I'm at the point where my Shimano road shoes are just about shot and I need a new pair. I was looking for the last few weeks, never seriously, but now I need to really them. I've looked at the Sidis and they are EXPENSIVE. I don't think I paid over $120 for my last pair and most of the Sidi shoes go over $200, and more. Is there anything else that is really good that may cost a bit less that are worth it?

Sidi's on ebay?

Does Shimano fit your feet well? I have the R132's and they are pretty solid...around $170 msrp, but you can probably find them cheaper.

Keep an eye on the overseas websites.....you can often find Sidi's in the price range you're looking for.....at least I did

If your still thinking of staying with shimano's, these come recommended in the mid-range.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/reviews/s...r300-road-shoe


Look nice too.

My Shimanos look hideous, but they're more comfortable than my Sidis. YMMV.

I have many cycling shoes, and the ONE thing that is a must have in my book is at least one ratcheting strap, I have some Sidi's with just velcro and they suck. I like my shoes "combat locked" to my feet.

My 2 favorite shoes are my Sidi's with carbon soles and my Shimano M182 MTB shoes.

I will never go near a pair of shoes without at least one ratcheting system. Hope this helps.

My Shimano shoes are killing my feet, but they're old. I'll check online for Sidis overseas. I did see a few pairs that are under $200 from the domestic shops. And this time I'm buying basic black, my Shimano shoes are blue and stick out.

And now that I've checked, PBK has Sidi Genius 5 for $179, a lot less than I saw them. Maybe I'll go for that.

Shoes, in my opinion, are one of the best investments you can make.
I wouldn't skimp and buy a pair off ebay, I think you're better off going to the LBS, getting fitted and paying a little more for the right shoe.
I shelled out $200+ for a pair of Specialized BG Carbons and never once regreted the investment.
Had the Sidis fit as well I probably would've gone with those.

Specialized Elite, $115 and nice shoes

I was in a shop today and got fitted, but I choked at the price. They were trying to do the sale and had me try them on even though I said they cost too much. Size 42 were just right. I don't ever go to the lbs and then order online, but in this case I may because the price is so much lower at PBK, and they even have stock. I bought new cleats from them in any case because my Keos were so worn out. I'll just transfer them if I buy shoes.

Check out Performance Bike. They always have a sale on something.

So you're willing to waste the LBS's time and money to have them fit you and then go and buy on-line?
What's wrong with this picture?
Didn't you see the LBS price before you tried them on.

When you're ready to buy your next bike have the LBS fit you, write down all measurements including seat post height, stem length, crank length, and then you'll have most everything you need to buy on line.
Ugh!

My daughter wanted to buy some shoes a few years ago. She is heavily influenced by the pretty and fancy name brand products. The LBS had a wide range of shoes and prices, but she picked an expensive pair. I realize that shoes are important and they are a long term investment because my Diadora's are almost 20 years old, but the high prices still hurt. She bought the shoes and paid for them, then she found the same pair on sale at our local REI so she took the first shoes back to the LBS and bought the cheaper ones from REI. I told her I didn't like this but I couldn't influence her beyond this.

I need to replace my Diadora's right now. I'm not up on the latest shoe brands, and I remember from the old days that some shoes fit differently from others. For instance there were a few brands that had real high arches. I'm torn between buying online and paying a lot at the LBS, but unless I could find a pair of Diadora's online I will probably go to the LBS and see what they have.

I second the Shimano R132's. Excellent shoe. worth every penny.

Read what I said. I DON'T do this, but in this case the shop was trying to up-sell me the shoes in spite of my telling them they were too expensive. They were taking MY time to sell me something I didn't want to buy. It works both ways you know. As it turns out too, I didn't get to do my ride because I spent more time in the shop than I wanted.

Try the Sidi shoes on first because Shimano runs a little wider in the toe box compared to the standard Sidi.