Custom shoe experiences

[nm87710]

Any personal experiences (+ or -) about getting custom road shoes(R7, D2 & Lust) appreciated. Just can't decide :crap:

[Germanboxers]

I purchased LUST custom road shoes last year on the advice of the venerable "Too Tall". When I put them on, they feel like they perfectly coddle my Fred Flintstone-like feet. They are unbelievably light (if that's important to you...lighter than anything out there) and incredibly stiff.

My feet stuffed into my previous shoes (Sidi Megawide) resulted in numb feet within the first 5 to 10 minutes of riding...I just dealt with it. Now, I don't have this problem at all.

There is one problem I am still working on, I seem to get a hotspot only on my left foot at times. Part of this may be how I hold my left foot while pedalling though? Still, much better than my previous experiences!

Hope this helps?

Jordan

[Too Tall]

GB - and you never called to to rave about the "Bart Sheldrake" experience...shame on you!!!

Glad to tell you anything you want to know about the shoes you mentioned. I have custom LUST and R7s. Both great and very different.

[nm87710]

TT, what's the difference? service? fit/feel?
why no D2's in your shoe vault?

[Germanboxers]

Too Tall...yeah sorry about that, but I've been away from the forum for awhile and a bit self-consumed. Bart was a jewel to work with though, even though I caught him right before his wedding.

An interesting "LUST" story...I got dropped about halfway through a hilly road race this year (didn't help that I went straight there after working a 13 hour nightshift, but then that would be an "excuse" and I don't want to make those ;) )...anyway I softpedalled back to the finish line to chear on my teammates. While waiting for the finish, this young rollerblader notices my shoes. He goes on for about 20minutes how great Bart's blades were and that he wants a pair badly. Turns out this kid just won $1500 that morning racing rollerblades in the nearby town...for 2nd place!!! Are we in the wrong sport? $1500 for 2nd place?? Wow!!!

[Too Tall]

Yep. Great story. Bart's roller blades are very high on my must have before I die list. It is sooo pleasing that he met the love of his life. Same here, I get goat roped by roller bladers now and than who say "He makes cycling shoes???" :rolleyes:

[columbusslx]

Rocket 7's have been great. Unbelievably light and the speedplay's can mount right to the sole. Very nice.

[Kevin]

I have had R7s for 18 months. Very light and very comfortable.

Kevin

[bostondrunk]

Rockets here too, no complaints. I like the look (and price) of off the shelf shoes more, but these feel like slippers and solve all fit issues. As I mentioned a little while ago, I had to send a 2-3 year old pair back in to get the carbon sole repaired from me walking on it too much. They only charged me $15 + postage.

I've only seen pictures of Lust shoes. I find the the uppers are kind of ugly, and -very- minimalist (look at the pic from interbike):
http://www.lustracing.com/bikebus.htm

which I guess is the reason for the low weight. Also, they are twice the price of Rocket7's, I believe.

[Too Tall]

BD - try to get past the look of LUST and focus on what they are..which is one of the only full custom carbon cycling shoes in the world. I know of only two other companies that do such work and none like Bart..he has the touch. I like my R7s too and use their mtn. shoe for commuting...mine were ordered extra extra extra stiff and are now 6 or 7 yrs. old and no problems.

[nm87710]

Talked to R7 folks today and it seems they've changed their custom fitting process. It no longer uses fiberglass socks to make a mold of your foot. They now use a foam box to make a mold of the just the sole of your foot. IMO this leaves room for fit issues related to foot volume. Also, the competitivecyclist.com site has a cool R7 custom order process that walks you through the whole deal including a preview of your shoe color design.

[Dekonick]

D2 uses the foam box, along with a pen in plexiglass and tracing paper. They require you to take measurements, trace your foot with their special pen in plexiglass thingie, and imprint your feet (unweighted)

Send it back, then they make your shoes and send them to you - try em, ride em, then send them back with any issues for fine tuning.

-OR-

If you are in Vail, or close by - stop by in Eagle and they have a laser 3d thingie that makes a 3d image of your foot from which they make a custom last (if your feet don't fit one of their other lasts - they have alot)

I like my D2 shoes. Happy feet here but I suppose the rocket 7's and Lust are probably just as good. (I had issues with normal shoes...and in fact require custom insoles for my work boots. This has solved my shoe problems on the bike :banana: )

:D

[Grant McLean]

I really like the custom made footbeds I had made from Conformable.
Also "superfeet" make a road specific custom moldable footbed. They are really
low profile, and fit in just about any shoe. Should cost about a Benjamin.

_G

[Kevin]

Talked to R7 folks today and it seems they've changed their custom fitting process. It no longer uses fiberglass socks to make a mold of your foot. They now use a foam box to make a mold of the just the sole of your foot. IMO this leaves room for fit issues related to foot volume. Also, the competitivecyclist.com site has a cool R7 custom order process that walks you through the whole deal including a preview of your shoe color design.


That is the same way I was fitted for my R7s. I went to an R7 dealer and had them do the fitting. It worked out great.

Kevin

[Too Tall]

Dek., next time you drop by bring the D2s I'd really like a good look at what Don is up to.

[Dekonick]

Cool - say that reminds me I still owe you one stem and a little change...

What does your schedule look like?

NM - I'll just call you and we can find a good time.

[Too Tall]

K!

[george]

I purchased a pair of Rocket 7 custom shoes when I first came into serious riding in 2000. Very expensive but very comfortable. Very very light weight, you barely know they are on your feet (like wearing slippers) but at the same time very stiff. After four years of riding the right shoe wore a hole all the way through the size of a half dollar. Sent to company for repair...they said the hole is too big for repair but we will assist you in buying a new pair. I can't afford a new pair right know but have found two pairs of Northwave cycling shoes that I wear. I may attempt to fix my self with a small patch of innertube superglued to the bottom of the shoe!?

[Dekonick]

From what I gather the Rocket 7's are a tad lighter than D2...but I also hear D2 last longer. I dont race...D2 works great for me! BTW - D2 made the shoes for the US Olympic team the year I bought mine...I know cuz it made a delay in my shoe order...not a long delay, and for a good reason!

[deechee]

have a pair of R7's, never use 'em. Someone said they're not using the cast thing anymore but something obviously went wrong somewhere. BE CAREFUL! Mine were the most painful, stiff, squeezing (with/without socks) shoes I EVER had. Construction wasn't that phenomenal either. My physio buddy and I spent some good time working on the achilles but the heel cup of the shoe isn't that solid...

[nm87710]

I hate changing shoes! So I'm on the fence with the whole custom shoe thingy :crap: ...prolly based more on product than price . I ride/race 15K miles year and do 30-40 races so I can easily justify the price and da wife says "Just Do It". I'm a 44B(don't go there) riding 4 yr old NW Evolutions with da speedplay/time insert on X1 pedals and a self made custom footbed which works pretty darn well. Shoe set up is heavier than I'd like at 480grams per shoe incl. cleats. Shoes have ~1 year of life left so I need to figure something out.

D2's
+ great info from Don, service, experience, reputable, cost $475, nice looking, fit process
- Total 120g heavier than R7's. no speedplay sole so an adapter adds 4mm & 30g per shoe, also base shoe is 60g heavier than R7

R7
+ speedplay sole, weight
- cost $700, mixed reviews from recent buyers, new non-casting fit process seems less precise than D2's(why'd they abandon the casting??)

Lust
+ real custom, weight
- hassle to getting fitted, cost $1000

X Production Shoe
just buy the best fitting production shoe and build my own footbed again
+ low cost,
- takes 6-12 months to get the fit just "right", no speedplay soles anymore

Avoid Any Change
hope and pray to the shoe gods in my search for a used NW Evo pair on ebay and prolong any change for 2-3 years.

[Dr. Doofus]

have two pairs of R7s...one from 2003, one from this year

the 2003 R7s have the toe box right...but the 2005 ones are a bit too narrow..on hot days my feet swell and the shoes are not at all comfy (I should send them back, but I'd have to send both pairs back so they can get the shape of the toe box right....wait....I should send the 2003 pair so they can spec em, then when I get them back send the 2005 pair for a re-do..got it)....the 2005 pair have a narrower stance, which I didn't like


great company, great product...my gripes would be fixed if I just do the shoe juggle with them so they can tweak the new pair.

[Too Tall]

George, your shoes are almost done. I lucked into a supply of military grade Kevlar...thanks M.A.M. It will be a strong repair bub :cool:

**The heel patch is just a temp thing...plain old fiberglass test run. The real stuff is curing as we speak!

http://www.ahealinghand.com/images/general/r7repair1.JPG
http://www.ahealinghand.com/images/general/r7repair2.JPG

[shinomaster]

I was looking at the Rocket shoes at our local dealer one day. The do look very light but they do ot look durable. They look as though they would blast 3 years at the most. Are D2's more sturdy...?
Doof the mountain shoes they make look to stiff and flimsy for running...

[Too Tall]

All my customs are going strong. I've got a set of LUST that are 8+ yrs. and R7's are about 7 yrs. You can repair composites...:) But anywho I've never seen them break...only wear thru from abuse.

[mikemets]

I just got confirmation that my "Fit Kit" is on the way. :D

[nm87710]

FYI, talked to Don at D2 and right now it's taking 4-5 months to get a pair of his spiffy shoes.

[Dekonick]

The pre spring rush?

Great shoes - thanks Don!

[Frustration]

I have had a set of R7's for a year and a half and just did a D2 pair. and have had em for a couple months.

The D2 shoes pretty much seem the equal to R7's except they're a couple hundred bucks less. The fit process is easy and the measures are complete enough to have a very good fitting last. They're a little heavier, but the sole is also a more sturdy unit.

The foot beds are exceptional and really do a great job of spreading load...

As the d2's are a little closer to some high end off the shelf shoes, they are really a great buy.

[Too Tall]

STRONG repair!
MAM, if you approve I'm feeling pretty good :) Pls. say again if I should use a carbide wheel or a steel burr bit to smooth? TIA
If anyone gives a RA. What I did was to use a air filled bladder as an internal mold, than layered thick kevlar soaked in west system and used plastic with many wraps of tape to compress and shape the kevlar to the shoe. This created the basic repair shape. Once it was 1/2 dry I could manipulate the layer some to make fine adjustments...than 48 hr.s later added a top layer of very high quality carbon cloth...this stuff is stiff...hard to work with.
George, dewd...this repair is way stronger than the orig. :)

[Frustration]

I have seen Carbide Wheels used to trim and smooth Carbon one-off stuff at McLaren (formula one guys).

BUTTT, There stuff was made under extremely high presure and was really tight... Not that your's is shoddy (It looks sweet!), just that stuff done under high compression might be less likely to come apart. :)

[quattro]

I decided to revive this thread to get further input from those folks that had placed orders around 1/06 to see how the custom shoes have worked out. I'm starting to think of some customs and I am undecided between Rocket 7, D2 and Lust, any further input and experiences would be greatly appreciated.

quattro

[nm87710]

D2 shoes went up in 33%. $450 January. $600 today.
Thought it was a good deal at 450 and planned to stop by and get measured for a pair while in CO this summer. Don't know if I'll do it at 600...

For now I picked up a pair of '06 Specialized S-works shoes since they work quite well on my narrow feet - for stock shoes.

[Squint]

Picked up my Lusts today. Weight is 378 g for those who are into that kind of thing.

If you look closely at the first picture, you can see the bulge on the outside edge that corresponds with a larger-than-normal bony protuberance that I believe is or is around the base of the 5th metatarsal. It's made it impossible for me to be comfortable in any stock shoes available today.

However, one part of the right shoe is just way too tight and needs to be fixed when Bart gets back into town. Then I can put some miles into them and see how comfortable they are.

If these shoes work for me then I would be getting rid of a pair of 3 to 4-hole Speedplay adapters and nine LeWedges.

http://www.fototime.com/9B1682FD21A52AC/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/AA8D627FB30AE49/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/6D7524930A5E572/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/3E461B368C88169/orig.jpg

[quattro]

I'm bumping this thread one more time looking for further input on custom shoe experiences. For those that have D2 or Rocket 7 custom shoes, can you please share your further insights on the custom shoe making process, on working with either company. Overall, do you think your custom shoes have delivered what you had hoped for? Have they made riding a more pleasant and comfortable experience than stock shoes? Finally, are they worth the money? Thanks everyone for helping me focus in on a decision to go the custom route. My feet will thank you as well, I hope! :)

[Frog Hair]

I've had both D2 & Rocket7. I found both were able to suit my fit needs pretty much equal. But the Rocket's were a better shoe for the old race geek in me. I felt like the D2 was more like having a "custom Shimano" - about the same level of construction, performance, weight, etc. The Rocket7 was much more of a "performance" oriented shoe. It was much lighter and put me a few mm closer to the pedal. Otherwise, I'd say they are both great shoes. If you are concerned about changing fit into watts, steer toward Rocket7. :beer:

[Too Tall]

Yes it is worth it. LUST (Bart Sheldrake) saved my long riding and let's me cycle pain free.

Rockets are fine for the money honey ;) I think if you currently use an orthodic than his method to incorporate that is the best bang for the buck.

I have one other set of shoes for racing only and they do outshine Bart's shoes in some ways however at this point they are unobtanium. If anyone is seriously interested PM me and I'll help.

As far as I'm concerned Bart is the man.

[quattro]

Too Tall, are you saying if I have a pair of custom orthodics made I can then use a stock Rocket 7 shoe, or have Rocket 7 build a custom shoe around my orthodic. From what I have read and information I have gathered there is a big difference in cost, from about $450 for stock Rocket 7's to $800 for custom. I figure if I'm going to take my custom made orthodic and stick it in a stock shoe it doesn't have to cost $450, I could go with Sidi or any other brand for that would allow the volume neded to incorporate ma custom orthodic. But, having a custom shoe built around my feet for $800 might be an entirely different fit.

[mikemets]

I started the D2 process in January, luckily before the price increase, but I'm still waiting for delivery, and a reply on where I stand for that matter. :crap:

[Too Tall]

Quattro, yes if you need an orthodic than a full on custom is the best way to go IF you are going. Do NOT stick an orthodic into a stock shoe and expect great results as you can never accomodate volume loss and still have a great shoe.

OMG did I wake the flame? Go easy on me :cool:

[Dekonick]

I have 'funky' feet (not smelling :rolleyes: ) and thus was able to use pre tax dollars from my employer's flex spending account for custom shoes. It was cheaper than off the shelf shoes - but now D2 has raised the price...

I really love my D2 shoes. Everybody swears by rocket 7's - for performance perhaps... but I know my D2's will last a LONG time. I also don't ride a tin can performance bike, but prefer a non sporty, odd looking, absolutely lovely Hors Categorie.

If you want to look the racer - go LUST or rocket 7.

If you want comfort, I say (well - havent had LUST or R7's...) D2.

Don was great to work with - but it was not a fast turnaround. 3-4 months from initial order to shoes on my feet. I suggest taking a trip to Aspen and stoppin off in Eagle to get the hands on fitting. I used the kit, and had to send the shoe's back one time for a final tweak. My second pair were perfect. (I had money I had to use in a flex spending account. It's use it or lose it - so I got 2 pair of shoes! WOOT!)

I am not a fast cyclist, but I am comfortable with happy feet.

[LOTUS]

I' ve had custom rocket 7s for two years.I am very happy with them. excellent fit and performance.The advantage of the custom fit and lightweight can be felt when accelerating/climbing and improved sensitivity in road feel /handling.

It is critical that the casting of your foot is done right.I would seek out the best bike fitter you can find in your area.

Also,it took about 6 months to get my shoes.Longer than i expected.

Would I order them again...YES.Can't imagine using anything else.

[Too Tall]

I'll make this offer. Anyone in my region who needs a mold made before ordering R7s, D2 or LUST can give me a jingle...I can either work with the fiberglass socks or if need be make plaster casts.

[quattro]

I'm going to see a foot specialist next Tuesday to get a diagnosis of my foot problem. From the Rocket 7 site I believe what I have is called Metatarsalgia (sounds like spoiled food!) After I receive the diagnosis I will return to visit Cheryl Maurer at Functional Mechanics (www.functionalmechanics.com) and decide what is next. She will make custom orthodics for me, I know for sure I need new orthodics for my everyday shoes. The decision will be on cycling shoes. Full custom or orthodics in stock shoes. From what Too Tall said above, the orthodic/stock shoe route doesn't seem to be the way to go, from my experiences thus far I can understand why. I think in order to get the comfort on the bike and foot volume needed, the full custom route is the way to go. After I receive the diagnosis next week I should be better prepared to make a decision. Keep the input coming, it's very helpful. Thanks.

[Too Tall]

Quattro, Bart uses a guy in Boulder for tough fitting jobs. His stock and trade is dealing with prosthetics and difficult feet. Infact the guy makes shoes...any wonder? He took one look at my feet and nailed it...I was shocked he had such a fine eye to see subtle issues at a glance. All that BS to say...if you need this level of personal service LUST is the only maker in the USA who can do the job. Cut to the chase...here is the guy in Boulder you want to talk to: Podium Custom Footwear - Russ Bollig (303) 554-0505.

Get a cheap flight to Denver...rent a car..drive to Boulder meet Russ...drive to airport...meet with Bart and fly home!

I am aware there is a speed skate maker in Australia with similar skills to Bart. Road trip?

[quattro]

Too Tall, you and I have discussed Potium previously. I actually sent Russ a pair of orthodics to be adjusted. He was very nice and got them back to me very quickly. Only problem was without my actually being there for him to see my feet, his adjustments just didn't work. That is why I am somewhat leery of providing information to someone to make a shoe without having the ability to examine my feet in person. I'm hoping that if I have an orthodic made locally and measurements taken by the same person that made them, following the instructions from Rocket 7, that I have a good chance of the final product being a good fit. A trip to Denver to be fit would be nice but I don't think it is in the cards. I have a lot of faith in Functional Mechanics after my initial consultation with Cheryl Maurer. Thanks again for your referral to Russ. we'll see how things go after a diagnosis next week, pretty sure now that it is not Morton's Neuroma as I had previously been told.

[neil7]

I've used Rocket7 and Lust shoes. The current R7's are semi custom and are good except for the very shallow heel cup. The Lust shoes I had were made incorrectly. After Bart stopped answering the phone or email to me I returned the shoes to Podium Footwear where the casts had been done for the shoes and several pairs of orthotics. It turned out the shoes are not the same as the orthotics which explains why they never worked. Any level of customer service would of at least attemped to rectify this problem but sadly this did not happen. A potentially great shoe as long as everything is done right.

[bostondrunk]

I've used Rocket7 and Lust shoes. The current R7's are semi custom and are good except for the very shallow heel cup. The Lust shoes I had were made incorrectly. After Bart stopped answering the phone or email to me I returned the shoes to Podium Footwear where the casts had been done for the shoes and several pairs of orthotics. It turned out the shoes are not the same as the orthotics which explains why they never worked. Any level of customer service would of at least attemped to rectify this problem but sadly this did not happen. A potentially great shoe as long as everything is done right.

You can still get the full custom R7's, which is really the original shoe they offered, involving the full fiberglass fit sock. But the price for that has gone up to something like $799, and they insist that you don't do the cast yourself, that you find a poediatrist (sp?) to do the casting. Very interesting to hear about your experience with Bart. I found the guys at R7 to be very helpful with any issues.

[quattro]

Well, I was heading down the road to full custom Rocket 7's and before I got there I stopped off to try on a pair of Specialized S-Works Carbon shoes with the Boa closure. I have tried many shoes and they just never fit correctly or made my feet feel comfortable. Well this all changed with the S-Works shoes. I have since had a full custom orthotic made for them by these folks called the Skithotic, http://www.nwpodiatric.com/products/index_prodfunc.html#sg
They are a cycling specific orthotic made of a graphite composite, very stiff. I put them in my S-Works shoes and my feet are very happy. I realized for my foot problems (neuroma, club toes) that as long as my feet had the volume in the shoe, whcih they do in the S-Works shoes, it was the orthotic that realy needed to be correct. So, $275 for the shoes and another $400 for full custom orthotics gets me to $675, but the good part is that these orthotics can be removed and put into another pair of shoes. I am quite satisfied with the result of not buying full coustom shoes but instead having full custom orthotics made for a pair of shoes that fit my cranky feet. While not cheap it was still considerably less expensive than the full custom route. It worked for me but it may not be the answer for everyone.

Sorry to hear about your less than satisfying experience with your custom shoes.

[nm87710]

Ditto quattro's S-works comments. After starting this thread 1 year ago dreading changing shoes(old ones held together with duct tape - I really hate changing shoes!). I talked to lots-o-folks w/custom shoes and was ready to take the D2 plunge but they had a 6-8 month delivery time and they also increased pricing from 450 to 600. Couldn't wait that long so as a stop-gap solution I planned to get some "ok" stock shoes while waiting in line for D2 customs. Teammate suggested '06 S-works carbon. 6mo/8k miles(plus ditching funky stock inserts) later and you couldn't pry the S-works off my feet. :banana: Needless to say I'm passing on the custom thingy for now...

[bostondrunk]

I too decided to try off the shelf again due to the increase in price of customs. For me, I found I got decent comfort with the new Shimano R215E (Wide) combined with a green 'Superfeet' insole (raised my heel and flattened things out a bit). Still not as comfortable or light as the 7's, and had to raise my saddle almost a full cm.

[djg21]

Dek., next time you drop by bring the D2s I'd really like a good look at what Don is up to.


Don's shoes are fantastic. His new D2 shoes are a huge improvement over his old lamson designs shoes, and those were great too.

Here are a few reviews-- from JelloNews and Pez.

http://www.velonews.com/tech/report/articles/7681.0.html
http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/default.asp?pg=fullstory&id=3893

[Nick H.]

I like my R7s, but to be honest I think the only impressive thing about them (compared to my previous shoes, Carnac Quartz) is the amazingly light weight. The Carnacs, despite my bunions, were very comfy and I never got hot spots even though I didn't have custom orthotic footbeds. With the R7s I got hot spots even on fairly short rides. Sidas orthotics have cured them.

[Dekonick]

Don's shoes are fantastic. His new D2 shoes are a huge improvement over his old lamson designs shoes, and those were great too.

Here are a few reviews-- from JelloNews and Pez.

http://www.velonews.com/tech/report/articles/7681.0.html
http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/default.asp?pg=fullstory&id=3893

Great reviews - they reflect my personal experience as well. I love these shoes, and am considering getting dress shoes from Don.

Nothing makes you feel better than happy feet.

Dek.

[Fat Robert]

R7

my 2003 shoes were the bestest ever

the 2005 shoes are finally operational...it took three adjustments (including a MP 5mm slab of EFA to raise the stack height so they're just like my 2003s), but they're groovy.


great company, great product

[Frustration]

I have had R7's and Dsquared (D2custom) and prefered the D2... Thicker sole and a flat inside that allows adjustment over time (not that I needed it)...


The next pair will be from Simmons Racing.


http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/tech/interbike06/intersimmons06.jpg

http://www.groupedetete.com/simmons.jpg