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Feedback for Shimano XC702 and XC902 shoes?

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#21 ·
I am struggling with shoes right now. I currently wear Bontrager Cambions in a size 47 and they've treated me well for a few years but are a hair wide. I have XC902s and S Works Recons sitting here. The S Works are so hard around my ankles which I don't love but otherwise the fit well. I don't like how much exposed carbon is on the bottom. The XC902s feel great but certainly seem less durable. I can't decide which to keep or if I should just order something else.
 
#22 ·
Gonna test my new Gaerne SNX on sunday.
I have the G.Stilo for road and they're amazing.
I can be wrong, but most of the shoes I've researched were really poor in terms of long term protection of stones and wear.
We'll see.
 
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#23 ·
tommyrod74 said:
I know you didn’t ask about these, but I have had the S-Works Recon and the Shimano 902, and now have the new Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon. First race was today and I really really like these shoes.
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Are you still happy with the Fiziks? I know it's way too early to know about long term durability etc, but I'm looking at getting some of these and there's not many user reports yet. Thanks
 
#24 ·
rp86 said:
Are you still happy with the Fiziks? I know it's way too early to know about long term durability etc, but I'm looking at getting some of these and there's not many user reports yet. Thanks
Click to expand...
So far, so good. I ordered 43 (my usual size) and 42.5 and kept the 42.5. I occasionally think I could have made a 42 work, as well. I run a carbon fiber insole and I still have a little extra room, but not enough to be any problem.

Very stiff soles but also rather comfortable. The large velcro strap is great. Lots of rearward cleat adjustment if you are into a midfoot-ish cleat placement. No durability issues so far. Seem like a great choice.

2 races and maybe a month into ownership, no problems.
 
#25 ·
I tried the 702s and 502s this year (just tried on). The quality seemed garbage.

I have Bonts (that don't work as mtb shoes - but work great as gravel / road) and Shimano Me7s (which have been great. Just a lot for XC)

I have heard the new specialized S works vented shoes have a much softer tongue. But not sure I want to spend that much.
 
#26 ·
tommyrod74 said:
So far, so good. I ordered 43 (my usual size) and 42.5 and kept the 42.5. I occasionally think I could have made a 42 work, as well. I run a carbon fiber insole and I still have a little extra room, but not enough to be any problem.

Very stiff soles but also rather comfortable. The large velcro strap is great. Lots of rearward cleat adjustment if you are into a midfoot-ish cleat placement. No durability issues so far. Seem like a great choice.

2 races and maybe a month into ownership, no problems.
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Perfect, thanks!
 
Discussion starter · #29 ·
XC902 arrived yesterday, fits perfectly in a 45W just like my RX8 45W. Easier to get in/out because the top BOA allows the shoe to swing open. My RX8 is like putting on a form fitting slipper (not a bad thing). I never had issues with RX8 on hike a bike because I rarely do any but the shoe is taking a beating in certain areas; the XC902 tread is a smidge taller/spikier than the RX8 but it's not night and day as some reviews alluded. My RX8 single boa comes loose every so often but BOA sent new dial(s) last week. If the RX8 boa stayed put 100% of ride then I'd be less inclined to pay $300 for the dual boa xc902. Maybe I'll install the new boa and if it "cures" the 8 then I'll sell the xc902.
 
#30 ·
I tried on a set of RX8s that were $129 in the REI garage sale and really liked them. I was afraid to wear them as a mountain bike shoe but almost got them for gravel. Hopefully your boa solution works! It’s always nice to spend a little less.
 
#31 ·
I wore the RX8s for awhile (gravel). If no hike a bike they are great. However, the carbon sole didn't fit my foot shape / which eventually caused knee pain which took me 6+ weeks to figure out and $300+ in PT fees. So, just make sure they fit your foot shape.
 
#32 ·
@tommyrod74 Did you find the Fiziks have more sole shaping than you're used to? I seem comfortable in a full size down from my normal specialized/shimano size but placing my specialized insoles in the shoes makes the arch feel very aggressive. I may need to step down to the red insoles or try the stock ones.

Also PSA: Moosejaw has a coupon and you can get certain sizes for $240
 
#33 ·
csteven71 said:
placing my specialized insoles in the shoes makes the arch feel very aggressive. I may need to step down to the red insoles or try the stock ones.
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I haven't received my Vento Ferox Carbons yet, but I have a pair of the Tempo Powerstrap I use on the trainer. They feel horrific to walk in with my Specialized insoles, but after a couple of minutes on the trainer actually feel really good. I'm as yet undecided whether it feels better than the stock insoles, or just different.
 
#34 ·
Seems most like the higher end stiff shimanos but I actually enjoy a bit of flex. The XC5 have been brilliant and I have 2 pairs. One thing I don’t like on the trails is being conscious of the shoe. If they’re damaged or scuffed I don’t wanna mind them. The little extra flex really allows me to dig deep when needed and utilize glutes a bit more when I need to drop the heel. Size is actual size and dead on. I have wide feet and didn’t need the wide version. So far not bad. I’ve used Bontrager xxx and some nice Giros as well. I think Shimanos will be my go to.
 
#35 ·
rp86 said:
I haven't received my Vento Ferox Carbons yet, but I have a pair of the Tempo Powerstrap I use on the trainer. They feel horrific to walk in with my Specialized insoles, but after a couple of minutes on the trainer actually feel really good. I'm as yet undecided whether it feels better than the stock insoles, or just different.
Click to expand...
It's a real shame no one has perfected test riding shoes. I hate mounting cleats to test knowing I've just made returning them a pain.
 
#36 ·
csteven71 said:
@tommyrod74 Did you find the Fiziks have more sole shaping than you're used to? I seem comfortable in a full size down from my normal specialized/shimano size but placing my specialized insoles in the shoes makes the arch feel very aggressive. I may need to step down to the red insoles or try the stock ones.

Also PSA: Moosejaw has a coupon and you can get certain sizes for $240
Click to expand...
Not particularly, but I only went 1/2 size down from my usual. I could have gone down a whole size in retrospect, maybe that would become evident if so.
 
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