Spesh Shoes?

[gnarwhal]

I'm looking to get a new pair of SPD style compatible shoes to go with my Crank peds and cleats. I really like the look of the Specialized Ladies Taho as i have small narrow feet and do suffer from severe numbing of the foot while riding in my current shoes, also heel lift.

Just trying to see if anyone owns spesh shoes and can give me a size guide, are their sizes fairly close to accurate? Or should i be buying a size up or down?

many thanks

[redrhodie]

I have a pair. I'm usually an 8 or an 8.5 in most shoes, but my Specialized are a 9 (40). Based on that, size up half a size. I only have one pair, though, and don't know if the sizing is consistent throughout their collection.

[AnnieBikes]

I agree that they run a bit small. I have an older model of the Tahoe but I still had the problem with foot burn in them. I have extolled the virtues of Keen cycling sandals here before so won't do that again, but the Spec. Tahoe is a really nice comfortable shoe for riding and walking....I just couldn't wear them over 30 miles at a time (I was using them for road and MTB).

Try them on if you can since you say your foot is narrow. Good luck.

[Aggie_Ama]

I found they run a little small but not excessively like some other brands, maybe order half a size up? However I will caution they have a wide toe box and my heel slips. I have narrow feet and high arches, use Specialized Riatas for mountain biking. Specialized makes a high quality shoe and are acceptable for my purpose but if you are replacing a problem pair you might want to try them on first.

[OakLeaf]

my heel slips.

Did you realize the ratchet has two positions? The shoes ship with the ratchet in the wider position, but you can unscrew it and re-install it in the other, narrower screw hole. The LBS didn't show me that - I was delighted to discover it for myself.

Sizing in my '07 Torch shoes is pretty much the same as my other shoes. I also wear a 40, which is just right when I'm wearing thin socks but a little small when I'm wearing thick socks. I pretty much wear a 40 or a 41 in most shoes.

[Aggie_Ama]

Mine are all velcro so no ratchet adjustment. But they are fine if I wear wool socks which would be fine if I had more than three pairs.

[sundial]

I really like the look of the Specialized Ladies Taho as i have small narrow feet and do suffer from severe numbing of the foot while riding in my current shoes, also heel lift.

Just trying to see if anyone owns spesh shoes and can give me a size guide, are their sizes fairly close to accurate? Or should i be buying a size up or down?

many thanks

I have 'em. Since I wear 10.5, I chose 43's. You might want to consider going one size up because feet tend to swell during cycling and you don't want to feel the end of your toe touching the shoe. Specialized runs about true to size and not too narrow. I really like the toe box as it gives ample room. I found that there's no "breaking in" of Specialized shoes--I have yet to get a blister wearing a new pair on a ride.

One thing about Tahos--the sole does flex a little more than the $$$ road shoes so take into account the miles you will be putting in with them as well as the pedals you will use. I wear them with my BMX platform pedals and I don't have to worry about stiffness of the shoe so to speak, and consequently, hot spots. Also, the treads really grip the pedals better than other shoes and it's easy to walk or hike in them. I wear them when I mtb and when I exercise the dogs.

[HillSlugger]

Hmm, I wear 42 in all my bike shoes but the 42 Tahos I have are a bit too roomy. I've used extra insoles to help fill them out.

[gnarwhal]

Went with the Scott Boulder instead. So narrow! NEver before have i had a pair of shoes that FIT my feet like this. Rubbery bumps on the heel cup inside too to minimise heel lift. Shaped ergo insoles for support and also shiny flectors on the back which will make up for the fact that my bike is woefully free of any reflective surfaces.

Can't get my camera to link with the computer at the moment so here's a stock photo of them for now.