MTB shoes... need advice?

[tzvia]

I used to ride the original Sidi Genius shoes back in the day... Loved them. But I don't know, either Sidi got even thinner, or my feet got fat because their current shoes feel a little tight to me, and I go up 1/2 size to get a little more toe box. Currently, I have Bullet 2s and they are only ok. The soles flexed a bit too much and hurt my arches so I bought Specialized WM80s. The soles are fiber and stiff but not too stiff, and are aggressive enough to be good for hike-a-bike areas. The toe-box is wider than Sidi, and that makes my toes happy. I love them. At first, I was reluctant to buy them because they are friggen WHITE. WHITE. But they wash like a dream in 5 minutes and dry none the worse for wear. I also have Shimano road shoes and use them over my Sidi Zyphers. That they cost less is icing on the cake...

[sundial]

.....so I bought Specialized...

Specialized shoe lover here. I have the pro mtb for the road bike, Taho for the lazy dazy summer rides.

What's nice about Specialized is that you almost never have to break them in. The only thing I change is the insole.

[GumbyGirl]

Oh my Gosh I am sooooo in love with the Sidi Women's Dominators. I have last year's model and I am amazed at how much they can take and still look and wear great. I have had a few crash outs and the ratchet lever was sticking out after one. I thought for sure it'd be completely broken, but it I flicked it back down and they were none the worse for wear.

I had huge probs with the softer soled/hiking type styles (had Specialized Tahoes) - lots of toe numbness and arch problems. With the Sidi's they fit like a dream and no pain or numbness. I have never had an issue with HAB in the Sidis, have not found it any more difficult/easy than with the Tahoes.

They are expensive and I also had difficulty with trying on a pair, but the importer in Australia was brilliant and offered to send them direct to me (estimated the correct size from our telephone conversation) to try on and send back for an alternate size if needed. Turned out they were perfect, but moral of the story, don't be afraid to ask for them to help you out. You are spending a lot, and if they aren't stocked in a LBS near you (or anywhere in the big city of Sydney!!! ) then they gotta help ya!

Good luck

[tzvia]

Specialized shoe lover here. I have the pro mtb for the road bike, Taho for the lazy dazy summer rides.

What's nice about Specialized is that you almost never have to break them in. The only thing I change is the insole.

Woops- I meant Shimano! Their shoes are real sleepers- not fancy and not a Gucci name but they are a real value on a good shoe. I put specialized insoles in them and i am good to go. After spending almost 3 bills on Specializeds only to find the buckle area pressed on my foot painfully, I tried the Shimanos at half the price and fell in love. Good deal. My road shoes are also Shimanos and are more comfy than my Sidis.