GENESTARWIND

So im purchasing some cycling shoes on monday and ive narrowed my choices down to either the specialized elite touring or the mavic cyclo tour. Not looking for help with my decision, just wondering if any of you folks here have ridden either of them and if so what are your opinions.

Ive picked these because i wanted something i could walk in that has some what of a rubber sole like a mtb shoe but isnt so ugly and is fairly light. The reviews on both these seem pretty good and the price on both is right in my ballpark for a first cycling shoe as well.

both are a stiff light weight shoe, im super excited to step into the world of clipless.
oh and ive tried on some specialized shoes at my lbs and have been talking with the guys there, hes going to help me setup my pedals/cleats as well.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...jsp?spid=64217
https://www.mavic.com/en/product/foot...ear/Cyclo-Tour

max-a-mill

you should really go with the ones that are the most comfortable for your feet.

shoes are like saddles, everyone is different and no one can tell you what will work best for you.

if you want shoes you can walk in but are still reasonably light i'd look at higher end mtb shoes. they have rubber soles where road shoes do not. touring shoes are usually pretty heavy.

for me what ranks highest (after comfort) is the stiffness of the sole. i like super stiff shoes. most comfortable shoes i have had are the higher end sh!mano's. and i mean comfortable on the bike not walking. stiff soles are nice for riding but not walking so much. softsoles may feel good in the coffee shop but after 50 miles you'll probably have a nice hotspot under your cleat.

GENESTARWIND

oh if i had the cash id get a specialized s work mtb or the mavic fury but im not about to spend 300 to 400 on a shoe lol.

my lbs carries specialized and ill be trying on a few more of their shoes, the mavic is my second option since i cant try it on.
the specialized mtb shoes i tried on where nice and comfy, we will see how their road shoes feel. ill probably ending up getting the elite tourings.

Jaytron

Definitely try the shoes on before you buy them. Max hit the nail right on the head.

Spoonrobot 

If my opinion isn't going to help your decision, why would I give it?

GENESTARWIND

well let me reiterate, i ment that i didnt start this thread so someone could pick for me like alot of these threads start out just that i wanted opinions on the shoes, and yes i will be trying on more of the specialized shoes before i make my purchase.

Oh and i should add this: what shoes do you people wear?

Spoonrobot 

In that case, I think the only real difference is going to be the footbed that the Specialized has. This may or may not be a big deal depending on your foot and knee alignment.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...1098&scid=1137

jdgesus 

gigantor

Also,

Buy a cheaper pair first. You'll want to replace them. Riding 50 miles in them compared to what you think are comfortable upon trying them on, are completely different scenarios.

gigantor

want

jdgesus 

me2.. i have the comp road, i love...

Kol.klink

If these are your "nice" shoes.


Or nothing. They're just Better, once you own a few pairs, you understand. if you already own some sidis buy whatever for when you don't want to wear your SIDIs. I like have liked my Shimanos, specialized (although i think the durability could be better), and Mavics, but my addidas where just ****

Although the shoes SIDI usa sells are different than those sold in the rest of the world, i think they even use different lasts, so I'm not sure if the quality the same.

Santaria

99.9 percent of the time, I ride with my GR9s/Soma clips+straps and my

Nagrom_

Gaerne's are absolutely fantastic.

Soil_Sampler

https://www.retrofitz.com/index.html

Kol.klink

+1 I've always wanted to put clips on the bottom of come Mk.IV combat boots, i would want mine to cleats to mount as near a flush as possible.

Nuggetross

sooo...no shoe reinforcement? don't pull up too hard on those. you'll have a big hole in your shoe.

Young Version

I love mine...and they get bonus points for looking "pro."

Nagrom_

fixed that for you.

Young Version

Oh, I know...the Lampre guys all wear Gaernes, and I'm sure others do too.

However, when I wear them, I assure you the only thing "pro" is the look...though sometimes I like to pretend I'm Cunego on big climbs.

throwawayington

I don't know if you've looked at them, but I ride with Shimano M087 shoes and they're great for walking around in and aren't nearly as hideous as a lot of mountain bike shoes. They're identical to the road version, just with the recessed rubber sole.

byrnemm

I haven't tried Sidi but I seriously love these Specialized Expert Road.

Until it's really cold/wet

MAK

I wore SIDIs for a number of years and thought they were great. When I switched to Specialized (I have the Elite Touring shoe) I realized how much better the Specialized were. In particular, as I've written on the forum before, the varus wedge built into the shoe helped me erase a knee probem and keep it from recurring. I've never used Macic so I can't comment on them. I also agree that fit should be the priority. If they are both comfortable, consider that the constuction and features on the Specialized are excellent.

cc700

i ride sidi road, mavic mtb/commute, and want my next pair to be specialized.

and i still love my mw dzr's but they're not the same level of shoe. they're more casual shoes, not cycling shoes just lifestyle shoes. hecka convenient and i love em, but i have sidis for real riding.

just try them on and go for it.

jdgesus 

the footbeds of sidi hurts my feet a bit.
every size/shape/type i've tried.

im special for specialized