MTB shoe for winter road cycling?

nmcgann

I need something with a stiffer sole than my Specialized Sonomas for winter training. I've spent the spring/summer using road shoes/pedals and going back to my Sonomas/SPDs for a couple of weeks has given me problems with pins&needles in my feet due to the soles flexing.

Anyone have any recommendations from the Specialized MTB range? (I like Specialized shoes as they have a wide fitting that I find comfortable)

Neil

cougie

Sorry - no idea on their MTB shoes, but I do use some cheapish adidas mtb shoes on my winter bike as they're a lot warmer than the road shoes I have. No need to bother with annoying overshoes.

miketherower

their cheapest ones ('sport') are much warmer than the carbon-soled ones. both are much stiffer than sanomas.

mercurykev

Nothing to add to this thread except that I bought a pair of sonomas because I heard that the specialized shoes were wider than shimanos. I was hoping that I could reduce hot foot due to narrow shoes. However, I have had much more problems with numb feet since I bought them. They are much wider but my feet get pins and needles after about 20 miles.

I recently rode 130 miles and had to stop every 20 miles to releave the foot pain. Your post makes me think that I might not be the only one how has encountered this problem. I thought that body geometry was meant to address this issue.

alfablue

I use Shimano MT-90 boots - they are Gore-Tex lined so ideal in winter and have stiffer soles than my Specialized Taho's. I have wide feet but the fit is fine, just I needed 2 sizes bigger than normal (I think Shimano have their sizing a bit out). I just toured with them (they are dual purpose as walking boots) and was comfy throughout.

aracer

I use the Expert MTB shoes. They have the same carbon sole as the more expensive Pro and S-Works, but a simpler velcro closure system. Being a bit of a weight weenie I also got them as they're lighter than either of the others!

However if you're after a shoe for winter riding then Specialized are supposedly bringing out a waterproof winter boot in their 2008 range (current range has the Trail SL boot which whilst it isn't waterproof is probably warmer than the other shoes). You can see it on the US version of the site http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProd ... spid=33744 - if necessary select "change region" in the bottom right corner and choose US then reclick the link. Just a shame it doesn't have a carbon sole - do they think those of us who want warm feet don't also want performance?

ash68

Thinking of buying winter mtb boots. I ride with mudguards on my bike. Are these type of shoes waterproof and warm enough to discard overshoes in heavy rain.Any advice?

alfablue

ash68 wrote:

Thinking of buying winter mtb boots. I ride with mudguards on my bike. Are these type of shoes waterproof and warm enough to discard overshoes in heavy rain.Any advice?

The MT-90's are completely waterproof - moreso than overshoes which in my experience eventually allow seepage to creep up through the cleat hole. I have been perfectly warm in the MT-90s - but then there hasn't been any extremely cold weather since I got them - just plenty of wet. They have fairly substantial uppers, and the goretex is also windproof. The only way water can get in is from running down the leg (same with overshoes) but in long very wet rides I use goretex trousers that go over the top of the bots.

ash68

Cheers for that alfablue what sort of price you pay for those. That type of boot seemed to go for around £100 is that about right? If they do the job it sounds like money well spent considering our weather.

fluff.

ash68 wrote:

Cheers for that alfablue what sort of price you pay for those. That type of boot seemed to go for around £100 is that about right?

No idea how these boots rate but currently 1/2 price (£50)

http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDeta ... &catID=217

edit: hm hang on, they're road shoes.. ah well.

alfablue

ash68 wrote:

Cheers for that alfablue what sort of price you pay for those. That type of boot seemed to go for around £100 is that about right? If they do the job it sounds like money well spent considering our weather.

They are really good, they work very well as walking boots - I tested them working at Glastonbury (it was WET) and they were comfy, warm and dry! And I toured on the Celtic Trail last week and they were great for long rides and walking around towns and camp sites.

Well as I am a big spender at wiggle I got a discount, so they were £89.99 (they are priced at £99.99 and at Wiggle at the moment if you spend over £100 you get 20% off, so they will actually cost you £80 if you order something else to take your total (before discount) over the £100 mark.

I am usually size 45 but needed size 47 in these shoes.

If you are new to Wiggle, I suggest you select free delivery - things always come next day anyway. (Oh and if you are a new customer, pm me before ordering and I can introduce you to Wiggle our mutual benefit )