Shimano WM60 vs. Sidi bullets

[GumbyGirl]

Hi Red Rock,

I recently tried on a pair of Shimano WM80's (one up from WM60). I am guessing they will be built around the same platform with a bit more technology in other areas.

I didn't go for them. I tried a size 40 and found that the length was too short, but the heel cup was actually too broad, so whilst my toe hit the front, my heel was able to lift way too much of the footbed. In the end I didn't end up trying the size up as I realised that the heel issue would be worse even if the length was right. Even though these are supposed to be women specific, I feel they haven't necessarily catered for the narrower female foot.

I do wear women's Shimano road shoes and didn't notice quite the same issue, but I always find the heel cup more important for MTB, especially as I stand in the pedals a lot more on the MTB and don't want movement or lift.

I am actually waiting on an order from Sidi as from what I've heard they are known to be quite a bit narrower (I soooo hope they fit as getting women's specific cycling shoes in Australia is incredibly difficult and we generally can't try them on anywhere ). Sooo if you like a narrow shoe I probably wouldn't recommend Shimano... but that's just my foot!

Let me know how you go...
GumbyGirl

[tzvia]

Just bought the Bullets today and road them around a bit to verify the cleat setup is correct. Also have Shimano road shoes and had the Sidi Genius before that. I must say the Sidi has a stiffer sole and the heelcup is a much better fit. For womens cycling shoes, Sidi is a tough act to beat. Shimano is very good, don't get me wrong, and may in fact be a better choice if you have wide feet. I'm a B width and Sidi is a better fit on me. And you don't have to put a bag over you face to put them on as they are a much nicer looking shoe than the Shimano womens MTB shoes (which I find hideous IMO.) The only reason I have the Shimano road shoes is my Genius finally broke (very old, the original Genius, not the 2, 3, 4 or 5) and the LBS did not have Sidi road shoes in 38 or 38 1/2.