Greetings
Finally, in my third season as a triathlete, I have purchased a “real” bike to replace the '74 Fuji that I competed on the last 2 years. Tomorrow I go and pick up my shiny new Cannondale R700.
I will also be entering the world of clipless pedals and cycling shoes.
I’m looking for some advice on tri shoes. I don’t really have the finances to buy road shoes and tri shoes, so I wanted to make my only pair of shoes tri shoes. I’m looking at the Nike T-speed and the Sidi T1. Any thoughts on these? Keeping in mind of course that this would be my only pair of shoes.
If it helps, the pedals I bought are Speedplay X’s.
Thanks
Steve,
Buy the pair that best fits your foot. Sounds simple, and it should be. Shimano shoes typically are higher volume shoes with a bigger toe box. Sidi is lower volume, and the new T-Speed from Nike is kind of in between.
Any of them will work with the Speedplays just fine.
Agree–buy what fits. I have a pair of Garneau Tri Airs that I love. Very stiff, different inserts for winter and summer, great fit, and reasonably priced!
Steve,
Buy the pair that best fits your foot. Sounds simple, and it should be. Shimano shoes typically are higher volume shoes with a bigger toe box. Sidi is lower volume, and the new T-Speed from Nike is kind of in between.
Any of them will work with the Speedplays just fine.
Again, buy what fits! I had planned on buying Carnacs, but found they were way too wide for my skinny foot. The Sidi T-1’s have been great.
For me it is to make sure they have enough room for my high arch. Also my big toe does not go straight off the front, so I need room on the inside of the shoe for my big toe not to be crammed (large toe box helps).
If you only spend 30 minutes on your bike at a time, fit does not matter. If you are spending 4-6 hours a day in your shoes, they better be comfy.
I was just chatting with my training partner on this morning’s ride about how aggravating bike shoe fit can be. It’s really hard to gauge from strapping them on in a store how they will feel after 3-6 hours of pedaling. For that reason, although I had my eyes on some new Shimano shoes to replace my Carnac Ellipse pair that’s going on five years, I’m not sold on them yet.