Mountain Biking - Shoes

I'm looking for new shoes in the $75 to $100 price range and want to get some opinions from you guys.

What's a good pair of shoes in this price range?
Anyone have experience with Carnacs? How do they hold up and do they run on the small and narrow side?

Thanks for the help.

I bought some new Shimano shoes last year from a local bike store that was having a clearance sell, They are pretty comfortable and have held up well. The only downside was the color, but I got a good deal on them they were marked down to $57 from $85.

I bought some Shimano SPD shoes that were very comfortable and very well made. I have a narrow, long foot (size 11.5 to 12) and they fit me fine, which is unusual. Nike shoes also fit me well; a shoe salesman told me Nike's are made to a narrow last.

I crashed once and tore a big part of the sole and inside out of one of the Shimano's, alas.

But I think it could have happened to any shoe. I just didn't come unclipped for once.

I use a pair of Shimano SH-M033 - $65 at Performance. Good all around MTB shoe w/ a casual look. I also use a pair of Cannodale Brogue - good price, kind of like a low cut hiker style w/ nice lugs on the bottom. The Shimano's are wider, so I bought them a little big for layering socks in the winter. The Cannodale's seem average to a little narrow - ride these in the summer.

If you want something w/ more of a cycle style, Performance has the Lake MX200R on sale for $59.99 (regular 129.99). Friends who have Lake shoes love them, can't comment myself.

I've had a pair of Specialized Comp for about 3 years and they've held up very well, but 3 years is about it for that pair. I've just recently bought a pair of Northwave. These are extremely comfortable although a little out of your price range. If you're looking for a race shoe, check out the SIDI, I've heard very good things about them and they seem to hold up well.

Later Gator
Boomer:D

Servus!

Asking about shoes is like asking what is your favorite color, always a different answer and reason behind it.

I have feet much like Mr. Potato-Head: large, square, and box-like. This means that about 50% of all bike shoes in "my size" will never fit me. Fortunately I have had much luck in the past with Diadora and now ride Sidi Fires, which have that really cool, fiddly foot binder system. I really enjoy being able to adjust the tightness of the instep seperately from the toe box. My messenger pal from Austria said that he wore out a pair of Shimano MTB shoes in a week and that he recommends Gaerne shoes. They are ugly beyond explanation, but have a high level of quality. High level price, too...

Trick is, buy something that you are supremely comfy with. If this means trying on 35 pairs of shoes until you find the one pair that fits best (been there done that) DO IT! Also, do not discount the use of sole inserts to help with comfort issues while riding. Sorbothane products have served me well for years, from my military service to hiking to cycling. I recomment then withotu reservation.

Originally posted by Ranger
Sorbothane products have served me well for years, from my military service to hiking to cycling.

I was wondering the other day if Sorbothane insoles (inserts) could be cut up to make custom helmet pads. Does it sound reasonable? The pads that come with helmets are often very flimsy and hardly give any cushioning.

Hi JP,

I've never used Carnac shoes, but they used to be a favourite whippet slipper amongst the top racers in the UK.

I've used Shimano shoes in the past, and been very impressed, but currently, I'm riding a pair of Time shoes, with replacable toe studs....

My advice if buying a pair of shoes, is to go for last years models at knock down prices...there's certainly alot of offers going on in the UK at the moment, and should have thought it's the same in the States.

Hope that helps matey

Rich :)

thank you for the advice. My problem, like Ranger, is that my foot is wide for it's size so most shoes are too narrow.

I'm going to the bike shop tomorrow and try out some different pairs. I believe that they have some Shimano, Carnacs, and Answer shoes on sale. I'm hoping that these shoes don't run on the narrow side.

I would love to get a pair of Sidis but they are a bit out of my price range.

Joe -

If you have a wide foot, then I would recommend checking the shimanos I mentioned above.

I bought a pair of Sidi Bullets last year and I'm hacked off because the soles are well ripped up and torn. They are just too soft. One season of racing and they're almost ready for the bin. I've also got a pair of Gaerne Polar GTs which don't look that bad, the quality though of these shoes is excellent, although they are a winter shoe, they begin to 'squeak' after 30kms or so. I thought my pedals or cleats were loose at first but after tightening them up supertight and almost snapping the screws, I came to the conclusion that it must be my sweaty feet.
There.

Live young, die fast.

weasel - how long have you had the polars? I ordered a pair because I couldn't find the lake winter shoes. When I got them they seemed pretty lame for $200 and sent them back. I didn't think they would last to long.

I've had them only for one winter, but they have been used nearly everyday. It got to about -18 one day and my feet were toast even with the wind chill. Good thing about these is that they hardly scratch. Gucci material called Lorica or something...

My mate has got a pair of winter Lakes (don't know which model) but he swears by them.