Fifty Plus (50+) - New shoes again!!!

Have to admit that that statement is not really true- Last new shoes I bought were about 8 years ago.

But just recently-I have been having a bit of foot trouble. Tightness in places and after about 4 hours the shoes seemed to get tight. So into the shop and see what they have got. I use SPD's and do not want to change the pedals so after trying a couple of pairs in my size- The mechanic suggested going up a size."Why?-I have always used size 41" Mechanic replied "Because they don't fit" OK- Try a 42- They worked. Can't believe that my feet have grown but apparantly they have.

Sorted the size and now what shoe. Have to be SPD so it limits me a bit. Mountain bike shoe- but there was a pair of Diadora with a Road type sole- very stiff and would take the Road and SPD cleats. Tried them on and they were comfortable. Till I stood up. I could not walk in them and that was without a cleat being fitted. No heel at all to them and I know that you are not supposed to get off the road bike- But I do like to occasionally. But that sole could have been made out of cast steel- it was so rigid. Power loss through the shoe would have been Nil.

So back to the MTB shoes and nothing there that I liked the look or feel of- Till I tried on Diadora's again. Cleat would be fully within the tread and The sole had no give in it at all. Colour is black so will match the bikes (Or at least not clash with them) and they have the lace cover to stop me from shredding the Laces.


Then to set up the cleats and check them out. Bit of black mastik to seal around the holes and fit to the same as the old shoes on position and angle. Funny how 8 year old cleats come out of the pedals easily. Those new cleats are tight but position was right. Take the shoes off and tighten the cleats up properly. Then tighten again- and as I have experience of cleats coming lose- Really tighten them again.

Just got to take them out tomorrow and change the colour to grey and brown with the road dirt and mud.

If you'd asked, I would have said "Sidi". What model Diadora's did you get?

If you'd asked, I would have said "Sidi". What model Diadora's did you get?

Diadora "Geko". And as for the Sidi's---None in stock that took the SPD Cleat and I didn't like the Colours in stock and there was this little thing that I am a Tightwad.

. . . Bit of black mastik to seal around the holes . . .

Good looking shoes. After only 12 short years my faithful Northwaves are showing their age.

I'm taking the black mastic reference as a possible hint for the clueless, but don't quite have the purpose shorted. Does it provide a seal against water or help hold cleats in place?

Good looking shoes. After only 12 short years my faithful Northwaves are showing their age.

I'm taking the black mastic reference as a possible hint for the clueless, but don't quite have the purpose shorted. Does it provide a seal against water or help hold cleats in place?

The mastik is there just to seal the holes against any water seepage. Too many times have I got off the bike- steeped into a puddle and water has come up through the holes where the cleats fix. Mind you- I have also had water get in through the top of the shoe- and it has drained out through the bottom where they haven't been sealed. But as I am a Road rider now- I don't often ride through 12" deep puddles.

Mastik may not be your term- But silicon and bathroom sealer works just aswell.

I guess that will just have to do since you are too set in your ways to try "real" road pedals. ;) :lol:

I hope my feet don,t grow I take a 47 now.:eek:

I guess that will just have to do since you are too set in your ways to try "real" road pedals. ;) :lol:

Not too set in my ways- But all my bikes are set up with SPD's- and I do not go out for a 6 hour ride and never get off the bike. Even on organised rides-you still have the checkpoints and I cannot imagine trying to find a handy bushh just offroad on a wet day with lumps of slippery plastic on the end of my feet. I fall often enough offroad as it is.

So I looked at the shoes- tried the road shoes and decided they are not for me- The object today was to replace a pair of shoes that were "Not Comfortable" so I will forgo a bit af pedalling efficiency for Comfort.

Yeah, like I said. :lol: :D