Carbon Sole Mtn Bike Shoes

[itself]

I know that Specialized has thier womens Pro, which ones are you using? I am looking to change from my Sidis as I hear that carbon soles are less prone to hot spots.

There are really not a whole lot of brands out there: Shimano, Bontrager, Lake...

Thanks for your help!

[roguedog]

hm.. interested in this too! Have been looking at those specialized carbon soles for a while but haven't had the excuse/reason/moment of insanity to put down the $ for them.

btw, i do really like my specialized bg comps since they seem to fit my feet better than the sidis. they have a wider toe box which brings up a point. i don't know if the pros are the same but if you have narrow feet you might wanna try them on first to see if they might be too roomy for ya up front. fits my foot shape fine...

would love to hear if anyone has actually ridden them though.

[SheFly]

Here's my caution with carbon-soled MTB shoes - IF/WHEN you have to walk, these won't provide you with the traction you are used to with other shoes. Even with non-carbon soled shoes, I sometimes have trouble slipping on rocks.

I also know at least two people who have repeatedly broken the carbon soles on their Specialized MTB shoes.

SheFly

[ridebikeme]

Great point Shefly!

I realize that Sidi and Speacialized make great shoes, but simply wanted to offer another suggestion. I have been wearing Louis Garneau shoes for quite some time. They do offer a wider toe box which is something that I need, and offer many models to chose from. I have the Montana XT, which does have the carbon sole... so I will definitley watch for traction issues with it.

Good luck in yuor search!

[GLC1968]

I wear the Specialized carbon MTB shoes, but I bought the men's version directly from Specialized web site at a great discount last year. I LOVE them. Specialized mens shoes fit me wonderfully (in the smallest sizes!) and due to a foot issue I have, I need the super stiff sole when I ride.

I rarely mountain bike in them though - so YMMV. I mostly wear mine with my commuter/touring bike because they are easier to walk in than my road shoes and I appreciate the extra traction when it's raining.

[itself]

Ridebikeme,

So you also must be wearing mens Garneu shoes, as they don't make a womans carbon.

I'm not too worried about the slippage issue, as I use these for road riding, on my recumbent, the road shoe is far too slippery at stops when I have to put my foot down. But I will examine the soles on the carbons and see if I do feel a difference.

Lake makes a wonderful shoe, but they use Kangaroo leather!

[ridebikeme]

Yes, I have the mens version as well. I tend to have a wider forefoot, but a narrow heel and have always had good luck with Louis Garneau. Soooo many choices

[tzvia]

Been using the Shimano WM80 (not CF but 'glass fiber', whatever that is) for almost 1 1/2 years. They have held up very well, are very comfy with plenty of toe box room, and come in the craziest color you can think of for an MTB shoe, white! At first I thought that was nuts, but it washes well and still looks quite white where it's not scuffed. Love 'em. I did try the Specialized, but found where they put the ratchet mech was right over a bone that was none too happy to have a piece of plastic pressing on it so I had to return them. I've had no such issue with the Shimano ratchet; I can't even feel them pressing on my feet. The soles are plenty stiff and I've had zero issues with hot spots. I also have Sidi Bullet 2 shoes, and they are horrible by comparison. Hot spots, the soles flex, less room for the toes.

I used to have Gaerne shoes, (mens) and they were awesome until they were stolen from the back of my truck along with everything else in there (no bikes thankfully, just tools and my kit.) Will get another pair once the Shimanos wear out, which looks like it's going to be quite a while ...

[itself]

Unbelievably difficult to find women's carbon sole mtn bike shoes. I might have to resort to a road shoe which I reall do not want to do.

The mens Garneau do not come in sizes smaller than a 40, Lake makes some beautiful CF mtb bike shoes, but they are tough to find and the sizing is confusing. Shimano maybe my last hope...

[ridebikeme]

Actually Louis Garneau makes their shoes down to a size 36, however most shops probably only stock from a size 40 and up. I was on their website (for dealers) yesterday looking, and I do know that they have the smaller sizes in stock.