Advice on what SPD shoes to go for

Raikkonen

Raikkonen

Likes Bikes
Hi all,

Apologies in advance for the unknowledgeable questions here.

I'm looking to buy some SPD shoes. All I really know is that they need to fit xt or xtr pedals.

In my searches i'm seeing some that are clip in, and some that aren't. Can anyone explain the difference for me? I thought all SPD shoes clipped into the pedal.

I'd also like to know of some decent shoes within my price range iof $50-$100.

Thanks.
 
Rebilda

Rebilda

Squid
XT or XTR are Shimano Pedals, so yes they are SPD system type cleats. Generally, you don't get cleats with new shoes. The cleats come with the pedals, and you bolt them into the shoes.

As for shoe selection, I've just been through this myself.

There are heaps of different shoes out there, but the best advice I can give you is - Don't buy shoes on Price! - Buy shoes on Fit.

The shoes I bought a few years ago, did get me up and running, but after about an hour & a half of riding, my left foot always starts to ache.....Bad!! (Your feet swell a bit when you warm up!)

Shimano shoes tend to be a little narrow (as I found out with my road shoes) so I switched to Sidi "mega fit" for my road shoes (wider toe box) and I haven't had trouble since. I just last week, ordered some Louis Garneau Monte's for my MTB (haven't arrived yet), but they are also supposed to be a little wider in fit.


Comfortable shoes cost what they cost...... Uncomfortable shoes end up in the bin.
 
Last edited:
The Duckmeister

The Duckmeister

Has a juicy midrange
Rebilda said:
Shimano shoes tend to be a little narrow (as I found out with my road shoes) ...... I just last week, ordered some Louis Garneau Monte's for my MTB (haven't arrived yet), but they are also supposed to be a little wider in fit.
Click to expand...
That hasn't been my experience. I have Louis Garneau road shoes, which fit awesomely well. My Shimano MTB shoes, theoretically the same size as the Garneaus are fine across the toe & balls of my feet, but are just a tad too wide in the heels.
 
yuley95

yuley95

soft-arse Yuley is on the lifts again
Xc60

The xc60 is a very good shoe and that is a ridiculously good price.

Get them.

As far as clips go, you may be confused that some are called clipless pedals. It's just a weird thing with naming of stuff. Any shimano shoe (or any shoe that refers to spd) will fit the pedals you describe.
 
Minlak

Minlak

custom titis
I have these http://www.pro-am.com.au/Products/Scott Trail shoe review.htm after going through 3 pairs of Shimano trying to get something comfortable. I tended to find in the shop they felt great but after an hour of riding not so much on the Shimano branded shoes. This is going to be a personal issue for you to work out as everyones feet are so different. My biggest issue is I take a 48 and they are the hardest to find actually in a shop to try on. Some shops will offer 30 day returns as long as the shoe is not scuffed etc maybe see if you can find one that does this. But this is going to be a personal journey for you to find the right shoe.

My only criticism of the Scott shoes is they are a little aged now in design and I find they are a little heavy compared to what else is there.
 
pharmaboy

pharmaboy

Eats Squid
Rebilda said:
That's a really good price! (if they fit)

Notice all the "wide fit" sizes are out of stock, though?
Click to expand...
It's a curved last shoe from shimano, I don't think they actually come in a wide fit. The xc50 s are a wider fit to start with. Shimano size slightly small. I am a 46 in specialized and 47 in shimano and a nothing at all in a SIDI .

Very hard to buy over the net without a little knowledge and digging for info about fit. The extra 30 or $40 spent at lbs is worth it to try on.
 
indica

indica

Serial flasher
Buying shoes is like buying helmets.
You really need to ensure you get the right size. All makes differ, and all models differ. If you stuff it you will be very uncomfortable.
Shimano I use and they last for ages. My wife has Specialized shoes and they fit her well. They also last for ages.
Done right they can last in excess of 5 years (I have had 8 years each from my only two pairs) so an extra whatever for buying from a shop can't hurt.
 
yuley95

yuley95

soft-arse Yuley is on the lifts again
pharmaboy said:
It's a curved last shoe from shimano, I don't think they actually come in a wide fit. The xc50 s are a wider fit to start with. Shimano size slightly small. I am a 46 in specialized and 47 in shimano and a nothing at all in a SIDI .

Very hard to buy over the net without a little knowledge and digging for info about fit. The extra 30 or $40 spent at lbs is worth it to try on.
Click to expand...
I agree with this sizing comment. I am usually a 44 or 45 but had to go 46 in shimano shoes. I have a pair do the xc60 and they have been really good for me but as others have said, it is a personal thing and worth trying on.

I would encourage you to try in a bike shop and strongly consider buying them there rather than online if they fit.
 
cressa

cressa

Likes Dirt
Does anyone have any experience with the 5-10 spd shoes like The Maltese Falcon? How do they compare to the likes of shimano shoes mentioned already in this thread?
 
M

mymasseur

Likes Dirt
not necessarily helpful to the lad wanting 50-100 pair but, I bought a pair of pearl izumi projext x. long storey short wanted cheapest version at $160. Had to get flagship at $240. Differance is prob only the fit/sole system. after a really harsh techy rocky first ride with rock strikes an otb I couldnt have smashed them any harder. must say I am very impressed, first ride up the hill, thought i bought a lemon, feet started to get P&N, once at the top re adjusted, loosened in right areas etc and wow how awesome did they feel. Smashed the side ratchet on some rocks thought oh shit they would be busted for sure. not a scratch. again pretty impressed. hopefully they hold up but as am shoe coming out of specialised rimes that the tread tore to quickly on, very happy so far.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top