off topic: What shoes are you guys wearing?

Specialized!

I've been a big fan of Sidi's for a while but my last two pairs have worn out really, really fast. Too fast for them to be worth the buck.

I searched around quite a bit to find something comparable but I found something better: Specialized Comp's. They are just as comfy(to my feet anyway) as the Dominator but stiffer. The tread also seems to be of a longer lasting rubber than the dom's and lastly they have a nifty little rubber toe protector to keep the fronts from getting worn and scratched.

I'm sold. No more Sidi for me!

B

I have to wear SIDIs...

because they are the only ones that make a narrow model.

donkey,

Thanks for the nod for Spec's. I'll look into those this time around. Sidi is a little "proud" of their shoes. They're the priciest ones around.

POG,

Thanks for the advice. I wear a regular width, so I'm not confined to the Sidi's.

Anybody else?

cocheese said:

donkey,

Thanks for the nod for Spec's. I'll look into those this time around. Sidi is a little "proud" of their shoes. They're the priciest ones around.

POG,

Thanks for the advice. I wear a regular width, so I'm not confined to the Sidi's.

Anybody else?

Click to expand...

I don't like spending more than $100 for shoes, so Sidi's and other expensive shoes have never graced my feet.

For under $100, I've had good luck with Shimano, Answer, Lake, and 661. Not the sexiest brands, but they make durable, functional shoes that can be found for as little as $40.

Northwave Iguana

Got 'em ultra-cheap at Sierra Trading Post because they are a discontinued model.

ditto what donkey said

Specialized shoes feel just like my old Sidis, only they seem tougher. The carbon soles on the higher-end ones are a little stiff for hike-a-biking, but the mid-range models are freakin' sweet. The "body geometry" feature really works.

I am also in the same boat as Donkey and 2:1, previously a Sidi wearer and recently switched to Specialized. Only had this pair a little while but they're working out well so far. My right toes used to go numb after a couple of hours in the old shoes, but the big red S is doing nicely in that regard.

Sam

I've tried sidi and specialized and I think the specialized are far superior in every way besides comfort. The sidi's felt like slippers. The Specialized feel like shoes. But the traction, stiffness, and foot protection(at least with the pro comps) are incomparable to the sidi's. and they are half the price.

The lakes looks very nice as well and I'm going to try those next to see if I can get a bit more support when walking.

any other width options..

other than sidis? Ive got mega dominators and they feel awsome, but I seem to get dirt in the buckle ALL THE TIME and then they can be a real pain to get off. Is anyone else making a bike shoe in widths?

rryyddeerr said:

Is anyone else making a bike shoe in widths?

Click to expand...

Lake has a few models in wide widths:

http://www.lakecycling.com/

As far as I know, Nashbar is the only online dealer.

Sidi Dominator, Lake MX160, Lake Sandal. My current favorite is the Lake Sandal. Love the breeze hitting my hairy toes.

I use Carnac because I need a wide shoe with good arch support and the Carnacs have been the best I have found so far.

A little off topic from the OP's question ... but I would have to say that shoes definitely need to be bought from an LBS. I bought some the other day, and got a good discount for showing my local bike club membership card. Got money off on Sidi's, which seems to be a difficult thing to do otherwise ... even online.

I don't like supporting the "big-box" brands, but I've found the new Nike Lance off-road shoes to be the best for riding in the east. I wore Sidis for years and was always frustrated with the lack of durability. Also, sidis slip too much if you're forced to walk a rocky section.

The new Nikes have a sticky sole--perfect for riding slickrock or rock gardens on the east coast. Despite the sticky soles, it seems the tread is holding up quite nicely.

My $.02.

shimano m-225...

i've been on shimano's m-225 for the past season, and so far, other than them being a bit heavy, i have no complaints about their fit or performance.
mg

Those are just what I am looking for!

OneGearGuy said:

This year I made the switch to Pearl Izumi, and have 2 pairs. Here are my favs (note, they are pre-production models) and they are THE most comfortable shoe I have ever ridden in, road or mountain, in 20 years of riding and racing.

I took the pics just before the SSWC '05, and the shoes are still going strong. I have a wide forefoot and narrow heal, FWIW.

OGG

Click to expand...

I am looking for a nice comfortable highend shoe that has a wide toe box. I am thinking of going with specialized but the last pair of them I bought shrunk on me. Just like the two pairs of shimano's before that. What happens is I get them wet and the toe area continues to shrink and shrink untill I can no longer comfortably fit my foot in the shoe without getting it wet first, and even that isn't a good solution, because in the summer they dry out and shrink on me while I am riding and that becomes very painful. In the winter I have to start the ride with cold wet feet.

So anyway, those have a completely synthetic upper and I doubt I would get any shrinkage. Only bummer part is I don't think any local shops carry pearl izumi.

I only ride Shimanos after my first pair of Sidis crapped out on me before I got a single season out of them. My GF had some Specialized shoes that lasted one hard season, and that was it.