I like my Sidi road shoes though the toe box is pretty narrow (and they're very -- almost a little too much -- low profile). I looked at Mavic's shoes but felt that their velcro closures seemed flimsy (and I've heard that the ones with the elastic cord cored ones have I guess been known to stretch?). My Genius 5s have reinforced-like velcro closures to help with the "grabbing" and to reduce slipping. Mine are over a year old and haven't stretched at all. With cycling shoes it's most important to try them on as they all fit very differently!