stiff SPD shoes for the road

sandbag
sandbag Posts: 429
edited December 2009 in Road buying advice
I am using spuds this Winter. MTB shoes with carbon soles, too expensive.

I am looking for stiff soles but without the hefty price tag.

Thanks.
«1

Comments

  • rake
    rake Posts: 3,204
    me too. these look like a good shoe
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=29821
  • sandbag
    sandbag Posts: 429
    they come at a shocking price...

    I have found some great shoes it appears and at a great price. They are compatible with all types of cleats. They sound stiff. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_R ... 360042950/ They not recessed, but i not bothered about that.

    and these...
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=44391
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=46683
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=31726
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=22337
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=25360
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=44694
    http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/115109.html

    I looked up MTB race, competition stiff soles etc. but had more success searching 'spd road shoes'
  • rake
    rake Posts: 3,204
    cost good :lol:
    flat bottom :o
    cant walk :x
    http://www.spiuk.co.uk/acatalog/MTB_Shoes.html
    ??
  • sandbag
    sandbag Posts: 429
    Thanks, that is a great value shoe you suggested with plenty of good features, waterproof and will last longer but is 2x the price. If you compare the sole thickness of the dhb R1 with any performance stiff MTB shoe, there is no comparision.

    The dhb R1 is right for my budget and i won't be walking, I be flying. :)

    If i change to SPD-SL they will still fit.
    "Fantastic quality shoes for the money, the sole is almost as stiff as carbon soled shoes I own.

    "Excellent shoes, was going to buy £100 pair but changed my mind after reading other reviews. The fit is perfect and because the soles are so stiff, you can really put some power down!! No wonder they have received 10/10 on their reviews, go buy them!!

    Pros: Adjustable, Attractive, Comfortable, Good Fit, Great Value, Lightweight
  • rake
    rake Posts: 3,204
    http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/14199- ... -Shoes.htm
    but you could buy 3 pairs of these. :)
  • sandbag
    sandbag Posts: 429
    I hear you but below are cheaper.

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=31726
    Dual layer mesh provides excellent breathability and lightweight glass fibre reinforced-polyamide sole

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=25360
    Breathable nylon mesh and polyurethane coated split leather upper with reinforced toe area

    ??
  • rake
    rake Posts: 3,204
    edited December 2009
    Sette Excel MTB Shoe - Enhanced Riding Performance
    works out at £15.60 sterling. leaves enough over for a wheel set.
  • sandbag
    sandbag Posts: 429
    edited December 2009
    rake wrote:
    http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/14199-285_SETEX5-1-Clothing-133-Shoes/Mountain/Sette-Excel-MTB-Shoes.htm
    but you could buy 3 pairs of these. :)

    Those look like a one piece mould :). I'm sure they stiff but they look really heavy.
  • rake
    rake Posts: 3,204
    edited December 2009
    thats the beauty of composites. italian design.
    more weight = more grip in bad weather.
    excelent power transfere nearly 98%. can have a pair for rain , 1 for summer and some pub shoes.
    innovative 2 strap design.
  • sandbag
    sandbag Posts: 429
    Sette Excel Shoe...
    Bought these as a combo with some wellgo pedals from PricePoint.com, and sold them within a week! very bad fit; too large for their size. Too flexible and too much room to move around in the shoe; maybe a size 43 would have been better, but I've always worn 44s. I only tested them around the block a few times, so I can't really comment on their field performance. Just from looking at them up close and personal though, the seams, material, and velcro all looked really cheap. Stay away from these.
    rake wrote:
    thats the beauty of composites. italian design.
    more weight = more grip in bad weather.

    LMAO
  • rake
    rake Posts: 3,204
    time always make stunning quality.
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=25498
    these are on sale. i might treat myself. they have ratchet buckles which hold better than velcrow.
  • pianoman
    pianoman Posts: 706
    But aren't the DHB ones the SPD-compatible road shoes which someone said are impossible to walk in? Or has someone managed to get the pontoons working for them?

    Exustar do something similar if you can't face putting the work "Shimano" on a Campag bike :P
  • sandbag
    sandbag Posts: 429
    PianoMan wrote:
    But aren't the DHB ones the SPD-compatible road shoes which someone said are impossible to walk in? Or has someone managed to get the pontoons working for them?

    Exustar do something similar if you can't face putting the work "Shimano" on a Campag bike :P

    Maybe they are, but you can't argue with the 100+ positive reviews. They are better than some MTB £100+ shoes outright because they are for road, which is what i want them for :).
  • pianoman
    pianoman Posts: 706
    So anyone care to recommend any such shoes with a carbon sole? Or was my first pick, the Exustar tri shoe, a good one, given that Exustar also make the pontoons?
  • ravey1981
    ravey1981 Posts: 1,111
    to be honest all of the shoes that have been linked to look fine and will be plenty stiff... if its just for road use why are you looking at mtb shoes?

    mtb shoes are never as stiff as a road shoe because its genrally accepted that at times you will have to get off and walk/push/remove bike from ditch etc...

    I like the look of the ones from all terrain myself...they will match my new road bike nicely :)
  • pianoman
    pianoman Posts: 706
    mtb shoes are never as stiff as a road shoe

    Only if we're talking equal fit. I've had carbon soled road shoes which didn't give anything like the support of my SIDI Dominators. Just checked my average speeds for rides since I ditched the Diadora/LOOK Keo combo and........hmm no discernible difference. But imagine what perfect-fit road shoes might do.........and if they come in the form of those drop-dead gorgeous Exustars 8)
  • ravey1981
    ravey1981 Posts: 1,111
    the exustar tri shoe wont give great support, as they have to be slipped on quickly hold around the heel area is compromised... leads to the heel lifting when riding out of the saddle for example...

    There are other factors which will affect you're average speeds way more than what shoes you have on...the difference will be negligible between a stiff shoe and a very stiff shoe...

    What is this thread about? Looking for a road shoe which is stiff? Because unless you go for a touring type shoe then they are all stiff...
  • pianoman
    pianoman Posts: 706
    edited December 2009
    Well as long as the SIDI dominators aren't classed as touring shoes.........

    By "support" I meant the shape of the sole, the SIDI shoes have just the right arch support for my foot while the Diadora's were great..........if you have feet as flat as a duck :shock:
  • ravey1981
    ravey1981 Posts: 1,111
    Ah right, have you tried using superfeet sports insoles? they make a slimline one and they are awesome, really cup the heel and support the arch of the foot. First came across them when I was recommended some for my snowboarding boots (green ones not yellow).

    They can totally transform the fit of a shoe

    http://www.superfeet.com/products/Yellow.aspx
  • pianoman
    pianoman Posts: 706
    Nice. Now if only I'd got size 9's instead of 8's when I bought the Diadoras........then I wouldn't have cut my toenails twice a week during the time I used them, and I could have fit the arch support in.

    That wouldn't have solved the problem of snapping the tips off the Keo cleats though, it seemed that the club i rode with at the time was divided into those who don't break them frequently and those who do. Anyhow, I've not had to replace a single Wellgo cleat since I switched to RC715's.

    Maybe if I do go to have a look at the Exustar tri shoes I should only buy on two conditions:
    1. Get the pontoons (the Exustar ones of course)
    2. Be ready to purchase those arch supports.

    And after all that, put both sets of shoes on some form of biomechanical testing rig and check just how much stiffness I've "bought" :P
  • sandbag
    sandbag Posts: 429
    ravey1981 wrote:

    What is this thread about? Looking for a road shoe which is stiff?

    I started this thread and suddenly after, found some good choices. I hope this thread is of use to others as well.

    It was originally about finding very stiff SPD shoes for road training. Power transfer being the no.1 priority, and not expensive. Carbon sole MTB shoes cost over a £100 and SIDI are too expensive.

    The DHB is a winner because it a road shoe that can take SPD and is light. I don't have to deal with MTB shoes. I get the advantages of road shoes without going to SPD-SL. If it good enough for time trials then it more than good enough for road use. Some of the others i listed are good too. They must be close to carbon in stiffness for alot less money. What did they do before carbon? You can still get a good stiff shoe without it being made of carbon. Cheap trainers, lasted longer than the expensive ones, maybe that's the case with cycling shoes.

    MTB shoes are popular because you can walk around normal. In my case i won't be getting off the bike.

    btw. I'm in love with my SPD's.
  • sandbag
    sandbag Posts: 429
    Another stiff road shoe. Both SPD and SPD-L compatible.
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=20182
  • milese
    milese Posts: 1,233
    Carbon Shimano R160's for £65 with velcro and custom moldable soles

    http://www.planet-x-warehouse.co.uk/aca ... 16043.html

    Carbon DHB RC - £85 with ratchet

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_R ... 360041918/

    Anyone got experience / recommendations of the above?

    I like the price of the shimano's and their moldable sole, but the ratchet and look of the DHBs.
  • rake
    rake Posts: 3,204
    they arent spd he asked about. good if you want road shoes.
  • milese
    milese Posts: 1,233
    Oh yeah I didn't twig.

    Any thoughts between the two?
  • rake
    rake Posts: 3,204
    i would say the strap type will hold better than velcrow. both look very good shoes.
  • sandbag
    sandbag Posts: 429
    edited December 2009
    Adapter so you can fit SPD to SPD-SL
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=28896

    Disadvantages the foot is raised higher, and flex in the plastic adapter. But could be negliable, as the main power from foot is saved already from using a stiffer shoe.
  • sandbag
    sandbag Posts: 429
    rake wrote:
    they arent spd he asked about. good if you want road shoes.
    No problem because you can use the adapter :)

    These 3 are carbon sole SPD-SL for £40. Finding your size is the fun part.
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=16531
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=24041
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=17048
  • rake
    rake Posts: 3,204
    you would need to raise the seat with soles that thick.
  • milese
    milese Posts: 1,233
    sandbag wrote:
    rake wrote:
    they arent spd he asked about. good if you want road shoes.
    No problem because you can use the adapter :)

    These 3 are carbon sole SPD-SL for £40. Finding your size is the fun part.
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=16531

    Wish I had midget feet!

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