Shimano Sandals 2005 vs 2006

[Nanci]

The next big thing on my wish list is a pair of Shimano Sandals. There was a big style change between 2005 and 2006, with the 2006's now having three straps rather than two, and being a bit more enclosed. The price is the same in my size. I was wondering if anyone had bought the 2006's and if they thought they were better or worse than the 2005's. I've seen tons of people wearing the 2005's, but no 2006's yet. I'll try to scope some out on my upcoming overnight 200 mile ride- that's the crowd that wears them.

Thanks,

Nanci

[jobob]

I tried the older Shimano sandals but they were a bit wide for my feet, so I had to cinch up the straps very tightly to compensate, which put too much pressure over my instep. Lee owns them now (yes, my husband and I have practically the same size feet :rolleyes: )

I'll be interested to hear what you think of the newer sandals if you have a chance to check them out.

[Lise]

It is so nice to have a research department in Florida! ;) By the time you figure this out, it will be about time for me to wear sandals. This is my next bike-related purchase, too. I'll be really interested to hear what you find, what you decide to get, and how you like them. Thanks for doing the work ahead of me! L.

[Nanci]

I have cornered the market on knickers research, that's for sure!!

Nanci

[Lise]

Ummm, well, knickers is the other thing I'm thinking about. But not really tight, lycra pants, but capri pants with bike shorts inside. So I don't know if those are even called knickers. I just want something that doesn't look like I'm wearing ...well...bike shorts. :rolleyes: For when I ride "to" somewhere and then am walking around with non-biking types. I got some mtb shorts that worked well on my 18 mi ride last Friday. They'll do for summer. Looking for something for cooler weather, though.

[jobob]

Check the Terry website, they have a couple of styles of capri pants with chamois that sound like what you're looking for. The Pedal Pushers look pretty nifty too.

http://www.terrybicycles.com/product.html?c=Apparel&sc=Cycling+Bottoms

They also have a nice assortment of skorts w. chamois liners, and wrappers (wrap skirts) to wear over your regular shorts.

Small plug: TE carries some Terry apparel

[annie]

I absolutely love the old style Shimano sandals. I wear them as much as the temperature permits, sometimes with two pairs of socks under them. They are so totally comfortable for me. However (!) I am very upset with Shimano for changing the style. What is the point of wearing a sandal if it looks almost like a shoe? I know there are other models/brands out there, but I don't really care for them. They do not fit as well. SIGH!!! :( :( :( I'll never understand why "they" change things that don't need to be changed. I'm from Iowa, home of RAGBRAI, purchasers of more Shimano sandals than anywhere else. Quite a few people have written to, or spoken with, Shimano reps. And they don't care. Unfortunately, since there are few alternatives, it's pretty tough to protest by not purchasing the new style. I DO wish that Shimano would at least explain their reasons for the change. In the meantime, I am looking for someplace to purchase a 2005 pair, sz. small, so I have some when my present ones wear out.

Rant over! :D

annie

[Nanci]

Hi Annie,

What size shoes do you wear? Street shoes. I'm not quite sure which Shimano sandal size is right, since they go by 37-38, 39-40, etc. I wear 38 Shimano MTB shoes, and 39 Sidis, and 37 Birks...

Nanci

[annie]

Depends on the shoe. :rolleyes: Street Shoes: Usually a 6 1/2 or 7, US sizing. My New Balance running shoes are a size 6 1/2. My Keen sandals are a size 7. My casual work shoes are 6 1/2 (forgetting the brand......) I've got tons of other shoes that I don't wear anymore, having decided comfort is more important than style and I will never be tall, even with heels, so why bother?:o

Biking Shoes:My Shimano sandals are the 37-38 size. My Nike road shoes are 38. My Nike mtb shoes are 39, but they are a bit too large and I usually wear them with two pairs of socks. Great for cold weather riding.

So there you have it.

annie