mkadam68

I've never worn anything other than Carnacs, and currently wear Heliums (sz 48) and love them. However, one of the springs on the buckle has broken (buckle still works, but flops around) and the heel pads are worn down after 2-years, 20,000+ miles. If anyone can point me to a place to get replacement parts, that'll stop this discussion right there.

Because of the somewhat difficulty finding Carnac parts, I'm looking for new shoes. Many brands have caught my eye (new Mavics--too new, or DMT's--don't come bigger then 46/47) but for one reason or another, it looks like I'll be going w/Sidi. The new shoes have to have buckles and as much width as the Carnacs (famous for big toe box).

1) Do I have to go w/Mega Sidi's to match the big toe box of my Carnacs? Do the Sidi's run narrow? I'm not tight in the Carnacs and may be even slightly loose.
2) Can somebody please give me a rundown on the differences between the models? I've only seen a different buckle between the 6.6 and 5.5 (I think...it gets confusing).

• $294 Ergo 2
  
• $245 Genius 6.6 Carbon, Liquigas Edition
  
• $215 Genius 5.5 Carbon Composite
  
• $173 Genius 5 Carbon
  

cedricbosch

Bontrager's shoes are known for a very wide toe box. I know of several people who really like them. If you can get past the looks I think they're a good option. Very reasonably priced too.

mkadam68

Well, tempting. I can handle the looks, although the gold accent is a bit much. And living in SoCal, the venting is probably a good idea. But, because they don't have a replaceable heel pad, I'll move these toward the bottom of my list. Although, thank you very much for the recommendation.

El Diablo Rojo

Having worn nothing but Sidi's since 1987 I can say that they are very very high quality and very consistent in their sizing, a 43 has been a 43 since I bought my first pair. I worked in a bike shop and have tried on other shoes, and found that the Louis Garneau shoes have a much larger foot box than a standard Sidi.

J.Lockdown

I have a pair of the Sidi Genius 5 in size 47 and dont find them to be narrow. However that is not compared to your current ones so not sure exactly what changes you will see. Either way I have liked them since day 1 and in my option were worth ever cent.

kwrides

I can't wear normal Sidi's because they are too narrow, even in large sizes, and I can't find Mega's in larger sizes to try on.

Have you checked out Specialized? They have a fairly wide toe box and come with great inserts. The higher end (cheaper than Sidi) have replaceable heels too.

clausen

Best to try before you buy. Every foot is different. I love my Sidi Genius Mega's and replacement parts are easy to find.

mkadam68

I haven't yet, although I've heard some riders have problems with the button/wheel/ratchet thingy. After I save up some $$$, I'll go to my local shop (Specialized dealer) and try some on, just in case, though.

Meek

Haven't worn a Carnac, but I typically wear a 12D street shoe and 13 (12.5-if available) gym-type shoe and the normal 47 Sidi (5.5 Genius) fits me snug, if this helps at all....

soma5

Sidi shoes seem to be designed for folks whose feet taper toward the front. Even the Megas do that. I used Sidis for a long time before finally giving up on them - they are excellent shoes and set the standard for quality and workmanship so I didn't want to switch. I need a wide toe box - my feet get wider toward the front. I use Specialized now. I don't really think that they have the same level of workmanship as the Sidis I used to use (although they aren't that far behind) but they do fit my feet better and I have no toe pain as I did often with the Sidis. The shape of the toe box is what makes the Specialized shoes work for me.

judkins1970

My new Sidi's Zeta Mesh Mega's for 42.00 new at LBS closeout sale 75% off what a steal!

terrain

I am 48 in Sidi and have wide feet. I tried on most of the high end offerings and ended up loving the ergo 2's. I have issues with shoes that are narrow in the toe box and do not have this issue with the ergo2's. I have them in Blue, Black and just ordered another set of in the color I could find last year (Steel Lux). I agree with the earlier comment that Sidi sizes are consistent - I also run the dragon carbon shoes (ergo 2's for dirt) and in the same 48 size and they fit identical.

Find a shop that carries Ergo 2's and try on a pair of 48's -- if they fit you will LOVE THEM!

ilovetheewind

I spent quite a time figuring out what shoes to buy and after much research decided on the specialized BG Comp.(just got them home minutes ago) A local store had the 09 BG comp on sale for $169 (Down from $200) and I just couldn't turn it down. Sidi was second in line, and I loved the way they fitted (like a slipper). Both shoes feel to be very high quality, one will save you some $$$

My last pair of specialized shoes lasted close to ten years and they can still be ridden in. Add the insert that is supposed to help with knee damage and the Specialized was too hard to pass up...You should at least try them on before buying Sidis.

Hopefully, I wont have problems with the buckle. (Athough I've heard SIdi can have similar problems)

I got the shoes below at Spokes etc.. (wash DC) for $169. (actually A1 bicycle matched the price an added a 10% discount. Normally they sell for around $200 bucks.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...jsp?spid=40473

genie

I have wide feet (big girth), wear size 46 ergo2s—have three pairs—and to me there's nothing else like them. From the first day, it was like I'd worn them before. Best in the world.

mkadam68

So terrain & genie: the Ergo 2's may run wide enough? I'll have to find a shop and try some on.

To the others: I'll definitely try on some Specialized, just to make sure.

terrain

I tried the full carbon Specialized in late 08 and they also fit my feet but not quite as nice as the ergo 2's in 48. Yep - find a shop that has both Specialized and a shop that has Ergo 2's and you should be set.

nitropowered

I just got a pair of Mavics. Pretty nice and a roomy toe box. Run a tad large too.

genie

I hope you do. My feet are very wide, and they fit me great. These are my newest...