help choosing shoes

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2005-04-11 8:56 PM

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Coach
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Subject: help choosing shoes
I just aquired at a very low cost (free) a nice pair of shimano SPD pedals...sorry, not sure what model. I just browsed nashbar for compatable shoes and there are about a hundred pairs and I can't tell the difference between any of them!

Can anyone reccomend a specific pair, or specific things to look for?

For some background info, my current bike is a steel framed bridgestone mountain bike with light race wheels, slicks & a race saddle...built up over the past 12 years as old parts have rotted & died! I recently aquired a 2nd set of "off road" wheels so I can swap out the whole set based on where I am riding. I want one pair of shoes that is lightweight for the road, but durable with a tread for trails. I wear a women's size 8ish, but frequently find womens models too narrow.

any suggestions?

2005-04-11 9:04 PM
in reply to: #141364

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Subject: RE: help choosing shoes

AdventureBear - 2005-04-11 7:56 PM

Can anyone reccomend ...specific things to look for?

  1. Fit.
  2. Fit.
  3. Fit.
  4. Fit.
  5. Fit.
  6. Fit.
  7. Fit.
  8. Fit.
  9. Fit.
  10. You get the idea.

Just like with running shoes, maybe even more so, if you've never owned a specific model (or at least tried on that model to know your exact size, I would NOT buy shoes online. Go to your reputable LBS and spend afew extra bucks to get it right.

And, given your needs, I would tilt toward getting MTB shoes.



Edited by the bear 2005-04-11 9:05 PM
2005-04-11 10:16 PM
in reply to: #141364

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Coach
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Subject: RE: help choosing shoes
Problem is, I don't have an LBS! I live in the middle of nowhere. I can get to a tack shop pretty easily, maybe one of the local boys can custom make a pair for me!
2005-04-12 12:50 AM
in reply to: #141364

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Subject: RE: help choosing shoes
The nice thing about spd's and mountain bikes is that you can actually get shoes you can walk around in. I have a pair of cannondales, lace up and look like hiking shoes. Great stiff sole and very wearable off the bike if you stop for a bite to eat or even a brief hike. My wife has a pair of shimano shoes that are the same way..lace up and able to walk or hike in. Maybe not the fastest for transitions but great for riding everyday.
2005-04-12 1:51 AM
in reply to: #141364

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Subject: RE: help choosing shoes
I'm fairly new to bike shoes but if I had to do it over again, I wouldn't get the shoes with the ratchet strap, I would get ones that just had velcro straps. Maybe even the tri-specific ones where the straps open away from the bike. When you start doing the fancy trick of putting them on and taking them off while your bike is rolling, it's easier to work with just velcro than anything else.

Mike
2005-04-12 5:46 AM
in reply to: #141364

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Subject: RE: help choosing shoes

I purchased a pair of Specialized Trivent shoes, They are really good because they have an arch in them which helps support the foot. They also have holes on the botton so that the water can drain away from your feet, if they are still wet.

2005-04-12 9:31 AM
in reply to: #141456

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Subject: RE: help choosing shoes
ellismichael - 2005-04-12 12:51 AM

I'm fairly new to bike shoes but if I had to do it over again, I wouldn't get the shoes with the ratchet strap, I would get ones that just had velcro straps. Maybe even the tri-specific ones where the straps open away from the bike. When you start doing the fancy trick of putting them on and taking them off while your bike is rolling, it's easier to work with just velcro than anything else.

Mike


I second that! I have Sidi Genius and that ratchet thingy is not for transitioning....I'd get pure velcro with flaps to the outside.

But fit is the most important thing. I finally learned what "hot foot" is on my last ride....at about 85 miles I thought someone had sliced my foot open with a torch...my LBS said I needed to adjust the springs in the pedal because my foot is fighting the tension.

We'll see.

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