Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

[VenusdeVelo]

I have since become a fan of Sidi over the years but I can comment at least a little on the Carnacs and DMTs as I have had both in a road shoe at least. I probably like the Carnacs better than the DMTs with regard to fit to my foot. I have a smaller heel (part of the reason I gravitate toward Sidi for women) and the DMTs, although they fit seemed to run a little wider, front and back. I also never felt the DMTs conformed well to my foot, and I ended up periodically with cramping on the side of my foot on longer rides. The Carnacs did a little better that way. My HB had Carnac MTB shoes and they did wear like iron. I had the "custom" (the molding they conform to your foot with that machine) orthotic mad for my DMTs also but it didn't seem to help that much.

Bike shoes to me (after going thru many over the years!) are like bikes -- they have to fit for you to enjoy them. So the best advice is try them on, even try them on if you can and ride on a trainer in the shop. The mfrs brands do run differently on different feet. I may love Sidi, but you may hate the way they fit.

If you fall in love with a pair, and if you can, it's worth the extra dollars -- I avoided spending the $$$ on Sidis because I thought they were too pricey, but I ended up going thru 2-3 pairs of less $$$ shoes not liking them and finally bit the bullet. I have both Sidi for road and for MTB.

Good luck with your quest!

[batsheva]

i have diadoras both road and mtn - i take 36 usually but need at 38 in these for length but they are great for 'birkenstock' shaped feet - not narrow at the toe end and never got hotspots on my feet or anything - that's why i have 2 pairs - both perfect from first ride if you have squarer foot rather than narrow at the toes shaped feet-- they were about $85 each

[Running Mommy]

Don't forget about Northwave. They have some really nice shoes!
I'm trying to get them in the shop, but they are out of stock.

[DirtDiva]

Shimano do a women's carbon mtb shoe (I tried them on and they were purdy!) But you say you won't be convinced, so I shan't bother.

I don't think Diadora do a women's mtb shoe with a carbon sole, but their race last is fairly narrow, so unless you have very narrow feet you would probably be fine in their men's shoes (which I think go down to a 38 or so). I only ended up with Diadora road shoes because the shop didn't have anything else much in stock in my size and they'd do a great deal on them for me, but I've been really happy with them.

[mimitabby]

i love love love my sidi mtb shoes. I am sort of a rebel, and fought AGAINST owning them because they were so popular. Then i tried a pair on...
!!!!!!

[spokewench]

Well, you pretty much decided against all brands so I don't know what to do to help you.

But, WHY? Carbon? soles?

I know they are stiff, but I hate to tell you this - tho you should know already. sometimes you walk with your mountain bike - due to really bad conditions, wet, muddy, etc; or because it is Just TOOO Technical? Maybe you are too good to get off for technical but mud will get everyone!

I think because you do get off and walk, that is why they do not make carbon soled mountain bike shoes. Also, it might be hard to make the lugs that are on mountain bike shoes for traction in carbon? Just a guess?

I've worn Sidi for both mountain and road for years and years. I love them.

spoke

[Zen]

Featured in the 'gear' section of the last bicycling mag i received (the one with the Dave Z article) are ***red*** Adidastar(?) carbon soled mountain bike shooze.