1080ski

I am interested in picking up a second pair of shoes. Currently, I have been using a pair of Sidi mtb shoes (which are nearing the end of their life but are great for riding in crappy weather) with SPD pedals on my bike, but I think that its time to leave that shoe/pedal combo to my cross bike and pick up a pair of road specific shoes and pedals for my road bike. I have decided on the SPD-SL 5700 pedals, meaning that I will need a pair of SPD-SL compatible shoes.

What I like about my Sidi mtb shoes are that the sole is fairly stiff and they fit my foot extremely well. My feet are rarely uncomfortable while cycling.

What I am looking for in a road shoe is a good fit, durability, a carbon (or at least semi carbon… something pretty stiff) sole, and reasonably priced. I will be trying shoes on at a local bike store to get a proper fit and then order online to save money. I know that this isn't ideal, but I need to save money and ordering online/from bay should suffice. I ride frequently (usually 5 days a week, 20-35 miles a ride) so comfort is key here.

I have been looking at the Sidi Genius 5.5 HT shoe and it seems like a good shoe. What are some other shoes that you would recommend to somebody in my situation?

NOTE: I am not against buying older model shoes if I can find them new

kstephens

I have the Sidi Genius 5 and I couldn't imagine biking shoes being any more comfortable. When they wear out, hopefully years from now, I will replace with as close to the same as I can.

canuck4levi

I've got a couple pairs of Sidis (Genius 6.6, Ergo 2 CL) and top-of-the-line Shimanos (300 and 310). Each of these are terrific shoes, but every one of them fits slightly differently. I tend to vary them depending on the nature of the ride I'm doing. At the end of the day, you need to pick a shoe that fits you best, has the features you seek, is priced reasonably (a year-old or two model can be had for 30-50% off of list in my experience), and fits the kind of riding you do. I cannot imagine you going wrong with anything made by Sidi or Shimano, though, if they fit you comfortably.

pdedes

say thank you.

Carbon Unit

If I were in the market for shoes, I would look at Sidi, Shimano and Specialized. Sidi is probably the shoe I would want to own the most, but they are a little expensive unless you get them on sale. Shimano fit me and are usually the lowest priced good shoe that I have tried on. Specialized fit me and have that Boa enclosure which I think is a great system.

Try on as many shoes as you can and buy the one that feels the best.

M_FactorX19

i have Sidi genius 5 pro carbons and really like them. they are not to expensive (you can find them on sale) and they are very comfortable. since you already know you like Sidis i think it would be wise to stick with them. they really do make a good cycyling shoe.

mashtofu

Maybe you should try a brand with an unconditional return policy (i.e. Serfas, Bontrager) especially if you insist on ordering online. That way you can feel them out for a few weeks before you're completely committed to them. I got a pair of Serfas Pilots (carbon sole) as my first road shoe and I love them. I got mine for about $120 at my LBS; I'm sure you could find even cheaper online. But if you do end up returning them via online vendor then you might get stuck paying return shipping.. Go see what the mechanics at your LBS have to say about it.

v70cat

I have/had Sidi but after ten years the shoe was stretched out. I look at everything but found the 2011/2012 Specialized S works with twin Boa fit best and was very easy to adjust.