Gasser5.2

My current shoes are too flexy for longer rides and give me hot spots. But the only way I can afford some nice stiff shoes is to buy them through Amazon using my points. I've narrowed down the options available to me to:

Sidi Genius Fit
Mavic Cosmic Ultimate
Pearl Izumi Pro Leader III

I'm leaning towards the Sidis because I bought some c.2004 and loved them for 5-6 years until my cocker spaniel decided he loved them too. Nice and stiff - great for my plantar faciitis - and the fit was perfect. But I'm open to considering the other two. I'm not a racer - just an avid up tempo recreationalist with medium width feet who likes to do the occasional 50+ mile ride.

Does anyone - especially anyone with PF who wears orthotics and has medium width feet - have any experience with these shoes?

rpenmanparker 

Needs?

Gasser5.2

See 3rd paragraph.

Camilo

Going mail order? I'd get the ones that I knew fit without question. Fit trumps everything, especially opinions from the internet.

Homebrew01

True. I'm very happy with my Garneau Ergo-Air I got at a local shop on closeout for $99. Comparing brands and sizes by trying them on is important to me.
5-6 years old and going strong.

Gasser5.2

I've never had a fit problem buying cycling shoes over the internet because I research enough to minimize that possibility. But if anyone can share their experience with any of the shoes I mentioned in my OP I'd be grateful.

jnbrown

I think Sidi's are the best made shoe so if they fit I would go with them.
I can't wear Sidi because the forefoot just doesn't work for me otherwise I would.
I wanted to like the PI shoes but the toe box was way too narrow.
Specialized S-Works are the best shoes for me.

mrtrinh

anyway you can go to a lbs and try on the shoes? Like some have said above, fit is the most important. I've had the Sidi fit and always developed hot spots while riding anything over 30 miles. Currently using S works shoes

Mulberry20

I am partial to Sidi. I have a 10 year old pair of Genius and they have held up well in all regards. Everything is original on them. The quality is exceptional.

I have found that cleats on Sidi shoes should be positioned lower than other shoes.

rpenmanparker 

IMO the price range is a want, not a need. Spesh shoes under $200 are plenty stiff. Hey, it's your money, spend it how you want. But "need" is a construct you have dreamed up.

cycledogg

Sidi, you have been there, done that and know they fit and are a great brand of cycling shoes. I've got 6 pairs, no need to try different. Sidi!
Cheers

GuitarBob

I own the Sidis (and a pair of their moto boots) and while the shoe itself is solid, I hate the uppers. I don't know what material they are made from, but they feel like recycled plastic. Unlike leather or a synthetic leather-like material, they are less flexible and haven't ever taken the shape of my foot, even after a few thousand miles.

I eventually bought a pair of Lakes with leather uppers for less money and I like them much more. I only wear the Sidis on short rides or when it might rain.

Again, the soles and fasteners on the Sidi are solid.

DoubleTap

I bought my Lake CX237 shoes from Amazon (Backcountry), and they are amazing. I needed a wide, high volume shoe, and these fit perfectly.

redfooj

I got sidis kaos. Hated cheap upper material. The perforated tongue that dug into my feet. The 2 separate fussy enclosure systems.

Got mavic cosmic ultimate. Happy with them in everyway. Plus the yellow looks kinda dope.

redfooj

I got sidis kaos. Hated cheap upper material. The *serrated tongue that dug into my feet. The 2 separate fussy enclosure systems.

Got mavic cosmic ultimate. Happy with them in everyway. Plus the yellow looks kinda dope.

Hiro11

Bontrager Velocis. They're awesome.

KantoBoy

I have some BN Shimano RP9s in White size 41 for sale at the moment. Brand new. I got the correct size now and these have to go

Larry77

I went into my LBS fully intending to buy some Sidis but I had to try on the cool looking Giro Empires, I'm so glad I did because they were sooo much more comfortable. I would definitely at least try the Giro's on before buying the Sidis...

Gasser5.2

Thanks to all who provided some guidance on the shoes I'm considering, as well as some other ideas. I may do as some have suggested and try some at a lbs first. I don't like being that guy who checks stuff out at a lbs and then buys online, but because my local Performance shop is staffed mostly by jerks, I'm willing to make an exception.

jesspal

Sidi Genius for sure

StanSeven

Sidi Genius is the best value out there in my opinion. They cost a lot more than many shoes but less than the Wire, Specialized S Works, and other high end shoes. But they are nearly the same quality. If you want something really good and don't mind the money, the Genius are great.

shoota 

Another vote for the CX237.

shoota 

Damn those are awesome (white ones), too bad they're impossible to find in the right size and width

WalksOn2Wheels

Robert, we love you, but this is how you piss people off.

The only time he actually used the word need was in the context of a classic gambling idiom, if you want to be truly pedantic.

WalksOn2Wheels

Not on your list, so feel free to ignore this recommendation, but...

I have been a Giro man for a while now. When I bought the Prolight shoes, they came with the Giro insoles with interchangeable arch supports. I have had some slight PF issues on and off the past year or so, but never while riding with the highest arch supports on those insoles in my Prolight or Republic shoes. Might be worth checking out if you have a local Giro dealer.