad. Too bad I was very wrong. I have small narrow feet and these shoes are so narrow that they hurt every ride. I bought 1 size large knowing that they would be narrow, but the sizing is a complete mystery to me. The shoes are also too long b/c they are a size large. After about 5 rides, the sole of the right shoe broke, and on every ride the buckle pops out under stress of climbing or tech stuff. These shoes are worthless - not even any good for wet/mud days. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zeke
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | moon point | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$105.00 | | Purchased At: | nike employee store | | Strengths: | stiff sole, option for cleats, large toe box.
laces give really snug fit.
| | Weaknesses: | heavy, spendy (at full price) | | Similar Products Used: | answer accelerators, shimano | | Bike Setup: | setup w/ time atac pedals | | Bottom Line: | Fit for me is great, ymmv. in part due to the laces/ratchet-strap combo. I have reasonably narrow, size 9.5 feets. Answers were also a great fit.
No, my feet don't hurt after long rides, for up to six hours at a time clipped into the pedals. I like the plastic cup on the heel; maybe it's just psychological, but it seems like a good place to have extra armor.
soles held up much better to the lava-rock on Mckenzie river trail, than my answers. the latter disintegrated, the nikes were a little scuffed but otherwise fine.
Haven't broken yet - nobody builds shoes like twelve-year old chinese girls!!! got to have those nimble little fingers, no good once they grow up. Anyway, at least as much as I would expect for 200+$$$. Get them for less, and they can be a considered well worth the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John W.
a Cross Country Rider
from Silver Spring Md.
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Schaeffer Farm | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$89.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Good fit | | Weaknesses: | Broken soles, both soles cracked | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized shoes | | Bike Setup: | 97 stumpjumper, lots of extras | | Bottom Line: | These Shoes are Garbage! I had them for about 6 weeks before 1 sole cracked and then before I knew it the other sole cracked. The fit is good, but they are way too expensive to have such quality control problems. When new the sole stiffness was first rate. I ride 3 or 4 times a week and I don't portage my bike too often, I did not abuse these shoes they are just cheap.
Do not buy then for any amount of money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mossy
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | rei outlet | | Strengths: | close fit, excellent power transfer | | Weaknesses: | broken toebox! | | Similar Products Used: | Sidi Syncro and Dominator | | Bottom Line: | I had the exact thing happen that Tyler experienced below. On my very first ride, the toebox separated on my first portage, with both shoes! I guess thats why REI is selling them so cheap.
They still pedal very well, and if Im careful about how I walk, I can keep the rubber toebox from "hanging up" on the stiff sole. I probably wont bother sending them back to Nike, and instead just use them as my backup/casual riding shoe. I still think theyre worth $40 I paid, but Id be seriously cheesed if I paid full retail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DiRT
a Cross Country Rider
from Midwest
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | rei-outlet.com | | Strengths: | buckle, cleats, mesh (allows a breeze). | | Weaknesses: | plastic is slick when wet. Weird sizing (I wear 12--bought 13) | | Similar Products Used: | Alpinestars system 8 | | Bike Setup: | ATAC pedals. I got the red/silver cairns. | | Bottom Line: | I've only ridden these a few times. I will post a second review after a season of riding.
The price was killer. The sizing weird, but the 13s fit me very well. At first the plastic sides dug into my feet, but after a couple rides (5-10 miles) I stopped noticing that. Click-in is fairly good because of a stiff platform and a large target area. But if you get them wet, the plastic just above the midsoles (and the harder rubber midsole) get slippery, making it harder to click in.
I took out the laces, and the ratchet and velcro are fine enough.
I'll give them a four for now, due to slick midsoles. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler Gregory
a Racer
from Stevens Point, Wi
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | WifeBeeeter | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$210.00 | | Strengths: | Stiff, good looks | | Weaknesses: | Okay. Here's my rant. On my left shoe, the toe separated from the stiff shank, and the toe box folds over my toes. OUCH! everytime i get off the bike, this happens. IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU, E-MAIL ME AND I WANT TO GET THE BALL ROLLING ON SOMETHING TO DO AGAINST NIKE. I CONTACTED THEM, AND THEY BLEW ME OFF CUZ I'M 13. I PAID WAY TOO MUCH FOR THESE, AND THEY CRAPPED ON ME. | | Similar Products Used: | shimano shoes, 100000 times better | | Bike Setup: | trek 8500 | | Bottom Line: | DON'T BUY THESE, SAVE YOURSELF THE CASH AND BUY A NEW FORK OR SOMETHING | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
d-mon
a Racer
from Arkansas
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anyone that's diifucult | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Excellent fit, just like a glove - at least for my feet. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the teeth on the rachet strap have started to chip.
Rachet strap will loosen some during riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Answer, Nike Sidi | | Bike Setup: | Homegrown Pro - Xt/XTR throughout | | Bottom Line: | Haven't had the breakage problems that others have had. My shoes have performed flawlessly. They are the best fitting shoe that I have ever worn. There was absolutely no break-in time required. First pair cost me $89 - Performance Team Member. Just ordered a backup pair from REI Outlet for $39.00 with a 20% discount. That's 31 dollars for any of you non-math majors. Good score. Now I have a backup pair in case the soles break o my original pair. My only regret is that REI didn't have my size in the orange (platinum)and black and had to settle for red ones. I give these five flamin turds. They have been great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Light, stiff midsole, well ventilated, good closures. | | Weaknesses: | Too expensive, sizing is small, ratcheting buckle sometimes pops loose. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano, Northwave, Nike Yuha Plus | | Bottom Line: | I had a pair of Yuha plus which I think are better value, but the Cairns is a better shoe. They aren't particularly comfortable off the bike, but once clipped in they are fabulous. They are VERY stiff.
I've given them a pretty hard time and have had no cracking problems to date. The spring on the buckles needs to be a bit stronger to resist accidently popping loose, but this happens rarely, and the closures are great. Quick, on-the-fly adjustable, and firm.
The sizing is certainly strange. I'm normally a size 9.5 but the size 11 Cairns fits me really well; perfect width and a little bit of space at the end of my toes. The plastic 'exoskeleton' on the sides dug into my foot a bit for the first couple of rides, but since then has softened a bit and is now very confortable.
I didn't (and wouldn't) pay full price for them (rrp of A$350!), but they are far and away the best cycling shoe I've owned. When these wear out, I'll get another pair.
The shoes themselves are great - they score 5, but 1 off for the too-high pricing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett
a Racer
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Fits narrow feet well, stiffness of sole | | Weaknesses: | Damn soles break | | Similar Products Used: | Lot's o shoes | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Ventana Saltamontes, Zocchi 00 Z1 Xfly, Raceface cranks, BB, chainrings, XTR drivetrain, Avid Archsupremes, King hubs, headset | | Bottom Line: | Damn expensive shoe... cracked both soles this weekend. You'd think nike would build a better shoe... I would think this would have more problems with ratchet failures... something else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, England, UK
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Ratchet
Stiffness (UNTIL THEY BREAK!)
Low price | | Weaknesses: | They BREAK. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized El Team Gato | | Bike Setup: | Coyote HT3, XT, Hope Pro, Z3s, XT pedals & X-lite stuff. | | Bottom Line: | I submitted a review on the 8/28/99 for these shoes about a month after buying them. They are nice shoes however they break which is not good.
The left shoe broke a few months ago but I carried on using them as it wasn't to bad. The right shoe broke today walking up a small embankment (only walking to prevent scaring a lamb).
The breakage was in the middle of an 16 mile ride which meant it was a right pain in the arse! It was unclipping very easily which was a problem on rocky descents.
Thrown them in the bin and will be checking reviews for other shoes.
Don't pay a lot for these shoes. If a brilliant deal is available then consider them but they are not a long term investment.
I am not heavy and don't ride too extreme so they should not have broken, I have Specialized shoes which I used for 9 months before getting these and they are in perfect condition.
Value Rating below 5 as I only paid $19.99 (about £14).
Overall Rating is 3 because although they are nice and I didn't pay much they should not have broke. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Burnham
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson AZ
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | I like them all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | They fit well, look cool, accept Speedplay cleats. Easy to adjust tension while riding. | | Weaknesses: | Broke in half! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Nike road, Shimano shoes | | Bike Setup: | '99 Mongoose Pro NX dual suspension, set up for Arizona trails. Kenda Kinetics 2.3 tires, Judy long travel, Speedplays, etc. | | Bottom Line: | These shoes fit well, and the 'armored' plastic sides were a good defense against cactus. The ratchet buckle assembly allows you to tighten them even while riding, but tends to come loose from time to time.
The sole on one of the shoes broke in half after only three months. I tried to epoxy it back together, but that didn't last.
I would have been dissappointed if a $35 shoe cracked, let alone a $200 shoe. For the price, these shoes should last your entire life. A good idea, poorly executed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Bend, Oregon
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Stiff
Ratchet/Lace/Strap combo
Durable | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | SHimano
Specialized
North Wave
Nike | | Bike Setup: | Mrazek with Shimano pedals and Race Face cranks | | Bottom Line: | I reviewed these quite some time ago. Loved them then, love 'em now. Maybe I'm lucky or something, but mine have not cracked or anything like that. The fit for me is right on, it's perfect.
I bought some North Wave Compacts on sale, figuring the Nikes would break sooner or later, but I have had no such thing happen. In fact, after riding with my Cairns, the Northwaves seem extremely flexy and wide.
If the price is right, I'll buy another pair of the Cairns for next race season.
Oh, I got these shoes in Oct. '98, and they're in their second race season. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtbberzrkr
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | National | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | stiff sides,styling | | Weaknesses: | soles break | | Similar Products Used: | Time, Azonic | | Bike Setup: | what difference does it make | | Bottom Line: | I had a pair of these for four months and the sole broke. OK. I heard about this problem but figured it was only from abuse. NOT. I barely got them broken in and they broke on me. I sent them in to nike and got a warranty pair. Fine. I'm happy now, right? WRONG! Three months later they broke again. This time nike hasn't returned my warranty submission(tried three times now). I went and bought some middle-of-the-road Azonics. I really like those. DON"T WASTE YOUR $$ ON THE CAIRNS!!!
NIKE BLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWZZZZZZZ!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike O
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Brown Mt/El Prieto | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Fit
Style
Stiff | | Weaknesses: | Thin???
TBD Durability | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Comp
Sidi Dominator II
Specialized M320 | | Bike Setup: | Homegrown | | Bottom Line: | The fit can be kind of weird. Everyone has different feet, and I'm a big guy with size 13 flippers. Every other shoe, with the exception of the Shimano M320, was too narrow for my feet (the Sidi Mega fits like a glove but is just a little too big material wise & couldn't snug it down). These fit fine, however I had to yank out the laces as they are useless unless you REALLY need to secure the shoe. I love the buckle; easy to adjust on the fly & easy (sometimes too easy) to remove. Sure, it came loose once when I bashed it, but no big deal. What I love about these shoes is that the sole is very stiff (haven't cracked mine yet but hoping I will so can get the Orange as a warranty replacement), and I love the support the plastic wraparound gives my feet--with the Specialized & the Sidi I didn't have the outside support and on long rides my feet tended to slide off the midsole and over the edge: ouch! That just doesn't happen with these. Bought them closeout for $70: $210 is WAY to much for these--for that buy the Shimano as that shoe Rocks, but for the $$ & that they fit my clompers I'll give them a 4, with a 5 to come if they last 6 months. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AirKnight
a Cross Country Rider
from Buffalo, NY
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Fit very nicely
Very stiff soles
Cool looking | | Weaknesses: | can't walk on these shoes at all
cracked soles! | | Similar Products Used: | Wellgo cheapo shoes | | Bike Setup: | GF Kaitai, Marzocchi Z2 Superfly, '00 LX crankset..... | | Bottom Line: | DON'T BUY THEM UNLESS YOU HAVE TOO MUCH MONEY!!!!!! I read other reviews, many sole cracking problems. I didn't believe them, and got it from Performancebike.com for $99.99. Anyway, the tip of the shoe first cracked, no problem, just push it back in place; then the sole right beneath cleat cracked!!! I've only been riding with these shoes for less than 3 months, and most of the riding were commuting in city streets! I can't believe they cracked just like this! I wasted my money on this pair of shoes!
Don't get me wrong, they are great shoes, but they are just too fragile.
AK | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Staten Island, NY
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | greenbelt of course | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Cool colors aggressive outsole good tight ski boot-like fit if your into that & extra large toe box if your into that also | | Weaknesses: | way way too narrow, sizing does not translate order them 1 and a half sizes bigger than your regular shoe size and you will still be in pain | | Bike Setup: | team s-works xtr | | Bottom Line: | I have been eyeing these shoes for about 2 years now...but the $210 price made me re-consider...Performance had a closeout for $99 so I got em' ...very very disappointed...My feet are not wide at all but these were way too narrow so much that the rachet-like buckle has a no purpose because they are already tight as hell just with the laces. and I had em a size bigger then I needed ..then the buckle was a little faulty when I tried to tighten them it just kept slipping.. Toe box was way too big felt like open-toed sandals...I'm sure they are a really good fit for a maniequin just don't try to move at all when they are on your feet because you will be expierencing a world of pain..Nike says Just Do It...Just don't do it in these shoes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pascal Pensa
a Racer
from Riehen, Switzerland
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Local Forest Rides | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Fitting system
Stiff sole
Outta space looks | | Weaknesses: | 210$ Price tag
Sole profile
Big vents | | Similar Products Used: | Shimanos, Northwaves, Sidis, DMTs, Specializeds | | Bike Setup: | Nice custom made steel frame, complete XTR, Hope XC4 Discs | | Bottom Line: | At first, I was very pleased about the fit of the shoes with all the straps and ratchet and stuff. It was kinda bomb-proof. I was doing lots of training with them and wanted to race them, but midway during the third race the sole broke (yes, you guessed right, it f***ing hurts!). You don't expect that when you paid 210$ for big Swoosh quality.
Cheers anyway | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Tallahassee
Date Reviewed: December 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Fern Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Weaknesses: |
Thin! | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized El Gato Sport | | Bottom Line: | Man, they weren't kidding when others say these shoes are thin. I have never had a problem with my feet being too wide for shoes, but I had to return the Cairns because I couldn't stand the pressure the plastic puts on the outside of my feet. Looked great for the 2 minutes I had them on though. I think alot of people will have to return these. 2 chilis for the looks, that's about all I can attest to. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtbberzrkr
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix,AZ
Date Reviewed: November 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
National-Phx,AZ | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Stiff,well ventilated,hard plastic outer-bash protection | | Weaknesses: |
Ratchet device comes loose if you clip a bush or a rock, split the hard plastic sole and metal cleat insert in the shoe. | | Similar Products Used: |
Time | | Bike Setup: |
Mantra comp w/Jr.T, Time ATAC pedals | | Bottom Line: | They took a little time to break in but they fit like they were custom made for me. Plenty of tread for climbing but apparently the sole isn't strong enough. I sure hope they get this problem fixed for the new model, seeing how I'm shooting for a warranty replacement on the ones that broke.
Bottom line:Nike needs work in the MTB shoe area as we are extremely rough on them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
slugger
a Cross-Country Rider
from california
Date Reviewed: November 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Summit | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Super stiff, tight feel, well vented | | Weaknesses: |
Rachet system | | Similar Products Used: |
All sorts of shimano, lake | | Bike Setup: |
XTR cromoly rig, 747 pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great shoe, way over-priced though. I managed to get mine in a nike outlet store for 75 bones. Make sure you don't pay 210 for them at any stores, you can get them alot cheaper than that. The rachet system provides real nice tension across the foot but tends to loosed with awkward foot movements. Loved the stiffness, and ventilation. Don't ride with them on real cold wet wintery days (canucks) you'll get frostbite. Allround great shoe, haven't had any problems with sole wear or breakage. 4 chills for great ride, one off for big brother pricing. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from Cupertino, CA
Date Reviewed: November 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
stiff sole
tight fit
buckle works in mud | | Weaknesses: |
heavy
durability (see bottom line) | | Similar Products Used: |
Sidi Dominator 3
Adidas Garda
Performance Kwake | | Bottom Line: | These shoes fit great (if you have narrow feet). Felt some hot spots when trying them on, but felt great while riding. I broke the c/f cleat plate on the bottom after a year and got a replacement pair from REI. I just broke one of the plates again. These shoes are great for racing, but don't seem to hold up to hiking very well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross-Country Rider
from Chapel Hill, NC
Date Reviewed: October 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Tsali | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Tight fit, metal buckle effectively straps the entire sole very nicely | | Weaknesses: |
Requuires a narrow foot | | Similar Products Used: |
Shimano
Specialized Comp | | Bike Setup: |
'99 Klein Mantra race
Speedplay frogs | | Bottom Line: | These are clearly the best fitting shoes I've owned. I wear a size 12 and have a very narrow foot...those of you who have a wider foot should probably look elsewhere. I am very hard on bike shoes and so far these have held up well (300 + miles, all rocky cross-country, mostly single track). Fortunatley, I paid about $130.00 for these shoes at a closeout sale at Performance Bike Shop. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Voduc
a Racer
from Toronto. Ontario
Date Reviewed: October 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Durable and stiff. | | Weaknesses: |
Pricey, a little heavier than similarly priced shoes. | | Similar Products Used: |
Sidi Dominator, Shimano 210 | | Bike Setup: |
Rocky Mountain Altitude | | Bottom Line: | This is a great racing shoe, the ultra-stiff sole offers excellent power tranfer to the pedals and with the metal buckle, you can crank these shoes really tight. These shoes definitely have a narrow fit (both at the ankle and toe), so try before you buy - getting a half size smaller than my running show size worked for me. The shoes are high priced, but my LBS sold them to me for 230$ Canadian (150% US), which is comparable to the high end shoes from Sidi, Shimano, Northwave, etc. I am very satisfied with this product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: October 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Indian Creek | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Fit
Comfort
Ratchet buckle | | Weaknesses: |
Sole cracked | | Similar Products Used: |
Nike Nguba
Nike Nguba II
Nike Yuha | | Bike Setup: |
Litespeed and Fisher hardtails with Time ATAC Alium pedals | | Bottom Line: | These shoes are the most comfortable I've ever owned. Unfortunately the sole cracked near the cleat after about a year of use. I'm not too hard on things so this shouldn't have happened, especially in a top of the line shoe like the Cairns. I had the original red/gray model, not the newer mango/gray model. REI customer service was excellent and refunded my money. They said they had seen many Cairns returned with cracked soles. I would have given these shoes 5 chilis for comfort until this happened, but their suspect durability drags them down to 2 chilis for me. I've heard the newer mango/gray Cairns have a better sole, but I haven't seen enough confirmation about that to risk buying them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
btan
a Weekend Warrior
from nyc
Date Reviewed: September 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | Some say they are ugly, but I think they look fine. But fit is bad. I have owned nearly 15 pairs of Nikes in my life time (4 air jordans) and I have never had a fit problem. Until these arrived. I bought them from someone who had the fit problem for $85. But they turn out too narrow. TOO NARROW! I ended up getting a shop credit of $210 at the local NIketown. One Chili for the shop credit! Now I pay $7 for Nike T shirsts. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Ratchet, allowing fine adjustment of fit.
Studs.
Stiff sole.
Cheap. | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized | | Bike Setup: |
Coyote HT3
`99 Marzocchi Z3
Hope Pro/ XTR V.
XT SPDs | | Bottom Line: | Bought these on a recent holiday to Florida. Cost $19.99 whereas in the UK they would cost £150 approx. $225. The shoes are comfortable and for less than 10% of the normal price I have no complaints. Excellant value. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon Reynolds
a Weekend Warrior
from Prior Lake MN
Date Reviewed: August 9, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Great fit and allow no foot slippage for increased power transfer. | | Weaknesses: |
Ugly colors, and an extremely weak toe. | | Similar Products Used: |
Shimano M110s | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 9900 | | Bottom Line: | Yes they are ugly but for $129 I thought I would give them a try. So I did. Unfortunately I hadnt ridden more than 10 miles and wiped out on a steep downhill to uphill switchback. When I started hiking up the hill the toe snapped in hallf where the toe spikes go. I was a little disappointed but received a replacement pair in two weeks under warranty. The story does not end here.The new pair I received had the toe break in the same place, on the same shoe, and on the same switchback 9 month later. I refused another warranty pair and REI refunded me in full. Since Nike has gotten me hooked on the ratcheting buckle, I bought a pair of SIDI Dominator 2. Hopefully they will work out . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Hagan
a Racer
from Florida
Date Reviewed: July 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Hard Rock Cycle Park | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Tight fit that can be fine tuned.
Buckles
Mega support | | Weaknesses: |
Don't wear them to the store (stiff) | | Similar Products Used: |
Nike Yuha
Shimano Rockasaki
Specialized | | Bike Setup: |
GT Zaskar LE
Marzzochi SuperFly fork | | Bottom Line: | I got a good deal. I have used these shoes for about a year of racing. they are the tightest fit that I have had, no heel play at all for me. I have not experienced any flex in the power transfer to the pedals, ever. My shoes have not broken like alot of peoples have, I don't know why, I seem to always be off my bike walking.
Best I have ever used, plus my team wears them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Stiff sole, made for narrow feet, laces, velcro & ratchets, breathes well | | Weaknesses: |
Not a huge fan of ratchets | | Similar Products Used: |
Whole Bunch o'Shoes, not many fit a narrow foot well | | Bike Setup: |
Ventana Marble Peak FS,
Race Face Cranks/Rings,
XTR Drive Train, Rock Shox, Mavic, King, Avid | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is I read some guys comments that the shoes are no longer for sale. NOT TRUE they can be ordered directed from Nike ($210) if you go to the ACG section of their website. These shoes rock and can handle the torque I put out... nice x-fer of power which I sooo important on a FS ride. Pretty comfortable but the ratchets take some getting used to. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Bend, Oregon
Date Reviewed: July 12, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mrazek | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Still very stiff, the ratchet can take alot of abuse, the fit is perfect, and those cool colors! | | Weaknesses: |
I think the rest of the shoe is being pulled off of the sole, because I can see the glue. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized, Shimano, Nike | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized M2 Pro/ Manitou SX-Ti | | Bottom Line: | After 9 months of racing and riding abuse, they are still in perfect condition, minus the little sole problem. They are the best pair of cycling shoes I have ever owned or tryed. It's too bad they don't make them any more, because I would go out and buy another pair for next year if I could. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Racer
from CT, USA
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Stiff, Superfit, Nice color | | Weaknesses: |
If your foot doesn't fit the mold, prepare for pain. | | Similar Products Used: |
Nike Nguba, Shimano | | Bike Setup: |
Tomac 00 Buckshot
ESP 9.0sl
Time Pedals | | Bottom Line: | These are the best shoes, only if your foot fits the mold. If not, forget it. They will couase you nothing but pain. Mine have not cracked and I have owned them 6 months now. They are really stiff and work great. I have not had problems with Time or Shimano pedals. For me, these are the best. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Blanchard
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Anselmo, Ca
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mt. Tamalpais | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light, stiff as a board, nice cover and straps.
Has reflective heel. | | Weaknesses: |
Had to buy the size 13 for my size 11 foot. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized, Performance and Nike | | Bike Setup: |
98 Stumpy Pro, Manitou SXS, Ritchey pedals | | Bottom Line: | Bought these as a return item at Performance bike for a $100 bucks. They look great, feel good and I can strap them down tight or leave them loose. Haven't experienced any tight or hot spots or breakage in the three hundred miles of crosscountry riding I've done. I guess only time will tell. But so far this is a great shoe for the price I paid. I give these puppies five flamin' rellenos! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
e
a Weekend Warrior
from Misery
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
SJT | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | Believe the reviews. All it takes is kneeling down to look at your derailleur and flexing the toe region of the sole and, SNAP, there goes your $210 retail shoes. Go ahead and try it if you dont believe me! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kent
a Weekend Warrior
from Morris County NJ
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Overall Design
Adjustment Options | | Weaknesses: |
Apparently recurring breakage | | Similar Products Used: |
Carnac Tahoes (heel too weak) | | Bottom Line: | I've never had a problem with these shoes. I've put over 3,500 (limited stressed) miles on them. However, I have heard of folks breaking them. To date, mine are perfect. I'll give them a 5-star based solely on my personal experiences, with the notation that very aggressive riders might want to avoid them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cairn Breaker
a Racer
from Florida
Date Reviewed: May 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Tsali | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Durable except for the sole | | Weaknesses: |
Not the best fitting shoe. Tried a friends sidi III and fit better. Damn sole breaks. | | Bike Setup: |
GF Procaliber, full xtr, sid, wtb/king wheels. | | Bottom Line: | Ok I have had these shoes for about a year and a half and have broken 4 pairs of them. I am currently waiting for the new pair that are being warrantied (been like 7 weeks so far). These shoes are nice but if you ride hard you will break them. The new ones are supposed to be reinforced but only time will tell. Four dead flaming horses. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J
a Weekend Warrior
from Metroplex, Texas
Date Reviewed: April 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Backing from Company and quality footwear | | Weaknesses: |
sole cracked near the cleat mounting | | Similar Products Used: |
None | | Bike Setup: |
GT | | Bottom Line: | I bought this shoe one year ago from national store and it just cracked at the sole where the cleat mounts and returned it to them, they called Nike and Nike said yea its a problem and they issued the store a credit for the shoes and the store ordered another pair that day, from Monday to Thursday, got my shoes. Oh, yeah, I opted for the New color and Nike said it was reinforced at the sole where a problem was known and now those things are much lighter and stiffer and NICE!!!!
Much better and the color is nice too orange with platinium. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian
a downhiller
from Philadelphia, PA
Date Reviewed: March 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, if the rumours of Nike discontinuing this shoe are true, then I will have to go out and get a few extra pairs. I have had most of the major shoe brands (Sidi, Carnac, shimano) and the Cairns are the first shoe I have found that I can actually get TOO tight. Priviously, I would cinch down the shoes (laces, straps, buckles) as tight as they would go and my feet would still move around. With the Cairns, this doesn't happen. When I first wore them, I had to loosen them during the ride - never had to do that before!
On top of the awesome fit, I bought mine for an incredible close-out price of $110 (last pair they had). I tried them on when my LBS first got them, but couldn't justify $210 for shoes. After riding them for a few months now and experiencing the joys of shoes that FIT, I would pay $210 for them.
BTW, I don't use them for DH - have Shimano DH shoes, but for XC and trail riding, 5+ chilis.
Point it DOWN!
Ian | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a racer
from scottsdale
Date Reviewed: February 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
let me reissue my first review. The sole of my shoe has cracked and the only thing holding it together is my clips. I called Nike and they said to send them in but I would not get anything back for 2 months...What do I do without my shoes for 2 months. SO anyway they are still comfortable but I know have to buy a new pair of shoes cause the custmer service at Nike sucks | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a racer
from Arizona
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i've had my nikes for over a year and so far are holding up....but you would expect that from a shoe that has a price tag of $210. I seem to be one of
the lucky ones cause my feet feel great when they are in the shoe. Overall
I am happy with the shoe, but next time I will go with a different company | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a racer
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: November 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've read all of the reviews, and it seems like all of the good ones are written a day or two after the shoe was bought and most of the bad ones are after the shoe has been ridden on for a while. First, you should know not to buy these if you have wide feet. They just won't work for you. Second, you should know not to pay full retail for them. I got mine for $150 thinking that was a great deal, then saw them in Colorado Cyclist for $130. Oh well.
I've been riding with mine for a month now, and have noticed a few things about them. There is a hot spot on the inside of the shoe where the buckle is. If you do a notch or two less with the ratchet than you think is right, this problem is easliy corrected. Some people won't need to use the laces, and you might even get a better fit with out them. Make sure you have your pedal-cleat-bolts in all of the way, my cleat ripped off the shoe the first day(that was my fault though). And last, I noticed how stiff they are. Very hard to walk with them, but when you have to jump off the bike and run up some rocks or something, there isn't a problem.
I think they are a great shoe, but I will see when the races start in April. If you find a great deal on them and your foot fits in them well, I say go for it.I'll give them a five right now, and then next year after some use, I'll write again about how they are holding up. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Myself
a cross-country rider
from Glendale,AZ
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my Cairns for five months now and am very much pleased
with them. Rarely have trouble with them. Use them for road rides
too. Stiff enough to cover all my cycling needs. Probably not a
better shoe out there. Only equals. I have to give these 5 chilis
like I did in May after having them only two days then. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rex
a cross-country rider
from Atlanta Ga
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Loved my Nikes, plenty stiff, great fit, no slip in the heel and they didn't make my toes go numb. I even bought them on sale and saved 80 bucks. Then the right sole cracked after only eight weeks of riding. Oh well, REI gets 5 chilis for the cash refund!! I've heard Nike is discontinuing this model. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CHASER9
a weekend warrior
from STERLING HTS-M.I.-U.S.
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
IT A COOL SHOE AND I THINK IT'S WORTH IT FOR THE PRICE TAG.I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE OF THESE COOL SHOES MADE AND I LOVE THOSE KICK ASS BUCKLES. I THINK THE SHOE HAS A NICE CALOR AND SHAPE. IT HELPS ME BETTER WHEN I'M RIDEING AND IT HAS A AWSOME GRIPE ON MY PEDDLE | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pi
a weekend warrior
from NJ
Date Reviewed: September 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, well, here is the culmination of this review -- FS: pair of Nike Cairns size 11! I tried these on and the other Shimano high-end shoe (the Rockasakis I think..), anyway, the Nikes just felt better with the velcro, plastic strap, and LACES (the reason why I didn't buy the Shimanos in the first place). Well, riding with them is great, I would have given them atleast 4 chillis, but as with sneakers, I don't have a Nike foot. When walking with them the back of the shoe won't conform to my foot causing the it to rub up against my heel severly cutting them. I first realized this when I walked up a hill with my bike as a training exercise and noticed BLOOD in my sock. I found it very ironic; the all conforming company of every sport has a product that won't conform to my foot...very flattering!! :) Anyway, they are a high-end shoe and the material is great, I love the strap which is very Sidi like (in fact, the bottom of it states made in Italy). But because of this really inhibiting problem of not conforming to my foot, which is common with alot of Nike designed shoes, I give them a whooping 3 chillis...good for riding with, bad for walking in at all, any form, I'm serious...Pi | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bboy
a racer
from Saskatchewan
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought these while on vactaion and dropped into a bike shop in Canmore. Tried them on and by gosh they actually fit not too bad. Not a mean feat on my feet. Anyway, rode about two weeks on them and raced twice, on the fourth lap of five while climbing a steep hill the whole upper rips off the hard sole pinching my big toe and leaving me with a very poor grip on the hill. What can I say, I didn't install the little cleats so that probably had a lot to do with it. However, I have been using my Sidi's without cleats for 5 years now with no such problems. If you use the cleats I give it two chilis So thats my rating, However they only deserve one chili because cleats should be an option that enhances traction and not a requirement that keeps the shoe from self destructing. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
erwin soriano
a cross-country rider
from cag. de oro city, philippines
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my shoes for 6500 pesos or more or less $130. This is my second shoe my first was a sidi dominator... NIKE fits much better. This shoe hugs my feet like its one with it. Its like using it and not knowing you have one on. This is the best.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
:|
a weekend warrior
from USA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
OUCH! As cool as they look and as good of a deal they seemed ($130.00 w/ REI sale), these shoes are not for me. Because my feet refused to conform to the plastic molding in the mid-section, my wide flat feet are freakin' sore. I guess that's what I get for buying shoes built by under-paid laborers.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis Ordiway
a cross-country rider
from San Clemente, CA
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Pros (not necesarily in this order): They breathe great. As Bobke says
at the Nike web site, they just do the job perfectly and you don't notice
'em. They seem indestructible, but we will see. Great power transfer.
I like cleats (my first shoe with 'em).Disclaimer: I have Nike shaped feet. No, they don't look like that
swoosh. Or do they? Anyway, I have a wide toe box and a narrow heel.
I don't need to get a different size than I normally wear. But the
way these shoes adjust, they seem like they would cover a wide range of
foot shapes well.Cons: You look like you have an alien cyborg transplant at the bottom
of your legs (hey, you are mountain biking wearing lycra and
a funny helmet, so you should be used to this by now). They vent well,
but come winter I will need some neoprene booties for my easily frozen
tootsies (question: which will look geekier, these shoes, or these
shoes covered with neoprene booties?). The buckle rattles slightly.
I only notice it becuase I love a silent ride. I use LX Silent Clutch
hub. This may be fixable with a little tape, strategically placed.A note on fit: It took me half a ride to figure out that you don't
cinch these puppies down as hard as they will go. If feels snug at
first, but after a while, you realize they are a vise on your feet.
Solution: once you push the strap in as far as it will go by hand,
I only click the adjuster two clicks or so. The shoes may seem a bit
loose, but once you ride and get used to it (about 2 minutes) you will
find cycling shoe fit nirvana. If there is such a thing. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry Brockman
a weekend warrior
from Anchorage AK
Date Reviewed: August 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These shoes are great if you get the right size (I had to get mine a half size bigger than normal). I ride in a wide range of conditions; from mud to dust, killer climbs to flat as a pancake fireroad. My only problem is that if I happen to get the buckle just a bit too tight, it tends to dig into the side of my foot. But that's easily fixed. I give them four flaming salamanders. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MIKE Danger
a racer
from Houston
Date Reviewed: July 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
THESE SHOES SUCK!!!!! I just broke my second pair ( yes number 2 and I only had them for a month, I cant believe it, how can product be so bad, this ranks up there with oakleys,GT hubs,the machine tech powerclaw, and rock shox forks) and I talked to 2 shops including bikeworld and they say they have had many come back broken, and now nike is going to take 8 F*U*C*K*I*N*G! weeks to get me a new pair?(for the SECOND TIME!?!?!?!) you can forget that.
To bad they use slave labor, CAN you say CATHY lee? For 210 dollars these should not break stupid stupid stupid ,DO NOT BUYS THESE ( FIGHT THE POWER!!!) if you do you are just asking for a headache, buyer beware. And not to mention they are alittle narrow in the middle of the shoe.
Be careful of S*H*I*T! in the trail, if ya know what I mean. DOnt support slave labor, and save your self some money and dont buy crap/NIKE Just screw it!
You have been warned
Mike tired of expensive CRAP Danger | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dominic
a racer
from Texas
Date Reviewed: July 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got these for 125bucks brand new, I've gotta say, they are the best mtb shoes I've ever tried! The best thing about these shoes are the buckle, I've put it through mud, water, dust, rocks, everything, and they still are awesome. Another awesome thing about them is that my feet are always cool, even when its 117 degrees outside, do yourself a favor, GET THESE SHOES!!! 5 chillies! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ted Kazinsky
a racer
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: July 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The day my new Nike Cairns arrived I went out behind my house and climbed beautiful Mt. Prospect. After 4000 ft. of climbing my feet were still fresh and cool. Then came the descent. Negotiating the tight rocky single track was a breeze for the first time. And when I careened off the sandstone shelf I was finally able to pull off the double back flip. I give this shoe five chilies! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a racer
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
So I bought the Nike Cairns 'cause they looked the most trick and I wanted to see if the hoopla was worth the price tag. I have never experienced such an amazing fit. The shoe just sucks itself onto your foot and makes you more one with the bike. HOWEVER, if your foot is not that of the guy that modeled for the shoe than beware. You may experience severe hot spots and pain. I pawned the shoe off to my friend who has my size foot. He also races and experienced the same nightmare. He went back to his Specialized Team shoes and I have fallen into the feet of the SIDI Dominators. The Nike's have much more suppornt but I just could not handle the PAIN. Get a good Podiatrist and probably a chiroprator to accompany these shoes of torture and doom. Unless, of course you fit the plastic. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Myself
a cross-country rider
from Phoenix Az
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my shoes for 2 days now and really like them. Great on climbing and great on the uphills. Great overall yet a bit flashy like evryone else says. I ordered my size and they fit perfectly. More than I can say about the Gabche road shoe. Only one hotspot but I already worked that out. These shoe are, how do you say, DA BOMB. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mel S.
a weekend warrior
from CA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have to admit these are the coolest shoes out there, but the colors suck! What's wrong with basic black (if the straps were black- cool, or black shoe with red straps- even cooler)? Anyway, the shoe works really good, a real secure feel and they protect your feet from bangin' on rocks! Cool Nike, but couldn't the shoes be a little less expensive? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Zolotusky
a cross-country rider
from Acton, MA
Date Reviewed: May 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These shoes are awesome. They are a bit on the pricey side, but you cna get them for like $150 at any major sale, or a good cheep mail order place. They hold my feet really well and they dont flex much and they dont steal the power that my foot is giving to the pedals. I love these shoes and would recommend them to anyone. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a cross-country rider
from Kansas City
Date Reviewed: April 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have spent a lot this year on numerous upgrades (fork, cranks, stem, etc.) and the Nike Cairns are the best upgrade I have made for the money. Compared to the Specialized El Gatos I was using the Cairns are incredibly reponsive and stiff. Amazing how if you spend $100 on a pair of shoes you finally get ones that don't flex or let your heel slip out. I feel like they are an actual extension of the pedal and crank. One caution - order the next size larger unless you have Italian feet! A strong strong recommendation | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver, Washington
Date Reviewed: April 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These are absolutely a work on art; however, the jury is still out for me.
Why? My feet, much like the guy below, hurt after riding on them. I've only ridden on them once. They may break in? They seem to give you more power due to lack of flex. They will last a long time for sure--tough buggers. They are as ugly as a pair of colored Lange ski boots, ugh! Silver and red. What was Nike thinking? Also, they have that stupid metallic thing on the heel, ugh! Good pair of shoes. I hope my feet don't hurt next time though. Price is stupid unless you can find them on sale like I did. Ride hard and stay on the bike.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lido
a weekend warrior
from
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought the Nike Cairns about 3-4 weeks ago. They seem to be very well made shoes, however, the sole and strap are intergrated to give you kinda ski boot feeling. After a couple of hours of riding your feet begin to hurt because the shoes don't give at all. Downhillers will probably love this shoe because you won't be riding for 2-3 hours. Cross country riders should be weary of this shoe. Boy, do your feet hurt after riding with them | | Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$ 210.00
