Originally Posted by
Biggziff
Thanks...We don't have any shops locally that sell these so I'd have to order them blind, but...I do like the look better than the Specialized Sport Touring (which are heavy). Do you have any feel for how these run as far as sizing?
I wear a EU size 45. My daily shoes are Nike Cross Training and Running shoes, and this has always been the size that works best for me.
Those specific style of Shimano shoes seem to run true to size for what you would expect for a cycling shoe. That is to say, they are a little tight. But that is what you want them to be. As a floppy shoe would just generate hot spots while riding. Primary concern should always be the way it feels on the bike connected to the pedal after 20+ miles.
I almost bought a pair of the specialized sport touring shoes, but went with the Shimanos instead, and here is why. I did not like the style of the Specialized show. It had a feeling that seemed to emphasize that it was more oriented toward the ability to walk, then the ability to ride a bicycle. I also felt there was a little to much flex in the sole of the shoe. I also didnt like that it felt heavy in the heel. Whether this was from the actual weight of the sole, or from the shape of the footbed, i dont know, but that was the perceived effect. I did not like the placement of the cleat either. It seems like they adjusted the cleat location to compensate for the shape of the footbed to put your foot in a more postured position. But in the end neither the walking, nor the cycling felt comfortable. Weight wise, both shoes are actually pretty much the same. The Shimano shoes arent racing shoes, and they dont claim to be. So there arent many considerations on weight. And for what its worth, the Shimano shoes seemed better built. The Specialized shoes just looked like they wouldnt last over time with the weight and torque they would be subjected to. The Shimano shoes arent the most comfortable things to walk in, but they arent completely awkward either. And i will gladly sacrifice some walking performance for far superior pedaling performance. And once i pared them up with the A600 pedals, they were even better. I seriously doubt that i could find much difference in performance with an SPD-SL pedal over these. With perhaps the exception of a possible weight savings. But with what i weigh, i would be better off adding fiber to my diet to shave weight from my bike, if you catch my drift.
Sorry if that was a little long winded, and as always your mileage may vary, but i wanted to give you plenty of info to make an informed decision.