Northwave Fighter Road 2012 vs Giro Factor 2012 Shoes

maxima
maxima Posts: 37
edited September 2012 in Road buying advice
Whats your opinion?

I want light and comfortable shoes. I do around 200km a week - is really nothing. And I dont race. But I want shoes that I would wear with joy.

Comments

  • Crankbrother
    Crankbrother Posts: 1,695
    I bought and returned a pair of NW Fighter shoes ... They look incredibly cheap and almost clog esque with the very rounded toe box ... They look very late 1990's in style ...

    The Giro ones are some of the best looking for the money, sadly I have wide feet so struggle a bit with fit ...

    I bought NW Aerlite shoes in the end, sadly the good deals and stock on these have dried up ...
  • guinea
    guinea Posts: 1,177
    I'm really really impressed with Specialized's top end shoes.

    I use Sidi Ergo 3s which are great, but sometimes fancy a pair of the S-Works.
  • maxima
    maxima Posts: 37
    thanks. @crankbrother - what about comfort of the fighters? i do not care about the looks.
  • Crankbrother
    Crankbrother Posts: 1,695
    Fit-wise they were good, as always with NW shoes ... Just buy the same size shoe as you would your normal everyday shoes ...

    I notice Wiggle have the SBS version for £71 ... They look a bit less cheap with the ratchet ...
  • jordan_217
    jordan_217 Posts: 2,580
    I have had two pairs of NW Vertigo SBS, which I believe are the older version of the Fighters (look identical to me). Excellent shoes, particularly if you have wide feet. The SBS ratchet system (step-by-step) is well made and keeps your feet secure. They are very comfortable, I dont feel any pressure points or hot spots after my rides.

    The first pair I bought have been kept for winter use and they are still going strong, e.g good quality. In fact I ordered another pair from Ribble last week for £65, probably one of the last pairs of size 45's around. I will keep them boxed for when my others are completely worn/tatty.
    “Training is like fighting with a gorilla. You don’t stop when you’re tired. You stop when the gorilla is tired.”
  • jordan_217
    jordan_217 Posts: 2,580
    In addition to this ^^^, comfort is a very personal thing. I would reccommend you try before you buy. A slight nip or pinch after a few minutes will become very annoying/painful after a few hours. HTH.
    “Training is like fighting with a gorilla. You don’t stop when you’re tired. You stop when the gorilla is tired.”
  • rozzer32
    rozzer32 Posts: 3,923
    I've had Shimano shoes, Sidi Ergo 3, Bont and Giro Factor shoes.

    I currently use the Factors and they are brilliant shoes. Although I always use a custom footbed in my shoes. The only reason I'd change from the Giro is to go to a shoe with a specific speedplay 4 bolt pattern. I'm hoping Bont will start doing this.
    ***** Pro Tour Pundit Champion 2020, 2018, 2017 & 2011 *****
  • maxima
    maxima Posts: 37
    thanks guys

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