Road Shoe Advice

[bpsmith]

Looking to grab my first SPD-SL pedals soon and got the 105's in my sights. Now looking for suitable shoes and its a minefield. I don't like to buy cheap, buy twice, so prepared to pay decent-ish price. Just don't quite now where to start though?

Any advice and/or bargains guys?

Love the look of the Sidi and Specialized shoes, but a tad pricey, although seen some on decent discount now mind you. Also the Diadora's look tidy and some bargains in those too presently.

 

[User6179]

Ive done 10k in these Shimano R087s, you can get them in wide fit , also with shimano shoes you need to go a size up from normal.

 

[smokeysmoo]

I've used Shimano, Sidi, Diadora, Lake* and Northwave** and all have been excellent IMO.

FYI, every pair of cycling shoes/boots I've ever bought have had to be one size larger than I take in 'normal' shoes/boots, just saying.

*my current shoes are Lake
**my current boots are Northwave

 

[slowmotion]

The sizing system for bike shoes bears absolutely no similarity to normal shoes. Buy them in a shop where you can try them on. Often, they will seem impossibly narrow in relation to their length. If you can find an on-line supplier who has a free returns policy, be prepared for a few stabs at it.

Please don't try them in the LBS and then buy on-line. That's shabby.

 

[redcard]

I've got R088s for commuting and they're excellent. Look good, snug fit.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-r088-spd-sl-road-shoes/

 

[bpsmith]

Some good advice so far guys, thanks.

Shimano seems popular then? How does the White hold up over time? Better for visibility, over Black, or just a style thing?

 

[User6179]

Some good advice so far guys, thanks.

Shimano seems popular then? How does the White hold up over time? Better for visibility, over Black, or just a style thing?

The whites ok but yes they can get dirty , I washed mine properly for the first time last week and they came up quite good for 10k miles.

 

[bpsmith]

Cool. Assumed that could be the case.

Are these shows any good for Winter use too?

 

[User6179]

Cool. Assumed that could be the case.

Are these shows any good for Winter use too?

Yes but only with thick overshoes, you might need to tape up the hole in sole also to stop road spray wetting your feet.

 

[smokeysmoo]

How does the White hold up over time? Better for visibility, over Black, or just a style thing?

My Lake shoes are white, but as much as I love the shoes I'll never buy white ones again.

My Nortwave boots on the other hand are the right colour, they're black

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I have S-Works shoes and SIDI, they are both great shoes imho

 

[Roadrider48]

Ive done 10k in these Shimano R087s, you can get them in wide fit , also with shimano shoes you need to go a size up from normal.

They are indeed a decent shoe Eddy.

 

[tigger]

These look good value for heat mouldable shoes, not cheap but good value
http://www.edencycles.com/Bont-Riot-Road-Shoe-p/BTRT221.htm

 

[bpsmith]

Liked the like of those for a whole, but don't know how good the brand area?

Very nearly got these last night. Only had my size in stock, for £79.99, last night but gone by this morning.

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Shimano-R133-SPD-SL-Shoes_40615.htm

 

[bpsmith]

Struggling to pick those Bont Riot over the Sidi Logo Vernice, as can get them for £117. Sidi motorbike boots are amazing, but how do the cycling shoes compare?