CrimsonKarter21

So now all of my shoe shopping comes down to two choices; Pearl Izumi and Shimano.
My shops parts distributor is having a sale on PI shoes and there are some good deals on them. Doesn anybody have anything interesting to say about PI shoes?
If I don't get these I'll end up getting some custom fit Shimano's, albeit for a hefty price jump.

nebrider

i have a pair of pearl izumi quest (MTB version) shoes i bought for pretty cheap, they get the job done. i prefer my lake CX165 road shoes for comfort though.

CrimsonKarter21

How high is the arch?

nebrider

pretty flat i think. it doesnt bother me, thats about all i know about the arch.

jdott

I have the Attack Road and am pretty happy with them. They are right in the middle in terms of width and I haven't noticed any issues with the arch. While breaking them in I did have some ankle discomfort at the edge of the upper (it was just hitting at the wrong spot) but that's gone away. All and all, I'm pretty happy with them, and given the price I paid, I'm very pleased. For perspective, I have about 1200 miles on them so far.

Chucklehead

PI's feel super cheap. the Octane SL retails for what - $300? It looks nice in pictures and is very light, but feels like a $50 pair of shoes. Not impressed at all.
Then again, the right fit could mean they're nice and comfy. But not to me.

xg43x

Little arch support, side rubs my ankles.

threeoneseven

exactly. the octane SL's fit my foot perfect and feel like $1,000,000.

point to the OP, you need to try them on before you buy. (if possible)

CrimsonKarter21

Yeah, I know. I'm going to try some on before the weekend (hopefully).
Thanks for the comments, fellows.

cjump

+1
we sell PI at our store and all the toe boxes from their runners to the octane sl feel so huge. if it was between the shimano and PI i would jump on the shimanos. that said, SIDIs.

jrobe

I have a pair of PI shoes I wear on my Mtn Bike. They are comfortable and do the job. They aren't Sidi's though (which I use on my road and TT bike).

If you are going to spend too much on shoes, just get a pair of Sidi's and be done with it. You can get them here for $209 (no tax). https://www.westernbikeworks.com/prod...il.asp?p=SIG5P

malpag3

Not to thread jack, but what does a non-cheap shoe feel like?

I've only owned my first pair of PI $90 retail shoes. I have no other basis of comparison, but I've rarely had issues with my feet while cycling. There was a second pair I bought because they were on super clearance for $23 (which is better than my pro-deal!).

Anyway, what exactly would I notice in a nicer shoe? I mean, everyone tells me Sidi and I'm interested, but if the shoe fits why not just stick with it?

TheStott

I just got a pair of PI Fast R3's...LOVE THEM. Can't say enough about them. The fit was spot on, and I love the feel.

CrimsonKarter21

WTF is wrong with you people? I clearly said that I was looking at Shimano and PI. Not Sidi. I'm sick of everyone telling me to get Sidi's. I hat those things. They're overpriced, heavy, have towering arches and I don't get a discount on them.


The reason that I can't work with Sidis is begause I have LOW arches. Not "I need custom" low, but not Sidi high.

Nickshu

I tried the PI shoes. The problem I had was the "notch" cutout for your ankle is too high and after riding a few miles it was cutting into the base of my ankle...ouch! Everyone's foot is different so try both and buy what is comfortable.

garysol1 

Whats wrong with your S-Works shoes?

CrimsonKarter21

It sounds like a lot of people in this thread (and not the ones who've never tried PI, yet prech Sidi as the magical shoe that works for everyone) seems to find this as problematic.
To everyone who's experienced this ankle rubbing, what model year is this from?

CrimsonKarter21

They've always been a half-size too big, and I go through the BOA dial like Lane Bryant's public bathroom goes through toilet plungers.