Fifty Plus (50+) - Cycling Shoes

I've got a pair of Specialized shoes that I've been using for about 4 years. They've been a good pair of shoes and I've been thinking of another pair of Specialized for that reason. So, I did a little investigating and found a pair with cf soles and BOA closure that retails for $150. At the end of the season they can be had on the Specialized site for about $120. A friend of mine (and a much better cyclist than I am) swears by Sidi's. But, even with a nice discount they will cost $200 or more. Just wondering what experiences with brands and features some of you might have had.

Go to a store. Try on shoes. Buy shoes that fit.

Go to a store. Try on shoes. Buy shoes that fit.
whatever fits into the toe clips and straps......
Bud

I really like my Specialized BG Pro shoes, but they are MTB shoes. I haven't worn any other shoes, but I will be open to suggestions when it's time to get new shoes. Whatever I buy, they will be SPD compatible.

The 200 dollar shoes weigh the slightest bit less than the 90 dollar ones. Get the ones that fit the best. I have found that sizes vary from brand to brand and sometimes year to year in the same brand. Good luck.

I would recommend getting the Sidis.... Live a little! (depends on how short of moolah you are of course)

As said previously, fit and comfort is most important. I have a pair of 10 year old Specialized Sport shoes. Very comfortable. I'll probably replace them with the current version when I wear them out.

I went through a number of styles and brands of shoes when I started road biking. Finally bit the bullet, which means I paid the price for a pair of Sidi. Never looked back. The best.

I'm pretty new at this sport, so I balance cost, fit and features.

My current shoes are Specialized Pro Road shoe. I got these for a great deal last year for $100. My normal shoe size is 10 1/2 EE and these in 45 fit my feet great, I've been very happy with this shoe.

But I'd like to get another set of shoes for switching off when riding on consecutive days. I've looked at a number of shoes and tried on a few, and so far, I'm thinking about buying Specialized again. So I'll be very interested to see what other people recommend.

Something else to consider. A friend at work who's been road cycling for years thought the $100 Specialized were to expensive. He said that he never paid more then $60 dollars for cycling shoes and has never had a single problem. And he has duck feet. Just something to consider......

Go to a store. Try on shoes. Buy shoes that fit.

What!? They have to fit? Sounds like a Jersey Boy thing to me.

Hackensack HS....Class of '64 :)

I've been wearing a pair of Specialized BG shoes for four years. A pair of Shimano and a pair of Sidis sit collecting dust. Having a relatively high arch and fairly wide foot, the Specialized just work better for me. While size is an extremely important consideration, so is foot structure and shape.

For me the Shimano womens shoes fit best. I sold my Sidi's and gave away my Specialized. YMMV.

The Sidi shoes will be a bit more narrow in the standard width than the Specialized. At least that is what I have found. Chances are the Specialized will be stiffer and lighter too at the same price point. Why change something that works?

SiDi is still made in Italy,, the Mega range from them is made for wider feet.

in the middle sizes SiDi half sizes the European sizes too. so ideal fit is achievable.

My cycling shoe is the Specialized "Expert Road" model. I couldn't be happier with it. It was pricey--it approaches the Sidi's in price, at least when purchased from an LBS as I did--but it has worked out very well for me.

If you cannot afford Sidi's--Then do not even go to a shop that sells them. You have to try shoes of course as you have to find a pair that is comfortable. If you try on a pair of sidi's in the size that fits--Then you will be buying them. You may even buy them in "White" as in some models- that is the only colour they make but With the comfort they give- you won't even worry about that.

And Ex Mountain Biker here still using SPD's and occasional Mountain biking so I bought Adidas for the Sole that I can walk in.

My best shoes are Bontrager RXL which I bought for $75 from a friend whose wife bought Sidi's for him. I have a pair of Shimano road shoes I paid around $200 for (I went to a Sidi dealer but they didn't have my size) but I like the Bontragers better.

I wear mtb shoes because I like to be able to walk normally. I love my Mavic Razors, and have another pair of Mavics that I can't remember the name of, but they fit well too.

SiDi is still made in Italy,, the Mega range from them is made for wider feet.

in the middle sizes SiDi half sizes the European sizes too. so ideal fit is achievable.

The last is still constructed for a pointy foot, regardless of width. The do not suit many people, although many people jam their non-pointy feet into them.

See: http://www15.plala.or.jp/miagolare/Eng_Fitting_Chart.html

My shoe is Specialized Tahoe, Only eighty dollars and very comfortable.

I have a narrow foot with a high-arch. After my Pearl Izumi shoes wore out last year, I went looking for a new pair. PI changed its last, so they no longer fit me. Bought a pair of Sidi Dominators, but they were too wide across the ball of the foot (they were made in Romania, not Italy). I ended up buying a pair of Serfas--sort of an entry-level brand, but they *fit well* even though they're a bit heavy. Then Giro came out with a new line of shoes last year. I tried them on and fell in love with the fit but at $200+ I was waiting, and waiting, and waiting, for them to go on sale. This year, Giro came out with the Privateer. Same last as the others (I wear mtn. bike shoes) but a bit less expensive. Bought a pair and love them. So I now use the Serfas for commuting and the Giros for my out-all-day mtn and road biking.

It *is* all about fit.

I have been using LG road shoes for a couple of years without issue. Yesterday at about 40 mi on my 63 mi ride, the ball of my foot started hurting. I suspect I will be buying Specialized Expert road shoes as I had good luck with their shoes in the past. I like the concept of the BOA on the Expert. The Pro, which is the next step up, has the ratcheting top buckle. The top of the line S-Works also has BOA and a really high price.

The downside to Specialized anything is difficulty in finding deals.

When I bought the LG's I tried on Shimano's and Sidi's. I like the fit of the LG's better.

My best shoes are Bontrager RXL which I bought for $75 from a friend whose wife bought Sidi's for him. I have a pair of Shimano road shoes I paid around $200 for (I went to a Sidi dealer but they didn't have my size) but I like the Bontragers better.

I have the Bontrager RL shoes which, like yours, are carbon soled.

While shopping for shoes my LBS guy said try these Bontrager RL shoes. I was very doubtful and then very surprised when I got them on and they were/are very comfortable.

This is a timely thread. I've got a seam going on my inexpensive Lake shoes. I'm looking for a 2-bolt, road-like shoe; important to have an SPD-compatible walking shoe on the tandem. I need a decent size toe box. It's hard to find an LBS with a decent selection. My tandem shop has a very large helmet, clothing, etc. selection, but for some reason has cut back on the shoes they carry.

I went wild at the end of last year and decided to get an expensive pair of road shoes. Looked and Sidi and Specialized S work pros. Both were over $300.00 bucks but the LBS owner was a friend so he made me a deal on the SWorks. The shoe is feather light and the heal pads are replaceable. I take a wider toe box with my, according to the chart, Egyption looking foot, the Sworks fit better and had a stiffer sole. However I also still like my Shimano SH R 131 S.

The downside to Specialized anything is difficulty in finding deals.


FWIW, there are deals on the Specialized website. I think last years Comps with ratchet rather than BOA (retail $150) are on sale for $115. Other models show up at discount occasionally too.

I wear an Adidas middle of the road shoe, velcro straps and nothing fancy, even black and gray. suits me fine. I miss the old leather Detto Pietro shoes I had. The current Retro knock offs don't seem quite right to me. I am thinking about Mavic or Bontrager for my next shoe. Going to do some shopping around and try on as many types as possible.

Bill

The last is still constructed for a pointy foot, regardless of width. The do not suit many people, although many people jam their non-pointy feet into them.

See: http://www15.plala.or.jp/miagolare/Eng_Fitting_Chart.html

If I was trying to compete with Sidi I would find someone to come up with some funny little drawings of toes also.

Bruce19:
I stopped by the LBS to check out the Specialized Comps. They were $150. I mentioned the special on the Specialized site and they gave me a 10% discount, which was greatly appreciated. I think the BOA is worth the extra $15 vs last years model.

One of the guys at the LBS suggested that my feet would feel better with the plastic soles vs carbon fiber soles in the Expert version. He says the carbon is stiffer and not as comfortable. Any thoughts from the Forum members on plastic soles vs carbon soles?

One of the guys at the LBS suggested that my feet would feel better with the plastic soles vs carbon fiber soles in the Expert version. He says the carbon is stiffer and not as comfortable. Any thoughts from the Forum members on plastic soles vs carbon soles?

Hmm...hadn't thought of that. I think I'll ask around my club to see if there's a carbon-plastic sole issue.

One of the guys at the LBS suggested that my feet would feel better with the plastic soles vs carbon fiber soles in the Expert version. He says the carbon is stiffer and not as comfortable. Any thoughts from the Forum members on plastic soles vs carbon soles?

The Specialized Expert Road model is the first cycling shoe I've worn (I started cycling one year ago this month). The carbon fiber sole is stiff, but I've never found it to be uncomfortable. As I stated in my earlier post in this thread, I am very happy with this shoe.

I had Sidi's and I have the Specialized now and I personally like the Specialized better.

The Specialized Expert Road model is the first cycling shoe I've worn (I started cycling one year ago this month). The carbon fiber sole is stiff, but I've never found it to be uncomfortable. As I stated in my earlier post in this thread, I am very happy with this shoe.

When I went to the LBS I had it in my mind to buy the Specialized Expert. The LBS didn't carry the Expert. Maybe that is why they talked me into the Comp, and said that I would like plastic better than carbon.

When I went to the LBS I had it in my mind to buy the Specialized Expert. The LBS didn't carry the Expert. Maybe that is why they talked me into the Comp, and said that I would like plastic better than carbon.

That's funny. I just went to the local Specialized bike store and they told me how worth it was to pay the extra $50 for the Experts. Great stuff.