Submitted by
Atomicfish
a Cross Country Rider
from Missoula,MT Date Reviewed: November 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Ravine
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
quality of materials, appearance
Weaknesses:
Too roomy and too flexible, even though I bought the correct size. There's too much volume in the toe box section of this shoe, and I'm constantly aware of it. The velcro straps are placed too far back to provide any adjustment on the forefront of the shoe. I much more prefer the snug, glove-like fit of Sidi shoes. I bought the shoes for cyclocross and they have been a disappointment, guess I'll use them as winter shoes with covers or dump 'em on ebay.
Similar Products Used:
Pearl Izumi shoes, Sidi shoes
Bike Setup:
Kona King Kahuna, Redline Conquest Team
Bottom Line:
To me, fit is paramount in a bike shoe. Take your time buying bike shoes or stay with the brand/fit that you trust. The Specialized BG Comp may be okay for some, but they simply don't work well for my feet and they're too soft in the sole.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeffj
a Weekend Warrior
from Castaic, CA, USA Date Reviewed: November 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Two Mile Smile
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$139.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Very comfortable, long wearing, replacement parts readily available.
Weaknesses:
The tip of the plastic by the toe sticks up on one of my shoes. It came unglued from the start. No biggee, but it bugs me a little just to see it. Doesn't affect the performance at all.
Similar Products Used:
Airwalk, Shimano
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign & 29er HT. . . .
Bottom Line:
Easily the most comfortable MTB shoe I've owned. I have had these over a year and they still have lots of life in them. I ride 3 to 7 days a week and these are the only comfortable MTB shoe I've found. MTB shoes in size 13.5 are not easy to come by, so it's good to know I can find shoes that fit. . . . and fit very well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
e_hermo3
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Beach, Ca Date Reviewed: August 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Telonics
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
REVO Cycles
Strengths:
Fit and quality for the price. Tongue and insole feel great. Instep buckle/ratchet. Decent weight and construction. Ventilated enough to keep your feet comfy, w/o tons of crap getting in your shoes.
Weaknesses:
Id suspect the buckle will crap out in a couple yrs as with any buckle/ratchet system.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Setup w/ Crank Bros Smartys.
Bottom Line:
Purchased the '08 model for 40% off. Couldn't pass it up. I have a wider foot, so its a tad snug by the outside of my little toe. Heel stays put well with the buckle/ratchet. not too heavy, stiff enough for my liking and haven't had any overheating issues for my feet. Construction quality, and materials seem like they'll be durable to last a few years. Ive had good luck w/ Specialized shoes before, and so far so good with these!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eight
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene, OR Date Reviewed: June 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
MRT
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Strengths:
Well built. They have normal scuffs so far but nothing seems to be coming apart. The are stiff enough for me, easy enough to walk/run in, and feel solid all around.
Well ventilated (yet they still keep stuff out).
Ergonomics! The toe box is square-ish and allows room for toes to spread out yet the shoe is secure in the heel/arch. I love this. Instead of having a conventional strap at the top, the medial part of the shoe wraps over the top of the foot while tapering to the buckle. This makes a really fat strap that distributes the pressure over the inside and top of your foot. I'm pretty sure this design is responsible for the secure feel of the shoe. Good design. I like this a little better than the buckle system on the pro version of this shoe.
No problems setting these up with Crank Bro's pedals.
Weaknesses:
The buckle isn't perfect. You have to pull it just right or it may not ratchet properly. The release similarly inconsistent. Ideally you only use it two or three times a day but it's still a little annoying.
In my opinion, a great piece of gear is one that you do not think about while you're riding. I put these on and I do not worry about them again until I take them off. They are comfortable and secure enough for me to overlook the small issue with the buckle.
With my old shoes, my feet would get tired after about an hour of continuous riding. This has not happened with the BG comps. I'm sure this has something to do with the footbed. There might be someting to the varus wedge. My knees do not hurt but they didn't give me trouble before...
I have the '08 version of this shoe.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Broken Spoke
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: March 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
anything technical and steep
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Bike Center of Evere
Strengths:
Comfort and power transfer. No interference with pedal mechanism. No heel slip.
Weaknesses:
THE BUCKLE!!!!!! After 15 years of using SIDI products I'm pretty spoiled when it comes to buckle performance. The buckles on this shoe are fragile and finicky. They work fine to keep you secured durring a ride, but they'll break if they take a direct hit from a rock or log. Also, they are a pain to release when you're taking them off.
I can put in 3hrs in rain, snow and mud and not feel like my shoes are a weak link. I ride a lot in muddy, slick conditions. The traction is good, but I'll probably put some more aggressive toe cleats on. The buckle issue is a let down, but not a deal breaker. I broke one the first day (haven't broke one since), and went to the shop to get it "sorted out." They gave me a new one. Also, while I was in the shop, we took a SIDI buckle and compaired the two. The SIDI buckle is wider than the Specialized one, but it has a lower and smoother profile. Near the buckle on the shoe is a raised fin of rubber that looks like it's there to protect the buckle. If you cut and/or grind this flat, you can replace the buckle with a SIDI buckle. The screws are the same size and the SIDI strap fits in the Specialized shoe. Just remember if you do this, you'll void any sort of warranty.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gothicd3vil
a Downhiller
from San Juan, Puerto Rico Date Reviewed: March 16, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Cambalache
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Bike Stop
Strengths:
Comfort, easy to put on and out, light weight, price.
Those are the best shoes I have seen, I change them this year because the sole finally broke. My first pair I buy them on 1997 in Sabana Grande Puerto Rico and after 12 years with them is that I change them this year. Until this moment the new ones they feel light and the strap is much better. If you want a good pair of shoes and you don't want to expend a lot in another shoes that do the same that the specialized buy this shoes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtg7aa
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver Date Reviewed: January 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Lots
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
No hot spots on my feet, have lasted four years of rough abuse, and not only does Specialized carry spare parts, they have great customer service when you need said spare parts.
Weaknesses:
The ratchet-buckle is located in harm's way, which may be unavoidable. The only issue I've had with these shoes is breaking the buckle a couple times (but that was from landing on rocks, road rash, etc)
Bottom Line:
They work great and Specialized has great support if you need it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
davez26
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO, USA Date Reviewed: January 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Cheyenne Trail,Palmer Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
They fit awesome (I have size 13 feet, 14 in these) and I don't even think about them. I clip in and go. If I'm a little tight or loose, it is a snap to adjust them. This is key! Also, I have high arches and the BG voodoo apparently works, because they are comfy. The stitching is doubled and looks really durable.
Weaknesses:
The buckle at the top can be a little finicky, but the trick is to pull up and toward the inside of the shoe, if you pull to the outside, it is going to be a little grouchy.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized lace up SPD's, and I demo'd a bunch of other stuff that just didn't feel right.
Speaking from the big guy perspective, shoes are always a compromise. I found nirvana in these shoes, and I can spend more time concentrating on riding instead of worrying about my feet. I feel pretty good that this applies to those with standard issue feet as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Boo Bear
a Weekend Warrior
from Amherst, NH Date Reviewed: November 11, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Strengths:
Comfortable, stiff, good traction when on foot, seem durable and well made.
Weaknesses:
Ratchet strap can be a little finicky at times.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Sport ('98). Diadarrio road shoes.
Bottom Line:
I have been very happy with this shoe. When I'm riding, I don't notice them, and to me that is the best thing you can say about a shoe.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christian Glupker
a Racer
from Michigan Date Reviewed: May 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
CSA, Fort Custer, Yankee
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Village Bike Shop
Strengths:
Comfortable, durable and have taken a beaten.
Weaknesses:
Nothing really. Buckle can be difficult to undo.
Bike Setup:
Custom Epic
Bottom Line:
Been good shoes after 2+ years. They've seen every element you can throw at them. The seems are starting to bust a little.
The buckle can be a pain to undo, however I've never broken a buckle or had issues getting into the shoes.
My only issue is sizing, but that's because my LBS put me into a 1/2 size too big. My new shoes are S-Works version, which are expensive, but not much more than Pro Carbon. I'd like to give the BOA a shot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh, PA US Date Reviewed: May 11, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Strengths:
For the most part a quality constructed shoe.
Weaknesses:
The rachet strap is a pain to relase. Too much area where my toes are.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
GB Big Sur
Bottom Line:
I'm not sold on the whole BG thing but my whole complaint with these shoes are one the rachet strap does not relaese easily. Two, 75% of the shoe fits great but at the end where my toes are it feels like I have an infinit amount of space, mainly up and down and to the sides. I just don't feel secure in them. Other wise I find them easy to clip in and out with and they are holding up well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stu Wilkes
a Weekend Warrior
from Sweden Date Reviewed: January 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
cykloteket
Strengths:
After 4 years (10 000km)of use both on my mtb and road bike they are still going strong, mine are the 3 velcro strap versions
Weaknesses:
Absolutly none
Bottom Line:
These are great shoes, the body geometry offers a great fit and once on you dont think about them till you take 'em off.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kinematic11
a Cross Country Rider
from tampa Date Reviewed: December 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
boyette
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
these shoes fit perfect and have no hotspots!
Weaknesses:
they finally are wearing out along my 5th metatarsal....
Similar Products Used:
O
Bike Setup:
2005 specialized stumpjumper fsr
Bottom Line:
i will replace my pair this month that i have been wearing for the last 3 years. 3 years for one pair of shoes that i have put through all condition, excellent!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan Eastlund
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN Date Reviewed: December 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Lebanon Hills
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
comfortable, dries quickly, fairly durable
Weaknesses:
buckle difficult to release sometimes, velcro loses stickiness after a couple of years
Similar Products Used:
cheapie Shimano's
Bike Setup:
'07 Specialized Epic Marathon
Bottom Line:
This was the first shoe I wore when I bought my first bike a bit over four years ago. I knew squat then, so I let the salesguy tell me to take a step up from the cheaper version of these shoes that have three velcro straps instead of the buckle. While i'm sure the cheaper velcro ones would have worked fine, I was just as happy with these. I broke the rachet (most likely on a rock while falling) after using it for a month or two. The LBS put a new one on, and I was set for the next 3 1/2 years. This year I started to have problems with the velcro not staying attached, and finally the strap broke. I've used the shoes constantly for 3 1/2 years, and ride during the entire year. They've seen all conditions. I've always said that if I don't notice the equipment while i'm biking it must be working. My feet never got sore as they have when I used a cheap pair of Shimanos on a road bike I ride.
I bought a pair for $85 at a local sale a couple of months ago to replace my originals. Retail is probably a bit spendy; if I was short on cash and a weekend warrior, I'd get the similar shoes but with the velcro straps. The strap stays in place and makes the foot feel like a part of the shoe.
Retail for these shoes is high, so four chilis. Overall, they worked out really well for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: November 4, 2007
I have wide, near flat feet and have always had trouble finding comfortable shoes but these have been great so far. Sidi's and time's were way too narrow and the shimano's of equal value weren't stiff enough for me. These have been very durable so far and as long as you put a drop of oil on the ratchet mechanism every now and then the release mechanism seems to work fine.
A little pricy but it's worth it for the comfort.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Moynihan
a Cross Country Rider
from S. Lake Tahoe Date Reviewed: June 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
MR. TOADS
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Sports Ltd.
Strengths:
Comfortable
Weaknesses:
Difficult ratchet buckle, fragile soles, shoddy construction, zero warranty help.
Similar Products Used:
Lower end specialized shoes held up for years.
Bottom Line:
Poorly built and designed expensive shoe. One year of regular use and the shoes are done worn through on all four corners. Large tear opened up on outside of one toe. Sole materials are a joke, tore a lug off on the first ride, now almost all lugs off, with a couple holes worn in the carbon. I am not a maniacal rider, just a couple rides a week on my local trails. Again, speciazlied offered no love in the warranty dept.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Demo, Santa Cruz, CA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Very comfortable. Nice room at the end of the toe, so it doesn't feel like your squished in there. Buckle works real well, and so do the straps. Looks great~
Weaknesses:
I can't really think of any, I just rode them for the first time today. I wish they still had the 06 colors, though...
They worked great! Very comfortable, and incredibly stiff. I never thought my old shoes were soft until now. I could actually feel my toes, and I climbed more than ever today (maybe it is the BG insoles, or maybe its the extra saddle time....who knows?!) Like I said before, I have a very narrow heal, so it's hard to find shoes that fit comfortably. While pushing up the bike after dismounting a tech. climb (yes, I pushed. But so do you!) my heal didn't really slip at all. And the shoes gripped really damn nice to the dirt (old ones didn't). Btw, I did install the cleats for the toe the shoes came with. Overall, the shoe is very comfortable, and I am very happy with my choice! They work great, fit well, and look pretty damn good too!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Deborah O
a Cross Country Rider
from Pawling,NY USA Date Reviewed: December 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Bikeway
Strengths:
Stiff sole, lots of toe room , really comfortable
Weaknesses:
A bit slippery with crappy cleats if you need to get off the bike! I ,also, had to dremel the soles a little bit to work with my Crank Bro pedals.. but not a big deal.
Bike Setup:
Canondale Jekyll with upgrades- Crank Bro. pedals, Fox fork
Bottom Line:
I have tried many woman's shoes and they just weren't the best fit. Bike shop suggested I try these men's shoes and they are the best! I LOVE these shoes. My toes don't fall asleep and my knees don't bother me anymore. I don't even know I am wearing them during my ride and THAT is a good thing. They have really taken a beating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a
from Reston, VA Date Reviewed: December 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$128.00
Purchased At:
Specialized.com
Strengths:
Solid feel. Quality Materials. BG Technology seems to help with feet numbness.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Rush 800 with some upgrades.
Bottom Line:
These shoes feel great. Strong, somewhat light, good power transfer to pedal. No Feet numbness for multi-hour rides. I would put these up to Sidi and high-end Shimano's any day for half the cost.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Horchler
a Cross Country Rider
from Beverly Hills, MI USA Date Reviewed: August 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Two-Wheel Tange, Ann Arbor MI
Strengths:
Great shoe -- comfortable, very stiff yet okay for short walks/portages, etc. Dry quickly, breathe well. Only problem is the buckle (see weaknesses).
Weaknesses:
3 buckles have broken just this summer. I ride 2-3 times/week and don't consider it 'extreme', nor did the buckles go under great duress. Replacements are $20, and no one has them (not even Specialized website). A couple of good dealers helped me by cannibalizing in-stock shoes, but now for the 3rd replacement, my local dealer has no buckles, nor will they cannibalize, nor they will let me return.
Bike Setup:
2006 Specialized Epic
Bottom Line:
Not sure what I am going to do w/these for the rest of the season, but I am definitely going back to Sidi when/if I can find a fall/winter sale. Between multiple failures and lack of overwhelming customer service I have soured on Specialized.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
