Symox

Hello,
First post - great forum. Looking forward to hanging around here.

Anyway, my 15 year old Performance bike road shoes are on their last legs. I've always loved these as they are stiff, don't make my toes go numb and have great ventilation (has vents in the sole - love that). I'm looking for a new pair. While I will be trying them on at stores I'm out of touch with what is out there. I'm looking to spend less than $150.

Any recommendations?

Thanks

Mulberry20

My standard recommendation is that if SIDI shoes are in your budget and they fit, buy them. They may be on sale somewhere so 150 might work.

I also have a pair of Pearl Izumi studio/road shoes that I paid $100 for that I use in spin class but also use on the road. Fantastic for the money. Spin shoes are very ventilated, more so than true road shoes.

jimmyodonnell

I have Specialized Experts, for which I paid about $160.
That was 3 years ago but I don't think the price has gone up.
After 3 years of regular wear they're still in excellent shape, I certainly recommend them in the price range you're targeting.

Symox

Sidi shoes look to be the top of the line. Admittedly I haven't tried them but any shoe that is leather without vent holes is a nonstarter for me. I get sweaty hot feet and the Sidi approach looks to be the opposite of what I want.

frogman

Another thumbs up for SIDI. "Real" leather and last a long time. One of my SIDI's is going on 20 years old and still holding up well. I just got finished rubbing in Kiwi leather conditioner on them and they look like new. They have little elastomer heel pads that wear out but easy to replace.

Mulberry20

What kind of socks are you wearing? And your toes going numb could be the placement of your cleat.

frogman

They do have vent holes. Plenty of them. If your feet sweat a lot, join the club. You will have sweat in any road shoes. The answer is to wear socks that wick the sweat. There are a variety of cycling socks that wick the sweat. I currently am using ones from Smart Wool. They are my favorite, although the synthetic socks work well too.

Mulberry20

I wear Merino wool socks made by a company in Vermont called DarnTough. Even lately in 90 degree heat after two hours my feet are dry when I take them off. No odor either.

frogman

Sounds good, I will have to try the Darn Tough wool socks. Some folks equate getting hot from wearing wool socks but not so, your feet stay comfy. The odor isn't there either, I have several wool jerseys and I can wear them long past when I would expect BO but they don't stink. Never could figure out why wool does that.

Leinster

My Giro Apeckx were under your $150 budget, and have lasted me 6+ years. Comfortable, the ratchet closure is robust, not too heavy, and a good selection of colors.

If I were buying shoes again, I’d be looking at some of Giro’s lace-ups. I’ve heard they’re extremely comfy.

Garfield Cat

A few years back, I purchased the Giro Prolight Techlace, the lace-ups. Very light and comfortable. Perhaps too supple compared with SIDI.

frogman

Hey Mulberry20,

I bought a pair of the DarnTough socks for cycling. Got the thin model. Just got back from a ride using them. Really nice ! Smooth, not itchy or anything, (always a worry when trying wool socks) feet stayed nice and dry. I like them and plan to order a few more pairs. Thanks for sharing your experience with them !

Mulberry20

My pleasure, I have several pairs of the Endurance line both low with the tab and 1/4 high. They changed the name of the Endurance line. They wear like iron and carry a life time warranty no questions asked.

Homebrew01

I like my LG Ergo-Air I got on sale a decade ago. Inexpensive, help up well, no problems.
BUT...It's all about what feels comfortable to YOU.
Shoes are 1 thing I buy at a local bike shop.