my, my, my, my, my Boogie shoes: New Road and/or Tri Shoe Suggestions
Okay, I've been researching bike shoes for the past year or so. I am now serious about pulling the trigger on a new, great, comfortable pair of shoes. Tri shoes most likely. I've been sporting a used pair of Sidi Genius 5's and now realize just how sloppy of a fit they really are. They have gotten me through two OS's, but it's time for a pair that fits correctly this season.
I am a second season MOP guy. I live in WA state, so I will be putting on a lot of trainer miles in my sort of heated garage. Road miles will usually be early AM hours. My racing plan is for two HIM's this season, with a sprint or two as well. Next season will involve an IM in June (CdA) and whatever else my wife will let me get away with. I am also hoping to not make any pit stops while racing.
Shoes that I know will the fit of:
Pearl Izumi Tri Fly V (FIT), Sidi T2 (FIT), Shimano TR-32 (1/2 size off)
I realize that shoe fit is a very individual thing, and what works for one person's foot may or may not work for me. I've reached analysis paralysis on researching shoes. The fact that tri shoes are not carried at LBS's make this effort more difficult. While I am willing to shell out for good, quality equipment, I just want to be sure that what I buy fits how I will use it. I will eventually figure it out in a couple of more years, but I'm wanting to utilize the groups' experience to help me along here.
I am interested in what type and style of shoe(s) you wear or have worn and how you use them through your training/racing year. Moreover, do you have a high end road shoe and a lower tier tri shoe, or vice versa? If you have both, which one do you use for the majority of your training?
Comments
My 2 ¢: If you're only going to buy one pair of shoes, make it tri shoes. Racing in heavier, harder to get in and out of road shoes is ...embarassing. Two other recommendations, based solely on my personal experience:
I have neoprene covers that I use now, because it's a bit chilly in the garage at 5 am. The zipper gave out on the pair of neoprene boot covers I own, so I will be looking for a replacement.
@Dino - A man after my own heart. I have been obsessing over both of the S-Works shoes for the past two weeks. While looking great, they also look extremely comfortable. I actually have two pairs of each sitting in my cart on Specialized's website. How is the durability of both models? The only problem I have with the Trivent's is that I don't feel I have the game to back up such a shoe. Do you train with them, or just race?
I still use some kind of Specialized road shoe with the Boa system.
Phil- Of course you have the "game for the shoe." ! If that's the shoe YOU think is for you than get it. Check the return policy just in case. If Dino is wearing them I think that is a very LARGE endorsement for durability. I personally have both Sidi and Pearl Izumi. Both are great. Sidi is taking some breaking in.
I like them both very much. The road shoes have been battle tested. I put a couple thousand miles on them last season and they still look and feel mint. The one warning on the road shoe is that it is VERY easy to over tighten. You just turn that little knob and feels so good. The contraction is nice and even with no hot spots. As a result, I was wearing them like a "filed goal kicker". The issue was that my toes would go numb after about an hour.
I was ready to trash them, but then when I loosed them like a running shoe, it was a game changer. I love them.
The tri shoe is bad ass. It's bright red. The ability to rock them is way more about attitude then ability. It's also striking with a red EN kit, IMHO. I train in them. When I am on my ti-bike, I am in those shoes. They were expensive, but they are a tool, not a jewel. I use them.
The "drawbridge" feature is epic.
Thank you again Dino for your thoughts on the Trivent. I'm leaning their way, if they fit well. Second up will be Sidi.
Hot dam! Those shoes have to worth at least 15 watts in attitude alone. Have fun flying colors!
Shimano TR60 was a bit loose and I didn't care for how the burrito style closure pinched when closing it.
Trivent Expert was okay, though also a bit roomy. The strap was overly stiff and not as easy to get my foot in.
Sidi 3.6 Air Surprisingly roomy in the toe box. My heel slipped a bit, but a size down would probably be too small. An additional foot pad may solve the problem. I like Sidi and the numerous votes above lean me in their direction. I'm not sure about the extra $100 is worth stepping up from the T3 carbon though.
I saved the best for last.
The S-Works Road shoe fit like a glove, or rather a very comfortable slipper. I really wanted to like this shoe, and they didn't disappoint. Thank you Dino for your comments about over-tightening them. I put them on during movie night with the wifey. Yes, a very romantic night indeed. My feet started going numb after about 20 minutes. Yep, too tight. I loosened them a couple of clicks and they were golden.
After 40 minutes with the road shoes it was time to switch to the S-Works Trivent and to throw on Risky Business. Okay, I didn't really put on Risky Business, but I'm sure the visual gave Dino a laugh. I had high hopes and expectations which were cemented by Dino's ecstatic, rave reviews above. Both of my girls were in enamored with them and lined up to try them on. They are definitely a head turner.
I liked them, but wasn't in love with them as I was/am the road shoe. My heel slipped a bit and there was a lot of wiggle room in the toe box. A smaller size or thicker foot pad may solve these issues. I ordered a 1/2 size smaller and it is waiting for me when I get home.
The next phase is to carefully bolt on a set of clips and hop on the trainer. I was sure to ask the guy at Specialized if they had a problem with that and he didn't say no.
By bigger problem, is it seems I have expensive taste in equipment. I guess I picked the right sport.
Mr. Cruise will be proud.