Need new shoes but maybe not road shoes
#26
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I found a pair of the Specialized Torch 2.0 in my size at Jenson. I'd have sworn I'd looked at all the usual online shops when I first brought this up a few weeks ago, but they had them today. I saw a pair at CompetitiveCyclist but by the time I acted they were gone. As I said somewhere, finding sizes of anything in particular is hard as it is expensive to stock them all.
I'll try them and return them if they aren't right for me. I just put a new pair of Keo cleats on my existing shoes, so I'll just move those over if I keep the Torch. I also found a single Keo cleat in my box-o-junk. I don't remember what happened there that I only replaced one, I guess I just cracked one when still new. I would always just replace both even though the right is always more worn than the left.
I'll try them and return them if they aren't right for me. I just put a new pair of Keo cleats on my existing shoes, so I'll just move those over if I keep the Torch. I also found a single Keo cleat in my box-o-junk. I don't remember what happened there that I only replaced one, I guess I just cracked one when still new. I would always just replace both even though the right is always more worn than the left.
#27
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I found a pair of the Specialized Torch 2.0 in my size at Jenson. I'd have sworn I'd looked at all the usual online shops when I first brought this up a few weeks ago, but they had them today. I saw a pair at CompetitiveCyclist but by the time I acted they were gone. As I said somewhere, finding sizes of anything in particular is hard as it is expensive to stock them all.
I'll try them and return them if they aren't right for me. I just put a new pair of Keo cleats on my existing shoes, so I'll just move those over if I keep the Torch. I also found a single Keo cleat in my box-o-junk. I don't remember what happened there that I only replaced one, I guess I just cracked one when still new. I would always just replace both even though the right is always more worn than the left.
I'll try them and return them if they aren't right for me. I just put a new pair of Keo cleats on my existing shoes, so I'll just move those over if I keep the Torch. I also found a single Keo cleat in my box-o-junk. I don't remember what happened there that I only replaced one, I guess I just cracked one when still new. I would always just replace both even though the right is always more worn than the left.
Here's a funny UPS story. I bought a kitchen knife wall magnet from Amazon. It shipped, UPS scanned it in, and somewhere in the shipping the scans and tracking just stopped. About 3 months later it shows up, after Amazon had refunded the money. What happened was the magnet stuck to the side of the truck!
Likes For zacster:
#29
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#30
Senior Member
I'm currently wearing Five Ten mountain bike shoes with my road bike.
The sole is very firm but the shoe is bulky.
I have dual-sided (SPD and conventional) pedals.
I'm considering a casual shoe like the Giro Privateer.
Do you all know if I could install the cleats on the Privateer but sometimes use it without clipping in? (by using the conventional side of the pedal) ?
I don't feel I always want to clip in.
The sole is very firm but the shoe is bulky.
I have dual-sided (SPD and conventional) pedals.
I'm considering a casual shoe like the Giro Privateer.
Do you all know if I could install the cleats on the Privateer but sometimes use it without clipping in? (by using the conventional side of the pedal) ?
I don't feel I always want to clip in.
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 6,432
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 539 Post(s)
Liked 44 Times
in
38 Posts
https://www.adidas.com/us/five-ten-f...es/BC0663.html
And big wide Dmr Vault pedals:
https://www.dmrbikes.com/Catalogue/P...lt-2/Vault-NEW
Feet became incredibly comfortable on the bike, more comfortable than walking around with regular shoes even.
Last edited by PaulRivers; 09-27-20 at 01:14 PM.
#32
Full Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 255
Bikes: Trek Domane SL 5
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 218 Post(s)
Liked 102 Times
in
48 Posts
This was the argument I made to ultimately get custom shoes. I spend close to 500 hours a year in cycling shoes, and my shoes last 4-5 years. That's a lot of time, and my comfort is more than worth it.
Also, as I've gotten older, and more financially stable, I am much more willing to invest in my comfort.
Also, as I've gotten older, and more financially stable, I am much more willing to invest in my comfort.
#33
Pizzaiolo Americano
I'm currently wearing Five Ten mountain bike shoes with my road bike.
The sole is very firm but the shoe is bulky.
I have dual-sided (SPD and conventional) pedals.
I'm considering a casual shoe like the Giro Privateer.
Do you all know if I could install the cleats on the Privateer but sometimes use it without clipping in? (by using the conventional side of the pedal) ?
I don't feel I always want to clip in.https://images.internetstores.de/pro...Pedale_schwarz[1920x1920].jpg?forceSize=false&forceAspectRatio=true&useTrim=true
The sole is very firm but the shoe is bulky.
I have dual-sided (SPD and conventional) pedals.
I'm considering a casual shoe like the Giro Privateer.
Do you all know if I could install the cleats on the Privateer but sometimes use it without clipping in? (by using the conventional side of the pedal) ?
I don't feel I always want to clip in.https://images.internetstores.de/pro...Pedale_schwarz[1920x1920].jpg?forceSize=false&forceAspectRatio=true&useTrim=true
#34
Senior Member
Thread Starter
My Specialized Torch shoes are now on their way to me and should be here in two days. I really hope these work for me because my feet were killing me on my ride today. Apparently everything Jenson has shipped got stuck with UPS.
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,570
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1851 Post(s)
Liked 679 Times
in
430 Posts
How does one go about getting custom shoes? I use the Lake shoes for my wide feet. The MX versions work out well, but the cleats on the road versions don't come far back enough on my foot so it feels like I'm riding on my toes. After a couple of months, this caused me some pretty serious knee problems. Now my $400 shoes are not usable (not to mention my pedal based power meter). Anyway, I'd be interested in getting a custom road shoe.
For the semi-custom, Riivo sent me several shoes to try on to get a sense for what I liked and didn't like, size wise. Then I sent them a tracing of my foot - they provide videos for how to do that accurately - and since I opted to upgrade to a custom molded insole, I also made a cast of the bottom of my feet. But honestly, the first pair, which were based only on tracings, are great.
For the full custom, they sent me a mold kit that included plaster that I wrapped around my feet. I sent back the plaster casts and they created molds that they used to make my custom shoes. The nice thing about the full custom pair is how well they fit, which means I do not have to tighten them down too much. My full customs are laced with a buckler for track racing, so I pull up on them A LOT, and my heel stays locked in place.
The custom shoes are pricey, but my feet always hurt when riding in standard shoes, and I was continually buying new shoes to try to find a solution - sometimes I could tell right away and send them back, but others I would wear them a bit then sell them lightly used. They have been worth every dollar I spent on them.
#36
Jedi Master
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,957
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Canyon Inflite AL SLX, Ibis Ripley AF, Priority Continuum Onyx, Santana Vision, Kent Dual-Drive Tandem
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 878 Post(s)
Liked 726 Times
in
436 Posts
The MX versions work out well, but the cleats on the road versions don't come far back enough on my foot so it feels like I'm riding on my toes. After a couple of months, this caused me some pretty serious knee problems. Now my $400 shoes are not usable (not to mention my pedal based power meter)
#39
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Have you heard about the Favero Assioma // Xpedo SPD Hack
I've used SPD pedals on my MTB for a while but found them too difficult for NYC streets. Maybe I should give them a try again. I'll have to see if I still have my MTB shoes, they may have been tossed. I know I still have the pedals.
Edit: I still had the shoes but I realized they are at least 20 years old at this point, if not 25. I pulled on one of the velcro tabs and it tore right off. I put them in the circular file.
Last edited by zacster; 09-28-20 at 03:23 PM.
#40
Full Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 255
Bikes: Trek Domane SL 5
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 218 Post(s)
Liked 102 Times
in
48 Posts
Saw this on SlowTwitch: https://mid-foot-cycling.com/
#41
Senior Member
Thread Starter
The Specialized Torch 2 shoes I ordered just weren't comfortable so it is back to square 1. I'm thinking about the MTB shoe options now and converting my Assiomas as in the above video. That's a big change for me at this point. I'm 65 and have been riding Keos since they came out and Delta before that. My one try with SPD was less than satisfying but that was a very long time ago. I already threw out my old MTB shoes, maybe I should've kept them to try drilling new holes just to see if I could.
I still don't get why road shoes are ALL so uncomfortable. Why aren't there any made for the casual rider? It is like there is an expectation that you race if you ride a road bike with Keo pedals and my guess is that maybe 5% actually do, the rest are just hard recreational cyclists and don't need the ultimate in power transfer. We need a shoe with a hard sole, resin or CF, and comfortable uppers. The Torch 2 that I ordered were billed by Spec as "all about comfort" but were far from it. I've never tried on a running shoe that didn't feel comfortable even if not right for my foot.
Edit: Even the MTB conversion would be difficult, I can't find the Xpedo pedals that are needed for the body anywhere. Amazon has them listed but the seller doesn't ship for 4 to 5 days, and I don't trust any seller that doesn't ship within the next business day.
I still don't get why road shoes are ALL so uncomfortable. Why aren't there any made for the casual rider? It is like there is an expectation that you race if you ride a road bike with Keo pedals and my guess is that maybe 5% actually do, the rest are just hard recreational cyclists and don't need the ultimate in power transfer. We need a shoe with a hard sole, resin or CF, and comfortable uppers. The Torch 2 that I ordered were billed by Spec as "all about comfort" but were far from it. I've never tried on a running shoe that didn't feel comfortable even if not right for my foot.
Edit: Even the MTB conversion would be difficult, I can't find the Xpedo pedals that are needed for the body anywhere. Amazon has them listed but the seller doesn't ship for 4 to 5 days, and I don't trust any seller that doesn't ship within the next business day.
Last edited by zacster; 10-05-20 at 12:28 PM.
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,957
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Canyon Inflite AL SLX, Ibis Ripley AF, Priority Continuum Onyx, Santana Vision, Kent Dual-Drive Tandem
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 878 Post(s)
Liked 726 Times
in
436 Posts
Too bad the Torch didn't work out for you. I recently tried on Torch 3s and they felt exactly like sneaker uppers with stiff soles. Didn't like how it made my feet feel loose with so much padding, so I rolled the dice on a pair of S-Works 7 instead. They felt a tad too stiff in the showroom, especially that heel cup, but felt fantastic on the bike.
#43
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Too bad the Torch didn't work out for you. I recently tried on Torch 3s and they felt exactly like sneaker uppers with stiff soles. Didn't like how it made my feet feel loose with so much padding, so I rolled the dice on a pair of S-Works 7 instead. They felt a tad too stiff in the showroom, especially that heel cup, but felt fantastic on the bike.
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 6,432
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 539 Post(s)
Liked 44 Times
in
38 Posts
https://www.bikeforums.net/21716072-post31.html
The five ten shoes use a special sticky rubber (originally used in mountain climbing shoes) that grab onto any pedal with pins, it's how I always imagined flats should be with no sliding around. Most comfortable way I've ever ridden a bike.
#45
Senior Member
Thread Starter
If you're going to go to all that effort you should really try this that I suggested...
https://www.bikeforums.net/21716072-post31.html
The five ten shoes use a special sticky rubber (originally used in mountain climbing shoes) that grab onto any pedal with pins, it's how I always imagined flats should be with no sliding around. Most comfortable way I've ever ridden a bike.
https://www.bikeforums.net/21716072-post31.html
The five ten shoes use a special sticky rubber (originally used in mountain climbing shoes) that grab onto any pedal with pins, it's how I always imagined flats should be with no sliding around. Most comfortable way I've ever ridden a bike.
I rode with my old shoes, Shimano RC7s, on a 50 mile ride without problem the other day and I decided to just keep using these until my feet fall off.
Likes For zacster:
#46
I think I know nothing.
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: NE PA
Posts: 709
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 233 Post(s)
Liked 290 Times
in
204 Posts
I just bought a set of Garmin Vector 3 pedals power meter. I have been using two bolt SPDs on all my bikes so now I need to buy new 3 bolt shoes. I have two pairs of SPD mountain bike shoes, both were under $100 retail and both are quite painful to wear. I'm hoping to find something in the $150 price range, possibly the Torch 2, that is more comfortable than what I have now, I don't see how I could do worse. Fingers crossed.
#48
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Maybe next we'll be able to shop normally and I can try a few pair on. Ordering and sending back just isn't going to work.
Likes For zacster:
#49
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Well, here it is in summer of '21 and my feet are about to fall off. A week ago I tried using sorbothane inserts in my RC7 shoes and that didn't help at all. The problem is they are still too narrow for my aging feet. My first ride with them my right foot hurt some after only about 15 minutes, and the second ride was 50 miles and the left foot started to hurt at about mile 5.
Today I ordered a pair of Lake CX218 shoes in wide. If these work I'll be happy. I was looking again at the CX238 but they are so expensive for this old casual rider. I got a 20% off promo code plus used the points I have with BikeTiresDirect and I got them for less than $200 shipped and taxed. I really hope these work, and they could be my last pair of cycling shoes as they last a pretty long time. Oh shoot, I should have ordered cleats too.
Today I ordered a pair of Lake CX218 shoes in wide. If these work I'll be happy. I was looking again at the CX238 but they are so expensive for this old casual rider. I got a 20% off promo code plus used the points I have with BikeTiresDirect and I got them for less than $200 shipped and taxed. I really hope these work, and they could be my last pair of cycling shoes as they last a pretty long time. Oh shoot, I should have ordered cleats too.
Likes For zacster:
#50
Senior Member
Thread Starter
The first pair of Lake CX218s were way too big so I sent them back. Looking around I couldn't find any sizes in any shoes, but then I went to the Lake website and they sell them direct too so I ordered a pair based on their sizing method and voila! A pair of shoes that fit well and are comfortable. These are also the CX218-X wide shoes but 1.5 sizes smaller. I haven't been out in them yet but that'll be tomorrow I hope. I haven't been on the bike in any case the last month or so for other reasons so I'll take it slow and get a feel for these.