I have been cycling for about 2 years now and still use cheap cycling shoes. I think they cost about $75 dollars. What is the advantage of buying a high-end shoe say $300+? Are they really worth the cost? Thanks.
I have been cycling for about 2 years now and still use cheap cycling shoes. I think they cost about $75 dollars. What is the advantage of buying a high-end shoe say $300+? Are they really worth the cost? Thanks.
S-works 2012 version - 100%. Unbelievable how much firmer and more comfortable they were, and lasted for 10s of thousands of KM, indeed still have them and use them.
S-works 7 - gave away after 6 months and several thousand dollars in physio due to the achiles tendon issue they caused.
S-phyre - helped solve the achiles issue that the above caused and so have paid for themselves after 3 months on bases of not paying for weekly physio.
I have been cycling for about 2 years now and still use cheap cycling shoes. I think they cost about $75 dollars. What is the advantage of buying a high-end shoe say $300+? Are they really worth the cost? Thanks.
Not that much benefit if you’re happy with the shoes you have. You get lighter and stiffer. Both of which have performance benefits so small you’d have a really hard time measuring them. You might get better ventilation, and more adjustability, which can be real benefits if you have problems with those issues.
I like to find high end shoes on sale. I got on a Sidi kick last year and probably won’t need to buy a pair of shoes for the next 5 years. Like most high end stuff, the materials and design are a bit better. Durability, comfort, style are what you’re paying for. I like to always alternate between two pairs so on back to back days they’re dry. Wearing shoes wet greatly reduces their life.
Advantages:
Lighter
Blingy-er
Stiffer (as mentioned, it’s a feel thing, and doesn’t impact power transfer)
Thinner soles (so slightly lower stack height)
Better closure systems (ex. bi-directional BOAs vs velcro straps)
IMO, there is a sweet spot in the $130-$180 range where you get a lot of the above features. Specialized, Bontrager, and Shimano all have solid offerings in that band. That level is the “Ultegra” of bike shoes.
Just be aware that stiffer doesn’t necessarily mean better for you. Have a friend who is fairly new to cycling but with a lot of disposable income. Told him not to get the top end shoes as he might find them uncomfortably stiff. He listened. A year on and he bought top end shoes on sale. He finds them uncomfortably stiff.
Top end cycling shoes are quite good value though if you look after them as they will last for years. Makes you realise how overpriced today’s super run shoes are.
I’m not even clear exactly why we need stiff shoes for cycling. I can see where a spongy sole would waste energy, but maybe the stuff isn’t needed so much? I use flats sometimes and they don’t seem to be much of a compromise, oddly enough
Have used both high end (sidi wires, shimano r370, Tr900s, giro empires) and low end (dhb, Scott Road comp, northwave, lower end shimanos)
I tend to find investing in good shoes is worth the money. Higher end shoes have all lasted me a minimum of 4 years, with the sidi still going at 7 years. None of my lower end shoes have made it past two.
And if the shoe fits you, the difference in comfort is night and day. An ill fitting expensive shoe is still worse than a good fitting cheap shoe, mind.
I also look for top shelf shoes on sale. My recent set of Fizik R3s were only $200.
On a small tangent … insoles.
I’ve noticed that with a set of custom insoles, Retul in my case, that my foot stays in place with less lace/boa tension AND my power balance is better. The power balance change was not expected, but an interesting change for the better.
I didn’t have any real issue, like plantar fasciitis, that made me get them, I just wanted to try them. I’ve never had a complaint about arch support or anything like that.
Wow, what a difference.
I also look for top shelf shoes on sale. My recent set of Fizik R3s were only $200.
On a small tangent … insoles.
I’ve noticed that with a set of custom insoles, Retul in my case, that my foot stays in place with less lace/boa tension AND my power balance is better. The power balance change was not expected, but an interesting change for the better.
I didn’t have any real issue, like plantar fasciitis, that made me get them, I just wanted to try them. I’ve never had a complaint about arch support or anything like that.
Wow, what a difference.
I don’t stress too much about my shoes, I buy whatever fits me well as I have wide feet. I ALWAYS try before I buy which can mean I pay more - but you support your local bike shop and all that good stuff. I find the biggest difference is the insoles. I use G8 performance insoles in all my cycling shoes and find thay make big difference to me in terms of long distance comfort. Get a shoe that fits, and an insole that fits your foot before you stress about stiffness and fasteners.
what insoles do you use?
Retul Futbed
.