Has anyone tried any of the lace-up cycling shoes recently? I’m considering a pair of the Specialized Sub 6. The reviews have all been pretty positive, but they have all been in relation to cycling. I wanted to see if any triathletes had experience with them. Ideally, I’d like to be able to use them for training and racing - has anyone tried or does anyone have an opinion (this is ST, so I know you do) about perhaps swapping out the laces with a set of elastic laces similar to the ones I use on my flats for race day. Alternatively, I’ve used Specialized S-Works shoes with the Boa closure for tris for the past 8 years without an issue. Is it possible to add Boa laces to a lace-up shoe? I saw these pictures of Ivan Rovny from the Giro the other day, and he appears to have added a Boa closure to the Sub 6. Is this possible, or does he have some super secret Specialized design?
So, you want to take something that works well, and F it up using ancient technology to make a fashion statement?
I own a pair of lace-up bike shoes. From like 25 years ago.
They suck.
I use them as dedicated trainer shoes.
Not sure why I even bother doing that anymore, as I have a pair of Velcro shoes I’m not using these days, which would be so much better.
I have Sub6’s (as well as most versions of Sworks Road and mountain from the past 4 - 5 years).
They’re the best shoe I’ve used. So Slim. So Simple. So Nice.
If they fit, which is always the most important caveat, they’re great.
Whenever I put them on I’m reminded that this is the bare-bones, minimalistic, all you need in a shoe-shoe.
I have not had an issue with discomfort coming from the laces. Worn them up to ~3 hours at a time. I tie them once and away I go.
Other than the elastic speed laces any thoughts on how to make Sub6 easier or get on for tri? From what I’ve read the heel is snug and a “carbon fiber shoe horn should be included” with them.
These look like the best option for a new shoe for me… Specialized has been by go to shoe for tri and road for almost 10 years and they just fit my foot, but I’m sure how much sense they make for tri. For TT it would be a non brainer.
I was wondering if a single BOA lace system could be retro fitted in place of the tie up laces.
Other than that, can any of you aero experts recommend the most aero shoe that still allows quick entry?
I’ve been riding in the Giro Empire ACC now for two years - love them. I just road ride now, and they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn!
With apologies for flogging the blog - my review when the shoes were new - http://stevefleck.blogspot.ca/…-on-bike-part-2.html
I’ve not worn the Specialized Sub-6s but I have had them in my hand. They are well thought out, and scary light. The Empires are already one of the lightest commercially available cycling shoes, and the Sub 6’s go even lighter!
As always, it will come down to fit and as this trend picks up now, I see more and more of the shoe mfgs (Louis Garneau, Bontranger etc . . .) coming up with lace-up designs, which will give more and different fit options to buyers.
I think the sub6 will be tough to get into for a tri… it’s pretty tight (and somewhat flimsy around the heel, part of how light it is) shoe. I have some quick laces in mine (just because, even though I use them for TT’s) and they are hard to get on when I’m not in a hurry. Never tried to put the Giro’s on (just held them) but they feel a little sturdier.
Honestly if you are wanting a more aero shoe I wouldn’t add a boa to it. Hardware on the side of the shoe is probably going to remove the gains you’d hope for from going to a laced shoe.
My guess for a speedy all around tri shoe… buy a fairly cheap strap style shoe (like the old trivents) cut off all excess strap, and throw a pair of velotoze toe covers on. (velotoze found some pretty good gains just covering the toe… if you trust their test)
That makes sense. I’m just thinking “out loud” for an aero tri shoe. The pic of the Peal Izumi Pro Leader III shoes got me thinking of adding a boa to the tongue area not on the side. I’m partial to the Specialized fit and not like PI shoes when I last tried them on.
The Sub6 aero sleeve seems to add in the aero benefits that Specialized claims so perhaps shoe covers are an alternative.
Other than the elastic speed laces any thoughts on how to make Sub6 easier or get on for tri? From what I’ve read the heel is snug and a “carbon fiber shoe horn should be included” with them.
These look like the best option for a new shoe for me… Specialized has been by go to shoe for tri and road for almost 10 years and they just fit my foot, but I’m sure how much sense they make for tri. For TT it would be a non brainer.
I was wondering if a single BOA lace system could be retro fitted in place of the tie up laces.
Other than that, can any of you aero experts recommend the most aero shoe that still allows quick entry?
has anyone tried or does anyone have an opinion (this is ST, so I know you do) about perhaps swapping out the laces with a set of elastic laces similar to the ones I use on my flats for race day.
When I first started I used MTB shoes because it was all I had. Used Lock Laces and they worked great. Just make sure theyr’e trimmed up so they don’t get wrung through your chain.
I’d wager the Bont Zero+ would be a pretty aero shoe that’s quick to get into. BOA lacing with a flappy aero cover over the tongue area - sounds like what you guys are looking for.
But honestly, buying a lace shoe and putting quicklaces on it really defeats the purpose…
