Road shoe

B

BrindiCruiser

Likes Dirt
After trying a range of road shoes (the Specialized road sport and Louis Garneau Revo Ergo Air were other contenders), I ordered the new 08 Shimano R160 (which is the newest, cheapest heat mouldable shoe) in a wide width. I ordered them because the R099 seemed about right but a bit small across the forefoot.

Shimano Australia told me that they came in a wide width. When the shoes arrived, there was nothing saying that they were in an E width. I rang Shimano to ask how I can tell if they were the wide shoe, to which they responded that they do not come in a wide width; only half sizes eg 44.5. The R220 comes in a wide width which is 4mm wider across the shoe.

Doh. I have a high arch and wide foot, and the velcro straps only overlap by about 1.5cm. The fit is quite snug, particularly across the forefoot. I understand that the heat mouldable shoes (R300 and R220) do not give much.

Does anyone have any experience with these type of shoes or advice. I have only worn them at my desk, so I can return them.
 
Return them and get the R220s if you are unsure. I've tried to wear shoes which felt a bit tight at first in the hope they'd become comfortable, and it never seems to work.
 
Yep, I got some R220's three weeks ago and have a wide step, they are snug but more comfortable than the old SIDI's I had been using. I have not been back to the shop for the moulding procedure yet, they recommended wearing them in a bit first. If you have a really wide step, they still might not be the go.
 
R160 v R220

The R160 seem ok.... just, when sitting at my desk. However, I believe that feet swell when riding, and it would be really annoying to realise that I have dropped a bunch of cash on the wrong size.

Turns out that the R160s are actually available in a wider width (which is what is on the website), but they have to specially ordered into the country. Not sure how long that will take, but maybe 6 weeks.

Or I could just get the R220s, but it will take time a for wide width to be delivered too. (At least they are in the country.)

The price is spiralling a long way from my first plans to spend about $100 or so on some road shoes to avoid hot spots from using my soft MTB shoes on my road bike. I wanted these shoes for the Alpine Classic on 27 Jan + I needed to wear them for a while first, so I was already pushing the boundary.

DECISIONS decisions
 
Don't sidi make a wide fit? Maybe you could get a Zeta wide for a reasonable price in your size. Then again sidis wide fit probably isn't much wider than Shimano's standard fit.
 
Not sure about Sidi

I never even tried a pair of the Sidis cause they had such a reputation for being narrow.

I tried on the Spec BG Comp MTB (I think) last night. The red and black one with 2 velcro straps and a buckle. Bit heavier than a straight road shoe, but I can use it for my roadie (which I commute on) + my MTB.

I am pretty sure it fits better than the current R160s I have too.
 
Clarification

The Shimano website says the 160s are available in a wide width, but Shimano have told my retailer that they don't want to (or can't) order them into the country. However, G&D Cycles have stepped up and offered me the 220s in a very reasonable deal.

So problem solved. Thanks G&D Cycles.

Definitely going to order the Specialised MTB shoes, when my current MTB shoes expire - which I don't think will be long. Budget permitting...ouch
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top