lsberrios1 

So i received the news today.. My trustworthy and comfy s-works shoes perished. I am looking at something that has a similar fit, carbon sole, and good quality. I don't think i'd like to spend that coin again but if it's worth it i may do a magic trick to get them.

Anything new that i should be aware of? New technology worth investing in?

Thanks,
Luis

nemeseri

I'm in the middle of finding my first mid-high end pair of shoes too.
Now I have a Mavic Galibier and in general I found that Mavics have superb value, so I'd recommend to check out their mid-high end shoes. It has a narrower cut, so it might fit you well.

I have Giro Prolight SLX II on my list too. I tried them on and they were super light and comfy. They also give you a set of insoles. On the pricier side I try to convince myself not to get hooked on the Rapha Climber Shoes.

bianchi10

Dont mean to sound like the stereotypical person who just recommends whatever current shoe they have, but I highly recommend Bont vaypor or Bont Vaypor plus. I have 2 pair of vaypor plus's and I have been made a believer of their shape and stiffness. By far, stiffer than the Sworks shoe I had. I love how the toe box is spread out and shaped for the foot

4151zero

Just got a pair of Sidi wires, which will replace my aging sidi ergo2's. The wires are slightly wider and roomier overall. Super stiff carbon sole, and a slick heel retention setup.

pdedes

I'll echo love for the Bont shoes. Vaypor premium. Love them

StanSeven

Both Sidi Wire and S-Works are great. I like the fit of Sidi better but if you have the S-Works, you will be spoiled by trying something else.

Bunyanderman

Those 190g mavics are dreamy.

vschippy

Lake CX402 best shoe.
Had sidi carbon wire before but these are like wearing your favourite comfy slippers.
Makes the sidi feel like you where wearing a gum boot.

Hiro11

Bontrager XXX. Expensive but really, really good.

Hiro11

Wow, those cost a lot.

dralways

I most definitely agree and know how expensive this sport can be and I just want to know if it's worth it. I'm in comfort all day long in my $40 heavy shoes and sometimes not even too far away from local elite speed records. I'd just like to now if it's really worth it, personally.

vschippy

For me they where.
I suffer from arthritis in the knuckle of my small right toe and the next toe..
These are like the bonts a full carbon tub shoe and heat mouldable at home in a normal oven.
Tried on the Bonts but couldn't find the right size for me.
The lakes seem to suit my foot perfectly and the heat moulding means you hardly have to tighten the boa system because they fit so well after moulding them to your foot.

kbarch

For the latest developments to be worthwhile, they have to be on shoes that fit well, and that can be highly individual.
I'd seen and read about the Bont design and had high hopes, but the fit was very uneven - they felt awful.
Always had good luck with Sidi motorcycle boots, but I've only tried their entry-level cyclist shoes, which fit fine, but aren't as comfy as higher-end Specialized shoes I'd started with, which fit nicely, too.
I see you (OP) are a motorcyclist, too. Maybe you're a Dainese or Alpinestars guy, but if Sidi boots fit you well, you might give their new Wire model cycling shoes a try, or the new Kaos model - maybe most of the magic of the top-of-the line without costing so much.

fuel0707

I am awaiting the delivery of a pair of Bontrager Road XXX shoes next month and because of a really fortunate occurrence, I'm planning to order a pair of Vittoria IKON's. I've read great things about both of those shoes.

Good luck with your decision and don't cheap out on a contact point with your bike if you don't have to.

dalava

I have supination (the outside of my feet strikes grounds first) and higher than normal arch. For me, no other shoes fit me better than Specialized because their shoes have a little canter built in (you can see that from the back of the shoes). Shoes that didn't work for me because of that include Sidi, Shimano, Northwave, and Lake (yes, I've tried them). Other shoes that fits ok for me, but not as comfortable as Specialized are Mavic and Fizik (with the footbed). I have not tried Giro, but would be interested to know.

So if you like Specialized for the same reason as I do, you may be wise to stick with it, regardless of the model.

milkbaby

I'm lucky that I've been pretty much okay in any shoe I've bought, currently rotating through three different road shoes based on the day's conditions. But I think these Giro Empire SLX look pretty slick and are lightweight (350 g/pair). Supposedly the laces are lighter than any straps and ratchet system and offer more fit adjustability. I think I have too many road shoes to justify buying yet another pair though.

lsberrios1 

Ok! Thanks all for your replies. I'll try to answer quickly through my phone.

Bont, i'd love to have these, especially with th e awesome color combo etc but they are way over my budget. I don't think my wife would be happy to hear ive spent 526 bucks after i tell her to keep the thermostat at 66... I'll keep them on the loop though.

Mavic Galibier and Giro Prolight - these i've never seen or tried. May check them out. I do like the way mavic designs their shoes. Definitly looking at those.

Giro empire - probably the coolest looking shoe out there. I just cant get over the laces!

Sidi - i tried a pair of sidi wires in flou yellow which i loved the looks of, they did not fit well at all. I have not tried their wide selection but believe the wires dont come that way.

bontrager xxx - never seen them. Will take a look.

lake - i've never seen anybody wearing these. Gonna check them out as well.

Since budget is a concern this time around i've been looking for low cost high performance. Came accross a pair of shimano r321. They claim to be custom molded. Found them on an australian webpage for a bike shop for 280 shipped to conus... Toughts? Experience?

also found some sworks in ebay bnib for 245.. Not bad.

lsberrios1 

PS- i have EE wide feet, my arch is almost 0 and the pronation on my knees make my outter side of my foot have contact first. My knees are a very mild case of ><.

WhyFi

"67°?! I told you 66°! What do you think this is -- a sauna?!"

Muffin Man

Bont a two is a good alternative to the vapor. I have a pair, and they're a little heavier, and have a different velcro closure, but I still like them.

mercator

My feet are pretty narrow, but I have the same issues with low arches.
I've been comfortable in Sidi, Lake, Shimano, Diadora, Quoc Pham, and Exus shoes, with the secret ingredient: heat moldable insoles.

As for the thermostat:
https://youtu.be/YE1Renzd-G0?t=35s

bianchi10

Even more reason to look into Bonts. For real. The Bont Vaypor (non plus) can be had for $299. Keep an eye on ebay (for new) though the wides are harder to find. Bonts are unlike most shoes which are sold at retailers. Bont does not have any retail locations that have them, so you have to order straight from the site, ebay or forums Classifieds. The treat thing about Bonts is that they can be molded infinitely. So even if you buy a used set that has been molded, it won't matter once you mold yours.

Let's take a step back for a second though. Your talking about NOT spending $400-$500 on shoes because your wife may get mad considering what you keep your thermostat at. Take a look at that Giant you have with all the components and wheelset. Your wife already hates you, I promise you hahaha
If I remember right, your patents bought you the bike right? If that's the case, I understand that the cost of the bike may not reflect what you have to spend on shoes. BUT, if you are like me, riding with the sworks was fine but I had to have them damn near loose I'm order for my feet to not go numb. After 50 miles in those shoes, one if not both feet would be hurting. The shape of the Bont shoes is not something everyone needs, but.for people with wider feet, they are a no Brainer.

Also keep in mind that the $526 is for any other color than black or white because they are considered custom colors. The black or white is their stock colors and are $399.

Even the white ones are sweet

KenshiBiker

I'll second (or third) the recommendation for Bont Vapor +, especially if you have wide feet. They're not the most comfortable shoes I've put on and stood around in (the Giro Trans most recently had that honor), but they disappear on my feet once I'm on the bike - and that's kind of where it counts isn't it.

If budget is a consideration, check out Shimano's offerings. For some reason, the lower-end Shimano mountain bike shoes I got for my winter commuter are fairly comfortable - at least for a 15-mile commute, not sure how they'd feel after 3 or 4 hours.

JonnyV

As an owner and wearer of the Giro Empires, and having successfully master tying shoe laces around the age of 4 or 5, I can say these are great shoes and the laces cause no problems.

R1lee

Lake cx402 .