XC race shoe recommendations

Discussion in 'Racing and Training' started by Joalst1, Mar 17, 2012.

  1. Joalst1

    Joalst1 Member

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    Been riding with entry level specialized shoes for about a year and a half now and they're losing their rigid feel enough to where I feel strain on the front half of my feet. It starts to bother me around about ten miles into a ride and most races are 10+ miles at least. I don't have much of a budget because I want to know that I'm getting a shoe that'll be a ride changer. Any solid recommendations from past experience? Should I stay with specialized? Or start looking at Sidi, etc.?

    Thanks guys!

    Jordan
     
  2. genusmtbkr5

    genusmtbkr5 STR Moderator

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    If you don't have much to spend, Sidi may be out of your budget. In any case, some will say Sidi, others will say Specialized. I wear a 661 XC Flight and also a Specialized Tahoe that has a rubber sole for those backcountry, HAB type trails.

    You need to try on shoes since everyone is different. Nothing worse than a shoe that hurts because the fit isn't quite right.

    Although it's been a while since updated, some info here: http://www.socaltrailriders.org/forum/general-discussion/10926-best-shoes-6.html
     
  3. cattledog04

    cattledog04 New Member

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    I have Mavic's. The full carbon sole, but not the top of the line. Next one down, they are silver (forgot the model). Good shoes so far and fit my foot well.
     
  4. Joalst1

    Joalst1 Member

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    I meant "not much of a budget" because im willing to spend whatever it takes to be comfortable. Sorry for the confusion! Thanks for the input and thanks for the link as well. Ill definitely have to spend some time at my lbs to try on different companies.

    Jordan
     
  5. Mikie Watson

    Mikie Watson Member

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    I bought Specialized Comp MTB Shoes this year. I like them so far. they cost me $150 smackers. I think getting a solid sole and then trying different inserts might help you. Hot spots suck and destroy the ride.

    I went to a foot specialist years ago and he showed me the things I needed to focus on when purchasing shoes for myself (high arches and such).

    That made all the difference in the world for me. Hope this helps!

    ~Mikie
     
  6. oalmaguer

    oalmaguer xc.Omar

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  7. fongster

    fongster Active Member

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    I'm riding the Comps like Mikie has and have been happy so far. I've had them for a couple years but only rode on and off until Nov of last year when I got consistent again. I just put Specialized footbeds in them and they're even better now. The inserts come in 3 arch amounts and include optional forefoot wedges for tipping in and out (I forgot the the real name of that foot position). They work in any shoe. I might go for an all carbon sole down the road but these are fine for now. I think sole stiffness is more important for road than mtb since you're bouncing around so much anyway.
     
  8. TreeTopMike

    TreeTopMike New Member

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    I recently bought a pair of the shimano xc50n's which are nice solid sole shoes ($160 msrp). * Be aware of its larger toe-box though. *If you have wide feet, perfect.
     
  9. Joalst1

    Joalst1 Member

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    That was another thing. I have pretty wide feet so I'll have to try those, too. Looks like I'm gonna spend a good deal of time at the shop:p

    Jordan
     
  10. RustyIron

    RustyIron Rob S.

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    I've been using the mid-level grade Shimano shoes for years: M240, M181, M161, or whatever their numbers are/were. Of course you have to find a shoe that fits, but there are a couple features that I find to be essential in a shoe. Foremost is a ratcheting closure system. Velcro and laces are out of the question. Also, I like my cleats to be way forward. The ball of the foot is the strongest area, and I want the cleat to be up there. I had a pair of low-end Specialized shoes years ago, and the cleat was way back at the arch. The feel was freakish and weak to me.
     
  11. Joalst1

    Joalst1 Member

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    I'm running the comps as well. I loved them because they were stiff for the price but they definitely aren't up to par anymore, as I expected. I heard about those specialized inserts not too long ago and loved how you can customize them so ill check it out. I'm running CB candy 2's and I want to get eggbeaters for my HT so I'm going to need a pretty stiff shoe. Carbon might be the way to go. Thanks for the info!

    Jordan
     
  12. bing!

    bing! Active Member

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    I like shoes with the ratchet buckles. They it better than Velcro as it provides less flex when fitted.
     
  13. matty_P

    matty_P New Member

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    sidis with superfeet foot beds. had dominators that lasted about 8 years, still keep them around for just in case. now have dragons, the grip is better and they are stiffer too. as with all sidis, after a month or two they feel like slippers more than shoes.
     
  14. fongster

    fongster Active Member

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    Mine are getting a bit loose in the uppers. I guess the material and/or stitching just starts to let go. I'm a XC guy so I'm more drawn to carbon, not-so-HAB styles. Next pair are gonna be stiffer, purer carbon ones.
     
  15. destroyer

    destroyer I build jumps

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    I struggled finding a good shoe then I tried Northwave because of the good reviews. I have a high arch and wide foot and they fit better than my specialized and shimanos I had before. My mtb shoes have the ratchet strap and really comfy. I recently purchased Northwave Aerolites for my ride shoe with all velcro straps and I like the velcro straps more than the ratchet type. If need a wide toe box I would definitely check out Northwave.

    I haven't tried them but Sidi's come in a wide size and I've heard nothing but great things about them.
     
  16. NA1NSXR

    NA1NSXR Member

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    Its an odd question to ask because feet can be so different as can perceptions of comfort...

    As far as reputation for fit and comfort I would say Sidi and Shimano, but thats not saying much. Why don't you go try some shoes on at the store? Shimano has custom fit if price is no object...
     
  17. mtnbikerfred

    mtnbikerfred Super Moderator

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    Shoes and feet are SO subjective. You should try some on. I LOVE the "new" Shimano shoes. They opened up the toe box a lot. AND they offer a WIDE sizes too.

    +1 on the ratchet buckle systems. Velcro sucks. Laces WILL actually hold your foot better.

    Specialized BG shoes go a long way towards offering a "custom fit" without the additional costs. Their foot beds will work in any shoe.

    If you try them on and like their shape, step up to the Comp (ratchet buckle) or Rime (Boa System).

    Money-no-object, Sidi's are unanimously loved. but the high-end (custom fit) Shimanos and Specialized S-works shoes with the dual Boa system will feel just as good almost immediately (you have to oil and break in a leather shoe) as year-old Sidi's.
     
  18. Joalst1

    Joalst1 Member

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    Good info. I really like the ratchet system idea. I'll probably try the spesh comps with the ratchet system. Are sidi's really that much better? I was considering the Dragons possibly because I heard they last forever and everything is able to be replaced. Id rather spend the extra money to get a shoe that'll last me a while instead of buying 150 dollar shoes every year and a half or so.

    Jordan
     
  19. XTC29er

    XTC29er New Member

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    Jordan,
    The dargons are an excellent shoe. I just had to replace my dragons from 2005 a couple of weeks ago. The velco on the first strap finally gave out. I might have been able to replace the strap, but after 7 years I thought it was time for a new pair of shoes. IMHO Sidi's are the best MTB shoes on the market, but they do not come cheap.
     
  20. singlespeedrider

    singlespeedrider Member

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    Just got a pair of the Giro Guage and so far loving them. They come with three different inserts for different arch supports and the uppers are really comfy. Another pair that is not cheap but worth it for the comfort.
     

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