New road shoe help please - mavic, giro, fizik?

showbiz
Posts: 23
Hey guys,
I'm in the market for a new pair of road cycling shoes.
Self-diagnosed OCD so I'm after some help before I go round in circles!
I've narrowed it down to the following choices (would have included the S-Works Road, but my friend has them - after something different).
- Mavic Zxellium Ultimate
- Giro Prolight SLX
- Fizik R1 Uomo
- Shimano R320
- SIDI wire Carbon Vernice
Appreciate any info (sizing, reviews, quality, what pro's are using them this year etc). It all helps!
Cheers
I'm in the market for a new pair of road cycling shoes.
Self-diagnosed OCD so I'm after some help before I go round in circles!
I've narrowed it down to the following choices (would have included the S-Works Road, but my friend has them - after something different).
- Mavic Zxellium Ultimate
- Giro Prolight SLX
- Fizik R1 Uomo
- Shimano R320
- SIDI wire Carbon Vernice
Appreciate any info (sizing, reviews, quality, what pro's are using them this year etc). It all helps!
Cheers
0
Comments
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I have the Giro's and they are excellent. I needed 2 sizes bigger than normal UK (44 instead of 42).Yellow is the new Black.0
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I'd go for Fizik R1 for sheer comfort and meer excellence in choice of material.
But your list only marks the highest of quality shoes anyways.
Did you consider Bont's Vaypor?
I've been riding Bont before they got the attention they deserved, and they're all out performance oriented masterpieces.
For this price you should get shoe that fits like a glove and offer all the support your 'pretty little' feet require.0 -
I tried all of those on (except the Shimano) before buying the S-Works.
You've got to try them on as they all fit very differently... the Fiziks in particular (which are the ones I would have bought) were particularly odd feeling on my feet.
From memory, the Fiziks seemed to be designed for a very high instep, the Sidis were very narrow (although they do a 'wide' version I think), the Giros and Rapha ones are from the same last and never felt quite right on me. There were a pair of Northwave ones as well which were too narrow and the Mavics pinched a little around the base of the little toe.
Just my experience as your feel will be completely different, but hence why it's really worth trying as many on as possible.0 -
I have the Sidi - perfect for me as you can really dial in the fit, even the ankles! They are relatively heavy though, although they look stunning (to me at least!) Very easy to keep clean in the Vernice finish. I had to go up one size and they are narrow fitting, so try before you buy essential if possible.
I have to say though, the Fizik's look lovely. They were not around when I bought my shoes, otherwise would have been on my shortlist.0 -
I ride specialized - they were the most comfy - and comfort is key.
Interestingly I was reading 'the secret pro' blog yesterday and he was saying that Specialized are the most sought after shoes in the peleton - and there are many unbranded shoes going around so as not to clash with official sponsors.
Just because your mate has them is no reason to discount them. Maybe they are the best - so why settle for second best ?
Just go and try on the shoes - its not a fashion parade - they need to fit you well and be comfortable for you. Only you can tell. Its pointless us telling you that XXX shoe is the best if it doesn't fit you Cinderella.0 -
cougie wrote:I ride specialized - they were the most comfy - and comfort is key.
Interestingly I was reading 'the secret pro' blog yesterday and he was saying that Specialized are the most sought after shoes in the peloton - and there are many unbranded shoes going around so as not to clash with official sponsors.
Just because your mate has them is no reason to discount them. Maybe they are the best - so why settle for second best ?
Just go and try on the shoes - its not a fashion parade - they need to fit you well and be comfortable for you. Only you can tell. Its pointless us telling you that XXX shoe is the best if it doesn't fit you Cinderella.
I'm not usually a fan of black shoes, but the matt finish on the black S-Works is lovely.0 -
cougie wrote:Just go and try on the shoes - its not a fashion parade - they need to fit you well and be comfortable for you. Only you can tell. Its pointless us telling you that XXX shoe is the best if it doesn't fit you Cinderella.
+1 I don't get on with Specialized shoes at all, they give me cramp in my left foot. I use Bont now and never had any hint of cramp.0 -
Rememer as well that the S-Works shoes cant your foot out (as do all BG shoes). Depending on your particular biomechanics this may not suit you. For me, I already run shims to push my feet the other way so this would be exadurated all the more in Spesh shoes.
I understand the temptation to ask for advice, but really for shoes, helmets and particularly saddles you can only rely on yourself for an appropriate review.
(I ride in Sidi Megas by the way and think that they are great........but thats just me)
Coach H. (Dont ask me for training advice - 'It's not about the bike')0 -
Thanks for the quick, helpful replies guys! That's why I love this forum.
I knew I'd get the "got to try on before you can appreciate" / "whatever fits best" replies, but unfortunately, here in Adelaide, Australia, my options to try on is fairly limited. Half the models I've listed will probably never even get over here, so I'll probably just end up taking a punt based on given replies and my own experience/judgement.
The Bont Vapors were on my list, but were cut because I decided I didn't like the look of the gloss/slipper design.
I'd prefer to go a (matte if possible) black option, similar to the S-Works for this next pair.
The S-Works are out because me and my friend have enough gear the same already - I'll go similar but different. He beat me to it. It's that simple. :x
A lot of my choice comes down to "look".
The Fizik shoes look decent in black and are made of real quality materials, to a high standard, but are fairly "untested" in the market.
I was leaning towards the Mavics and the Giro based on reviews read and the clean black options + weight.
I currently have the 2012 Mavic Huez but I bought a size too big online and they don't fit well at all!
I really need some sizing advice with the Zxellium Ultimate, because from what I've read so far, the sizing runs opposite to the Huez (small)?
Thanks as always!0 -
and I was trying to avoid the oven moulds as well.0
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I'm another try before you buy person but can appreciate the difficulty that you have with that.
When I last bought shoes I looked at Mavic Zellium and found them to be both narrow and with a very tall toe box. Specialized are wider in the toe but also have a tall toe box.
I finally settled on Giro Factors and have been extremely happy with them. By far the best grip on my foot and I have just enough room for the Specialized wedges that I need. I would agree that you're best off going up a size though. I was a 46 in Specialized and now wear a 47 Giro.0 -
I have the Giro Factor and they are amazing. The fit (for me) is perfect. Supportive and comfortable all day. I had to size up one size from my normal shoes. I've had many Spesh shoes (although not the S-works in the most recent years) which have been fine, maybe a bot too roomy in the toe, but the Giro's are a different league in fit for me. Highly recommended. (FYI I take a 47 in Spesh and Giro but 46 in normal shoes generally).0
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meesterbond wrote:There were a pair of Northwave ones as well which were too narrow
I'm surprised by that - Northwave (and Specialized) are generally considered the home for the wide feet. Certainly works that way for me!
To the OP - if you are Australian surely the Bonts are a given?Faster than a tent.......0 -
showbiz wrote:Thanks for the quick, helpful replies guys! That's why I love this forum.
I knew I'd get the "got to try on before you can appreciate" / "whatever fits best" replies, but unfortunately, here in Adelaide, Australia, my options to try on is fairly limited. Half the models I've listed will probably never even get over here, so I'll probably just end up taking a punt based on given replies and my own experience/judgement.
A lot of my choice comes down to "look".
Thanks as always!
order a few and return what you don't want. The fit and the comfort should have priority over the lookBianchi Infinito CV
Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Ultegra
Brompton S Type
Carrera Vengeance Ultimate Ltd
Gary Fisher Aquila '98
Front half of a Viking Saratoga Tandem0 -
Try them on - I loved the S-Works, but on trying them on they were just the wrong shape for my feet, however the Fizik R3 shoes were like a pair of slippers.
However, just getting the most expensive versions doesn't guarantee the best fit - the single best thing I did was get some Sidas footbeds made for the R3 shoes. I was sceptical going into it having had BG footbeds (and thinking they were all you needed) but the support and stability the Sidas footbeds give over and above the BG fit beds are astounding.
So I'd carve out some budget for those and then use what is left to get the shoes.0 -
Hi to Showbiz & all on this thread,
I saw this post so wanted to give some details that may help you now and in the future when thinking about the right road shoes. Before I start, I want to let you know that I work as the Community Manager for Mavic, which basically means I try and help out whenever riders have questions about the brand and products. Feel free to contact me in the future and I'll do my best to help. Fear not, I'm not going to try and persuade anyone to buy Mavic products (that's not what I'm here for). I'm here just to provide a service and to try and help if you have any questions. Introduction over
So, as a number of folk have pointed out already, shoes are a very individual item and without doubt the best way to decide which brand and model is most appropriate for your foot type is to try them on before purchasing (if possible). I know this isn't always possible so sometimes you have to take an educated guess. With respect to the Mavic road shoes there are two different fits:
1) Standard fit - Zxellium Ultimate, Zxellium, Huez, Pro Road, Galibier and Avenge
2) Maxi fit - Zxellium Maxi and Avenge Maxi
The Maxi fit offers a little more room in the toe box (from toe to arch) and was introduced to cater for any rider with a wider foot that may find the standard fit too narrow.
The last is very important for correct fit and comfort of the shoe (Mavic use size and model specific lasts to try and cater for as much of the population as possible) but there are other points to consider as well - such as upper construction - e.g. bonded upper, stitched upper, tongue construction and material stiffness - synthetic, mesh, reinforced sections of the shoe. To give a brief summary of the Mavic range:
- The Zxellium offers the best balance between fit, comfort and performance.
- The upper on the Zxellium Ultimate is a little stiffer than the Zxellium which means some will find it to be less comfortable (once again, important to try before you buy if possible)
- The Huez is super light (goal was to be the lightest shoe on the market). The upper uses a lot of carbon to save weight but this also means there is less stretch so is not as comfortable as the Zxellium. It's good for those with a slim foot living in a warm climate.
- The Pro Road, Galibier and Avenge all offer Mavic's high quality construction but have less emphasis on performance so materials offer more comfort.
@showbiz From personal experience I use both the Zxellium Ultimate and Huez in the same size.
Once again, I hope this may help in some form or another now and in the future.
Safe riding to you all.
MikeMavic Community Manager0 -
I have ridden and reviewed the Fizik and Shimano on my web site
Fizik here - http://glorycycles.blogspot.com/2011/12 ... eview.html
Shimano here - http://glorycycles.blogspot.com/2013/01 ... HR241.html
Mavic - I have tried and not able to get to like them, the fit seems a little flat and narrow.
Sidi - as always they are fantastic.More on my blog: http://glorycycles.blogspot.com/0 -
chrisvanderkaap wrote:I'd go for Fizik R1 for sheer comfort and meer excellence in choice of material.
But your list only marks the highest of quality shoes anyways.
Did you consider Bont's Vaypor?
I've been riding Bont before they got the attention they deserved, and they're all out performance oriented masterpieces.
For this price you should get shoe that fits like a glove and offer all the support your 'pretty little' feet require.
I know everyone's op is different but what is it you see in bont shoes. They have to be the worst aesthetically designed shoes on the market, truly awful.... I can only assume they must be like slippers cos they certainly haven't anything else going for them.
If money is no option then from your list there is a clear winner which is the sidi wire. Not sure about the fizik I think they look cheap, from the ones I've seen anyway. The giro is a very nice looking shoe and also maybe something to consider....Look 595 ultra - F+F for sale.....
Cervelo r5
Kinesis T2 2013 winter bike
Merida Carbon 1500 flx MTB0 -
showbiz wrote:and I was trying to avoid the oven moulds as well.
Why? I swapped from S-Works to Bont last year and they are chuffing brilliant. Yeah, they don't look the best, but they bloody well are.- 2023 Vielo V+1
- 2022 Canyon Aeroad CFR
- 2020 Canyon Ultimate CF SLX
- Strava
- On the Strand
- Crown Stables
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Crispyapp wrote:chrisvanderkaap wrote:I'd go for Fizik R1 for sheer comfort and meer excellence in choice of material.
But your list only marks the highest of quality shoes anyways.
Did you consider Bont's Vaypor?
I've been riding Bont before they got the attention they deserved, and they're all out performance oriented masterpieces.
For this price you should get shoe that fits like a glove and offer all the support your 'pretty little' feet require.
I know everyone's op is different but what is it you see in bont shoes. They have to be the worst aesthetically designed shoes on the market, truly awful.... I can only assume they must be like slippers cos they certainly haven't anything else going for them.
If money is no option then from your list there is a clear winner which is the sidi wire. Not sure about the fizik I think they look cheap, from the ones I've seen anyway. The giro is a very nice looking shoe and also maybe something to consider....
I said they were performance oriented. Meaning that they may suffer a little in aesthetics. I think they are very innovative in making shoes that use new technologies (like the bathtub sole design) to simply wrap around the arch of the the foot, and give great!! support. For me this is something I've been looking for in a shoe since my first carbon (diadora) pair in the early 2000!
Anyways as I'd said, if it be my fortune, i'd give my money to the fancy and chique (and i think well proven) fiziks.0