Boas for me: S-Works. I'm on my second pair and when these die, I'll get the newest version.

Except for old time shoe laces, no closure system is more amenable to repair than the Boa.

In both cases where my BOA's "failed" it was that they started slipping a little - wouldn't get as tight as I wanted. It wasn't catastrophic and was easily able to use them until the new one's arrived in the mail. You can tell when they start getting worn & need replacing.

Can't think of a good reason to not consider boa. It's a good system.


Brand? Just make sure you buy a quality shoe. Generally, more bucks gets you more bangs.


My shoes with boas are S-Works. Can't complain.

Once you go Boa is hard to go back.

I like them so much I found a pair of lake sneakers with single boa closure.

If they sell a retro fit system I will start converting most of my foot wear

Roughly how many miles did you get on your first pair. Mine have over 25k, had a couple crashes and are looking a little ragged.

I actually have mtb style (Pearl Izumi X-Project 1.0) shoes that have 2 Boas and absolutely LOVE them. They're by fair the most comfortable shoes I've owned and can be adjusted on the fly which is handy. Regardless of what shoe you're looking at, I highly recommend Boa enclosures.

I do however not look forward when they wear out and I have to replace them. Helped a mechanic at the shop do it and it was annoying but not horrible.

That's a good question. The first pair probably had 10k. Still wear them on the trainer or under booties. The second pair probably have close to 15K. Replaced the knobs and cables (free from Boa) after 10 or 11k..

I absolutely love my BOA system on my SIDI shoes. I had some from a pair of S-Works and liked them, then went to Bont without BOA and missed them so much

1 Boa. Love the closure system.

I've never tried to file a claim with them, but BOA claims to offer a lifetime warranty on their site.

FWIW, the two pair of dead BOA shoes that I've seen at my shop were the result of operator error. Specifically customers that didn't realize that you're not supposed to cut the laces. (Yes, really.)

Laces work better than any fastening option I have previously used.

Shimano RC7
 

I have a pair of Shimano RC7s, which have 1 Boa (lP1) on each shoe. They're comfortable and quick to put on and take off. Would definitely get Boa when the time comes to get new shoes.

I'm sure BOA are fine and work. However, I don't personally understand the need for speed when it comes to how fast you can get your shoes on/off, unless those speaking about this benefit perhaps need for triathlon usage? Laces seem perfectly fine, and can be adjusted all the way up the shoe (not just in 1 or 2 places).

PepeM, please leave this thread.

Probably not adding much here, but: I would definitely vote Boa over clunky plastic buckles and straps. Laces and Velcro work fine for me and are trouble free, but the ease of use while on the bike certainly makes the Boa system a strong candidate.

I have Lake's with Boa single behind the heal that are 8 years old and still going strong. I love the Boa system.

Laces here for a sublime fit. On my cheap Lakes that I pulled the straps of and put in grommets. Now some of the most comfortable shoes I've worn. I love that there is a good range of acceptable tightness; that if I take reasonable care lacing tying the shoes, I don't need to do anything later in the day. Also that the system is cheap and as reliable as anything out there. (Yes, the key element must be replaced; I'm guessing at less than half the life of a BOA but being able to source good OEM replacements is a plus. So is not having to go to single source. And the replacements are available anywhere on short notice.

($15 will buy the tool, enough grommets for one pair of shoes and laces. Someone is going to have to explain to me why I have only seen them on $300 shoes recently.)

Ben

I also use Gaerne's with the Boa system and as Xherion said above, they are the highest quality Italian shoe you will find.

I have a pair of middle of the road Bontrager shoes with BOA and I love them. I don't think I could ever go back to using anything else.

You have convince me!!!! I am buying those shoes:
https://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/s...0052_593416_-1

Could not find anything better priced. All start with $250 :(

Agreed. I have tried at least 12 pairs of BOA shoes but always get heel slip that I dont get with a ratchet. Getting tougher to find a higher end shoe with a ratchet. I've tried the SIDI with the bucklet....still sloppy in the heel.

I’m another who has tried Boa and don’t like it. Perhaps it’s the individual shoe, but I’ve got them on a pair of Specialized Defroster cycling boots and I find it near impossible to get them to fit my foot comfortably.

I don’t actually find them “faster” to get on and off than Velcro, nor do I find they have the flexibility to match my foot in all dimensions. Conceptually it seems like a great idea, but they don’t seem to work for me.

BOA on my Sworks 6, love them. Just have to keep them in a cabinet so the damn kitten doesn't chew through the loops...

Piling on the semi-zombie thread, I just got my first BOA shoes and love them. Then again, the only other cycling shoes I have use laces, so the leap in fit and comfort is unsurprisingly huge. I've already started looking into other BOA shoes. I saw a review that the Shimano RC9s are so snug around the heel that the reviewer didn't even engage the BOA dial to keep them on.