ilovecycling

Anyone own these or at least try them on? How do they compare to say Specialized or Sidi? I am a size 45 for both Specialized and Sidi.

After wasting plenty of time trying to find these shoes in stock anywhere, I realized Bont has a web store where I can buy them direct. They have a return policy, but considering the shoes are already $399 I'd rather not eat the shipping cost twice if I get the wrong size (not to mention return shipping). I measured my foot according to their method and came out to 282.5mm. They recommend one size up from your measured size, but the last length of a size 45 is 285mm. They recommend 2-4mm of room past my measured size depending on whether or not I want a snug or roomy fit. I'm looking at a 2.5mm difference, but there could be some error in my measurement. The next size up would be a 46 at 290mm. That seems like it could work too.

The problem is I have no idea what the general fit of the shoe is like. They seem to be shaped like a foot instead of a typical shoe. This makes me think I should go with the 45 because it's very close to my real foot length. I don't know if a little wiggle room is even necessary in a shoe like this. I'm basically looking for a "Yes, I tried them on and I'm a 40-whatever in both Specialized and Bont."

Thanks!

ilovecycling

Btw, any comments that relate to the older A1 and A2 models won't do me any good. They supposedly changed the sizing when they released these newer models. I heard they used to run small, but now they are more "accurate." I wouldn't know though.

sideshow_bob

I can't tell you how they compare to other shoes.

I can tell you, I measured my foot as per their instruction as 282mm. I bought a set of 10.75's based on that which are 285mm. So all in all not a completely dissimilar situation to you (3mm). Out of the box they were not comfortable, especially in the heel section which I found cut into me (not really a size thing, just a design). I also found my second toe on one foot rubbed a bit.

I subsequently did the heat treat and fit, and I would say they are probably now the most comfortable shoes I've worn. I regularly train for 4-5 hours on the bike, or do track carnivals where I wear the shoes all evening.

Finally I've got both natural leather and patent leather shoes. I found while the patent looks great, it hasn't stretched over time as much as the natural, and for whatever reason I like to wear the natural ones more. YMMV.

Hope this helps you.

Johnny Rad

Wore Sidi 43 (great after they stretched out a bit) and Sidi 43 Mega (eventually stretched out too much).
Now wearing 42.5 Vaypor standard width.
Vaypor 42.5 Vaypor wide was too wide.

ilovecycling

Thanks for the feedback guys! I really do appreciate it.

I do have wide feet so I will be getting these in wide. I measured the width of my feet and according to Bont's sizing chart I should be going with the wide last. I currently use S-works in a 45, and I find that they are fine in the toe box, but my foot hangs over the sides a little bit too much in the middle. I'm tempted to just wait and get the 2012 S-works shoe which is now offered in a wide size, but I can't find them anywhere. I have a feeling they simply aren't available yet.

I think based on the advice above I'm going to go with the 45 wide. Worst case, I send them back for the 46.

Anyone know how long it takes to receive the shoes after I place the order? Is there a waiting period before the shoes ship?