MTB shoes... need advice?

[anabanana]

I need to get new MTB shoes. I'm looking at the Sidi Women's Dominator 5 MTB shoes. Does anyone have these? My road bike shoes are Sidi's but they're men's shoes. They fit great. Should I get the men's MTB shoes as well?

Can anyone recommend any other brand?

Thanks!

[Irulan]

Get what fits!!

The only advice I have is to get a shoe with a soft sole, and not a race type mountain biking shoe. Having done more than my share of hike-a-bike in both kinds, the softer shoes wins hands down. With a hard sole, they suck for HAB and if you are on any kind of rock, they can be downright treacherous for HAB because the hard sole just slides.

I have a Specialized Taho that I just love, but it's always personal preference.

[Aggie_Ama]

I wear Specialized Riatas, a relatively inexpensive shoe ($80-100). I fairly happy with them although I will say my narrow foot could use a narrower heel. Try on multiple brands if possible. I find Specialized a good bang for the buck but if they don't fit comfortably than it isn't a good deal! If you are wearing men's Sidis you may find the women's too narrow.

[Drtgirl]

I've used Dominator's for years and love them. But it depends on what you're using them for. Hike a bike or adventure racing? Get a soft soled one. Racing? Go with the Dominators. Try on both the men's and women's version if you can.

I don't think Dominators hold up well to constant abuse though. i bought a pair last year, used them for cyclocross, muddy winter training and a few MTB races and they are pretty beat up.

[anabanana]

Thanks for all the advice. I live in Atlanta and most stores don't have the Sidi's in stock. So I'd have to order them online. I'll check out the others you mention. Maybe I can find those locally. I'd like to be able to try on the shoe.

[Drtgirl]

Try REI or Performance Bike if you have one nearby...the ones near my house carry Sidis.

[pink monkey]

i would second the softer sole recommendation. the soles on my shoes are so stiff that i can't even climb the extremely steap hills on foot. I slip and fall everytime and i use to be able to run up the hills in trail running shoes.

[atombessy]

I have Pearl Izumi X-alp Enduros and I like them quite a bit. Definitely a less racey shoe and pretty widely available.

[Aggie_Ama]

We have 3 REIs and all carry the Pearl Izumi mountain bike shoes. They look really cute but they lace. I am not sure how I would like that? They are very cost friendly for bike shoes.

[atombessy]

My PI's are velcro and the top strap ratchets down...no laces! I think the lace versions of the x-alp are less expensive though, but I haven't tried them...

[rocknrollgirl]

I need to get new MTB shoes. I'm looking at the Sidi Women's Dominator 5 MTB shoes. Does anyone have these? My road bike shoes are Sidi's but they're men's shoes. They fit great. Should I get the men's MTB shoes as well?

Can anyone recommend any other brand?

Thanks!

I have them and I love them.

[Voodoo Sally]

I have the Sidi Dominators and I love them. The newer models have a slightly softer material for the lugs on the sole. But those suckers are really expensive.

So, I also highly recommend the Lake MX85-W. I have these also and I love them. And, they are really the best deal in town. So cheap, yet so well-fitting and long-lasting. They also have soft, rubbery lugs.