jmeissner

I am looking to get a road specific cycling shoe (to replace my terrible terrible old mtb shoes). Obviously, a proper fit is my number one priority and I would love to break the bank with a nice pair of Sidi shoes but that is out of the budget.

In terms of brands what do you think is the next best thing?

Nachoman

I just went to the LBS yesterday, with a newbie friend, that was buying his first pair of cycling shoes. He tried on about half a dozen different brands and ended up buying a basic Shimano road shoe, that had the ratcheting tightening system, for about $79.00. He said he liked the Sidis best, but wasn't prepared to drop $250.00.

Lectron

Just got a mail from Jensonusa
They obviously have a shoe thing going atm

rkelley23

Its all about fit of course but as they say you get what you pay for. My first and present pair of road shoes are some basic shimanos, hate em', make my toes numb on rides then they hurt like hell after I am going to get a pair of sidi's as soon as i get paid on FRI

kimconyc

Sidi is overrated IMO. I have the Ergo 2's and have been a bit disappointed with the quality in terms of durability. I found Bont A1's for cheaper than the Sidi and they have been awesome but both Bont and Sidi are expensive.

A lot of people I ride with love Specialized shoes. See if they fit your foot.

Also, Shimano has a good reputation.

IMO, the most important thing is fit.

shovelhd

Agreed on the fit. What fits me perfectly may not fit you well at all. You do get what you pay for. Sizing is all over the place, even with the same manufacturer. My current shoes are Specialized S-Works.

joe_5700

If you have a wider foot, Shimano shoes are not a good idea. I went with Specialized since they seem to size a little bit wider.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...jsp?spid=57448

My shoes have lasted through 2 seasons and show no signs of not lasting another.

superNoid

Damn, JensonUSA has the Shimano R132L for 77% off right now and I need my first pair of shoes ... that $39 price is Unreal but alas.. they do not have my size. I've been doing some research and I'm not sure a simple velco shoe is what I want. Can you guys chime in with experience? Is velcro good enough or is it worth it for a better build, some carbon and a lock strap? Honestly, being new to the hobby I want to keep my initial investments low(er), but am willing to spend if I absolutely should.

I'd like to keep my shoes in or around ~$80 but it seems most everything around that price is really really entry level? Any general advice for a noob like me? I dont want to have to upgrade shoes in a year or less because I went the cheap route but I would kill for a deal like the JensonUSA one.. if they had my size (49).

Thoughts?

edit. What do you guys think of this shoe for a first timer? Decent value? https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...d+Shoe+09.aspx

eddiepliers 

just go to the nearest LBS and try some shoes on to see how they fit your feet, and if it happens to be a Specialized dealer, they will fit your foot for the best ergonomics. Yeah, you might have to pay $40 or so, but if you're serious about shoes, it'll be well worth it.

jmeissner

Thanks for all the great suggestions I will give you a review of what I find in an economy road shoe. I do really like eddiepliers suggestion to look into a specialized dealer to be fit for foot ergonomics.

Thanks!

zitter

I got a pair of Scattante shoes from performancebikes on sale for 80$. They're my first road shoes and I like them so far.

kahuhawk

I use a pair of those. I've never had a problem with the Velcro slipping or shoe feeling loose but they do fit my feet real well. I imagine the Velcro will give out eventually though. Velcro always does.

Tom Pedale

It's all about fit. I had a pair of Sidis for about 7 years..thought the fit was good until I bought a pair of Specialized at the end of the summer.
Try on a lot of shoes. If they don't feel good off the bike, they won't feel good on the bike. Also, don't do the silly thing of putting on a pair and walking around the fitting area. Bike shoes are made for pedaling, not walking.

Lectron

You know...There's still peep that can repair those things for a few buck

catonec 

I picked up some mid grade diadoras relatively cheap off nashbar and love them.