high end shoes - opinions/help/guidance

[onikazi]

Yesterday I picked up and test rode a pair of Sidi Genius 5 shoes. At the store they fitted well just standing up but cleated and on the bike i was getting some pain on my left foot - especially out of the saddle. The ball of my left foot was near the bottom of the arch support which threw off complete power transfer. For some reason this is only happening on my left foot - im guessing my feet are uneven.

#1 how long does italian leather and carbon soles take to "break-in?"

#2 try some orthopedics?

#3 return and find something else?

[gw280]

I had problems with my left foot too - numbness after long rides in particular. I adjusted many things and in the end my bike shop measured me and found I have fairly high arches and put a pair of inserts into my shoes that seemed to have worked wonders. Also I found the Specialized shoes to be far more comfortable than the Sidi shoes, but that may just be me.

[Camilo]

Shoe selection is totally individual plus it often depends on the insole you use. Sidis have an excellent reputation of course, but their design might not be for every one. All you can do is either try a different insole on the shoes you have, or try a different brand.

I don't believe the Genius 5 are made of leather, I believe its a synthetic called Loreica (sp?). At any rate, my Sidis (Genius 5.5) did not "break in" at all. They fit today as they fit when I bought them, which is very comfortably with the OEM insole.

I've had to fiddle a bit with the insoles of both my classic and skate XC boots, and can tell you that it can really make a difference if your arch is unusual (mine is fairly flat).

[Nuggetross]

get a specialized shoe with boa lacing, and you won't have to worry about any of this.

[bianchi10]

get a specialized shoe with boa lacing, and you won't have to worry about any of this.

+1. I love my s-works. My right foot is wider than my left and the boa lacing really helps give an even pressure through the top of my foot. the velcro straps can still be adjusted obviously, but I feel the specialized is more even.

[NWS Alpine]

I bought the same sidi shoes and love then but the stock thin blue insole is garbage for my feet. I think at this price point they assume you might be getting custom anyways so they throw cheap ones in to make more profit. I just added some of the Louis Garnaeu Thermo cool insoles and they are awesome and mold nicely with some time in the oven. http://www.louisgarneau.com/us-en/pr...es/THERMO_COOL

[ColinL]

the boa isn't even specialized's invention, it is made by a company who licenses it to specialized. it's freaking awesome.

the s-works has a dual boa this year (or maybe that came in 2011?) but you can probably get by with the expert or comp. they both have toe velcro and the boa adjusts the rest of the shoe. personally, I thought the comp was plenty of shoe and a great value for $150, but the s-works is absolutely lighter, stiffer and has the aforementioned dual boa.

specialized also has valrus / valgus wedges in case you need those. but I think that would be more of a knee problem than foot.

[Debusama]

the boa isn't even specialized's invention, it is made by a company who licenses it to specialized. it's freaking awesome.

Was it Lake? I think the first time I saw it was on a lake.
Anyway, I have extremely narrow feet. I first had a pair of cheap Sette shoes (Pricepoint house brand) They were not comfortable mostly because I got them a size too short so they would fit snugly enough. Nonetheless, I rode on them for two years before getting a pair of Sidi Genius 5s because they were actually the cheapest option that came in a size narrow enough for my foot. They are narrow to begin with but I need a "slim" size addition. I looked at Specialized and several other brands, and everything that came in a narrow size was more expensive. I've been a little disappointing because I was expecting them to blow my mind, but other than the fact that they actually fit, I don't see much difference. The weight is about the same and I think the Sette Shoes were more stiff and had better ventilation.

[aztimm]

get a specialized shoe with boa lacing, and you won't have to worry about any of this.

Something like this?
http://compare.ebay.com/like/2007322...Types&var=sbar
http://dealsonclothing.net/specilize...road-shoes-08/

I just have a pair of Specialized mountain bike shoes. I put in my custom orthodics, and don't usually have any issues. On long rides with some road vibrations I've had some toe numbness, but just wiggling my toes every now and then keeps it at bay.

I'm getting a new bike and have been eying shoes too. I'll keep these in mind...had thought of mostly of Garneau.

[Lexi01]

I thought most high-end shoes have some sort of asymmetrical adjustment now.

My R315s have offset velcro with a ratchet clip - and they're the most comfortable shoe Ive tried.

As someone said above...feet are dfferent. Maybe SIDIs arent for you...I know they fit pretty snugly on most people...maybe too snug for you?

[bikerjp]

Was it Lake? I think the first time I saw it was on a lake.

Lake may have been an early adopter, but I think boa is simply boa and anyone can use it. Personally, I love it.

http://www.boatechnology.com/

[Looigi]

I'm strictly a Velcro guy; simple, lightweight, robust, foolproof. I dislike buckles, cables, laces.... Some high-end shoes are available in Velcro-only versions so I'm sure I'm not the only oddball.

[jrobe]

Sidi's + some gel foam inserts = best shoes ever (for me)

Replacing the inserts is necessary for me. I think the last pair of inserts I bought was at Walmart (nothing fancy).