Shoe recommendations

supermurph09

Looking at a budget of £150 and hopefully snap up something that’s been reduced.

Anyone bought anything recently that you’ve been really impressed with? Appreciate the fit is very personal but I can cross that bridge when I come to it.

Cheers

gsk82

I got some specialized s works 6 in December for £200. I don't know if they've come down further since, but I'm very impressed with them. I had 3 pairs of mavic xzellium before these but after been nervous of changing I'm glad I tried these ones. Try some cheaper specialised ones if these are out of budget. Sizes are pretty standard.

johngti

Sure I read about the merits of different sole materials somewhere. Something about how super stiff carbon fibre isn’t always the best option and that something with a bit more flex can be a good idea for us lesser riders who occasionally get off and walk. Thoughts on that?

bianchi_dave

Had a similar budget in mind and went for a pair of Giro Empire SLX. Great reviews across the board and they are unbelievably light and comfortable - although I still need to wear them on the bike as they're for summer! They were a steal at around £150 in Evans' sale but not sure they've many sizes left.

Edit - seems they've only size 47 left

naavt

johngti wrote:

Sure I read about the merits of different sole materials somewhere. Something about how super stiff carbon fibre isn’t always the best option and that something with a bit more flex can be a good idea for us lesser riders who occasionally get off and walk. Thoughts on that?

That's one of the reasons why I've changed to MTB shoes. Bought a pair of Sidi Dragon 4 and changed pedals to Crankbrothers Eggbeaters. Didn't noticed any loss in power. Even had some Strava PRs since then (have them for a couple of weeks now), and with super comfortable rides.

Can't be happier.

bendertherobot

The caveat, of course, is whatever fits, and then works. And it's hard to predict from person to person.

I generally only wear Giro now, I have some Sidi Buvel (road version is now the Alba, Kaos the more expensive one).

So, find some SLX, they are great. Have a look to see if your size in the Rapha climbers is still there. Or the GT for that matter. Loads of cheap DMT on Wiggle, Gaerne heavily reduced etc.

Personally, the most comfortable shoes of all are the Giro Empire VR90 (MTB). But depends if you like the look and if they fit.

I'm likely, I think, to spring for the Empire EC70 Knit for this summer. Giro Republic knit also worth a look if you want to go mtb pedal

sloppyschleckonds

DMT RS1's slightly over budget though

ovi

bont riot road+ get good reviews for £150

supermurph09

Thanks for the input, opted for some Fixik R3Bs. Almost went for the Rapha ones but not got the right size. Giro were just out of price range (other bits required too).

Cheers

bendertherobot

Good choice too. I always find I need 1/2 size down in them

cougie

johngti wrote:

Sure I read about the merits of different sole materials somewhere. Something about how super stiff carbon fibre isn’t always the best option and that something with a bit more flex can be a good idea for us lesser riders who occasionally get off and walk. Thoughts on that?

Yes if you're walking then the MTB versions are a good bet. I use them all the time in winter and save the road shoes for the summer. Much safe in the café !

johngti

cougie wrote:

johngti wrote:

Sure I read about the merits of different sole materials somewhere. Something about how super stiff carbon fibre isn’t always the best option and that something with a bit more flex can be a good idea for us lesser riders who occasionally get off and walk. Thoughts on that?

Yes if you're walking then the MTB versions are a good bet. I use them all the time in winter and save the road shoes for the summer. Much safe in the café !

I’ve tried mtb pedals (mt520 mainly) - cause pain in my feet and ultimately my knees. I’m a big fan of time xpresso pedals and use northwave shoes with a stiff carbon sole. I don’t walk all that much but can’t get up a 20% slope usually. Walked up York’s hill a few times! Just wonder occasionally if a slightly more flexible sole would make those rare occasions a little less uncomfortable on the old calf muscles 8)

rdt

Years back I switched to MTB pedals with carbon-soled (or other super stiff), recessed cleat ("MTB") shoes.

This is a good all-round compromise: a little bit of extra shoe-weight (big deal!), but with the ability to walk without any of the slippy-slidy you get with cleated road shoes; carbon soles mean any smaller shoe/pedal contact point issues are entirely negated - it feels exactly the same as road shoes/pedals on the bike. If using the bike on low mileage holiday leisure type rides with my partner then I switch to flexible soled, laced recessed cleat trainer-like shoes that I could walk all day in.

Like naavt above I use Crank Brothers pedals (various models) as my experience is they've got decent knee-friendly float plus the easiest of all entries - very handy if in stop-start traffic - while always remaining totally secure once clipped-in.

But each to their own...

burnthesheep

Supermurph09 wrote:

Thanks for the input, opted for some Fixik R3Bs. Almost went for the Rapha ones but not got the right size. Giro were just out of price range (other bits required too).

Cheers

I got some recently, have been stellar. I'm loving the boa even though it's a single boa. Can't remember which, but the site accepted a coupon code also of another 10% or 15% off.

I live in the US and it was still cheaper to get them from the UK.

They're stiff and light to boot. These with a cleat installed are about the same weight as my old shoes without a cleat installed.

mroli

Giro Empires £125 in silver (most sizes at Westbrooks): https://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/giro- ... gL-OvD_BwE

supermurph09

Westbrook have the SLX as well, damn it I would have probably gone for those. Fiziks arrived today, I went a size smaller, result = too small so asked for next size up.

lostboysaint

I've just gone away from boas and was looking at Empires. On the basis that I'm still in my winter boots and it may never end at this rate I have dipped an exploratory toe in laced shoes and gone with the DHB Dorica to see how it works for me. A quick spin around the block yesterday told me that laces are good, the Dorica fits like a glove, is well ventilated and should be stiff-soled enough. Back to the Defrosters for tonight's ride though!

I forsee a pair of Empire's making their way into my life soon.

supermurph09

Well the search carries on...

41, too tight, 42 too tight, 42.5 left foot pretty good, but tight on the toe box on my right foot so they'll all be going back. A shame as they look like quality shoes.

I've now ordered some Rapha Climber shoes in a 42.5, hopefully these will be on the money.

Grill

Empire ACC are great, so are the Bontrager Classique. Specialized Sub 6 are fine.

maddog 2

Spesh and Giro are my favourites. Obviously fit is everything, but these are two that work well for me, and are well made.