Rocket 7 shoes

[David Kirk]

I'm interested in a fully custom pair of Rocket 7 shoes for my mangled feet. I tried to do a search ( and I recall there being a thread on this awhile back) but it came up with no results.

Does anyone have the full customs ? Hope was your experience dealing with the company. In the end how is the fit and feel of the shoe.

Any info would be welcome......my feet hurt (said with bottom lip sticking out).

Thanks,

Dave

P.S. are there any other fully custom shoes you might recommend ?

[Blastinbob]

David,


Bruce Wells, from the old calfee site had a pair, you may want to do a search on the old calfee forum.Here. (http://www.hydromedia.com/phorum/list.php?f=1) . Someone else had mentioned " LUST" custom shoes, but the prices are out of this world, unless you've got a grand you want to spend on shoes.

Bob

[dave thompson]

How about these! http://www.marcheseracing.com/Road%20Bike%20Shoes.html

I think you would look very cool pedaling through downtown Bozeman in these

[OldDog]

www.rocket7.com
just went there, it exsists. E-RICHIE recommended these to me for a foot ailement I have, though I have yet to order them 'till I am sure I can heal to the point I will ride enough distance to justify the price, about 5 bills. I understood Richie uses these. Fine recommendation to me.

[Kevan]

Bruce Wells hangs about the Westchester Cycling Club tormenting people into joining him on his double century jaunt each summer up into Stockbridge Mass. and back. I'll let him know you're interested in knowing more about the Rockets. That'll distract him while I make my get away. Assuming he hasn't worn them out already, I know he loved them.

[csm]

I think there was just a review of these shoes on cylcenews.com

[Bruce]

Damm Kevan, you made me go register for this forum!

Rocket 7's are great shoes. Light, stiff, and comfortable if you go full custom. That was the only option available when I ordered them two years ago. They now have a semicustom option that I would not recommend. Apparently they send you a sock or something to guess your size. You are much better off with the full custom route. You need some one to help you do the full custom thing.

Basically you get two fiberglass socks to put over your feet. Make sure you keep the sock snug while it hardens for the best fit. Since these shoes are literally molded to you feet, you will get a great fit, even if you have completely weird feet.

After two seasons, they are still performing well. Most comfortable shoe I own. And light. Highly recommended.

Bruce

[jeffg]

I had foot pain on very long rides for a few years. After stopping a few times on one DC, losing my group and having to chase back on the climbs :crap: , I got custom orthodics from Dr. Ehrenberg, who has made orthodics for Lance and is a former Cat. II, if I recall. He lives in Marin County, CA, but will do orthodics online. Anyway, I brought my bike, he tested my position, saw me pedal, and has made foot pain a thing of the past. Highly recommended! :banana:

[Needs Help]

Here's the custom shoe thread you were looking for:

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=1296&page=1&pp=15

It has Lamson in the title, but if you search for Lamson, the software says there are no matches.

[jpw]

Well, Lust shoes cost $800 + $casting charge ($100-$250).

So, not much change from $1000, for a single pair of cycling shoes.

$4000 for a Serotta frame looks like GREAT great value in comparison. Four pairs of Lust shoes or a Legend? Easiest decision ever.

[Needs Help]

Four pairs of Lust shoes or a Legend? Easiest decision ever.

lol

[Climb01742]

dave, there is a review of rocket shoes on cyclingnews.com. reviewer raised a good point--cleat placement. tell them where you want holes drilled. are you sure you need to go all the way to custom shoes? i've had custom footbeds built by a great guy here in boston. they helped me a lot. but if the issues are with foot shape rather than foot mechanics, shoes may be the way to go. gee, man, couldn't you just weld yourself up a pair? :beer: good luck!

[Needs Help]

Rocket 7 review:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id=tech/2004/reviews/rocket7_super_stock

[jpw]

Needs Help

"lol"...? Er,... what's that? Lust(s) Or Legend, is that it?

laal.

[Too Tall]

On the Marchese site is a pic of the "Queen's" road racing shoes...kinda sexy non? Paul and Liz are amazing but don't count on a set of shoes unless you are willing to lay prostrate at the door. GREAT GREAT shoes but they are consumed making olympic skates.

A kilobuck for LUST shoes is money well spent. And like Forrest said "that's all I've go to say about that".

[jpw]

Never tried 'em and the price is too high, which is why i've never tried 'em. A self re-enforcing position. I like it that one, and so does my wallet. An unnecessary expense if ever there was one. Keep it real. Goodness.

[93legendti]

Last year, I tried a pair of the semi-custom Rocket 7's. They call them "super-stock" now.They drilled the holes wrong, I couldn't get my cleats far enough back. Also, one of the shoes' cleat holes were tilted and not centered properly. I had sent them my current shoes to make sure the cleats were properly placed, but they forgot to do that. They fit ok, but the heel cups felt funny. Also the 3 straps were way too long. I have worn Sidi Genius' for the last 10 years, and there is plenty of room to adjust my cleats. I sent the Rocket 7's back. For $399 I sure expected a lot more. I will stick with Sidis.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id=tech/2004/reviews/rocket7_super_stock

[jpw]

Unless you have feet like a duck stick with Carnac, Time, Sidi et.c. and save hundreds. Totally not necessary.

[Climb01742]

does any have a pair of LUST shoes? what could make them worth a grand? ok, i accept that someone could ask what makes a bike worth 8 grand, but 1/8 of a built-out ottrott ain't pocket change. too tall, do you have 'em? impressions? :confused:

[David Kirk]

Life is funny isn't it. How many times have you told a non-cyclist how much one of your bikes cost and gotten that look......you all know the look. It's often followed by an enlightened statement like " you could buy a car for that much " (I've never understood that logic).

So it's with this in mind that I'm wondering about Mr. JPW's comments. Of course if you don't think a pair of shoes is worth $500 that's your opinion and I have the utmost respect for that.....and if these shoes are not nessessary for you I respect that too. But to say they are not nessessary in general is, I think, is over the top. Following that logic none of us "need" a Serotta or any other high end bike. None of us really needs more than a Bridgestone RB1 with an ultegra group. Lance could still win the tour on one. It's not the bike.

Why, you might ask, do I feel strongly enough to write this ? Well for me these shoes are indeed nessessary. My feet are in very rough shape from years of hard use, accidents, broken bones and bad genetics. If I can't find a way to reduce the real pain I experience while cycling I'm facing the dark idea of not being able to ride anymore.

My feet are radically different in size compared to each other. It will cost me nearly $500 to buy two pairs of shoes so that I can get a 44.5 for my right foot and a 46 for my left foot. I have broken both feet twice and have some real issues with nerve damage and numbness.

So for me they are nessessary if I want to continue to participate in the sport I love and have devoted to bulk of my life to. I would ask to you think what it's like to walk a mile in someone else's shoes before you make such comments. (Pun intended)

Thanks,

Dave

[Climb01742]

dave, point well made. if the difference is to ride or not to ride, $500, $1000 or even $2000 is a price well worth paying. given your foot issues, having a personal fitting might make much sense. from what i've read, lust shoes are fitted/molded in person by the guy who makes them. rocket's shoe in a box method may not give you the expertise your feet may need. as i wrote earlier, good luck.

[e-RICHIE]

dave
i've had 2 pair of lamsons and 1 pair of rocket 7s.
i'd recommend the D2 shoes if they're anything
like the lamsons from 5+ years ago.

e-RICHIE

ps

:hello: :hello: :hello:
:hello: :hello: :hello:
:hello: :hello: :hello:

[chuck]

Alternative to shoes? I've been riding with sandals on commutes for a couple years and love them. Did all my winter riding this year in them. Got 1 size larger than my normal shoe in order to fit Thinsulate and extra wool socks. I'll be trying brevets with them this season. If successful I won't be going back to shoes.
Chuck

[merlinagilis]

A pair of shoes that fits properly is gonna make a bigger difference in your riding than an overpriced frameset. Food for thought.

[Kevin]

I was fitted for a pair of Rocket7s about two weeks ago. When they arrive I will post my thoughts.

Kevin

[e-RICHIE]

merlinagilis wrote:
"A pair of shoes that fits properly is gonna make a bigger difference in your riding than an overpriced frameset. Food for thought."



i'm hungry.
how 'you figure?
e-RICHIE

ps

:confused: :confused: :confused:
:confused: :confused: :confused:
:confused: :confused: :confused:

[Bruce]

David,

I don't know anything about Lust or any other custom shoes. I have used more than 8 different mass produced shoes over the years. They fit OK, but when I tried the Rocket 7 shoes, I knew they were the best shoe I have ever tried. They will fit your foot because they do a custom mold of you foot.

Rocket 7s are a TOTALLY custom shoe. They are not some custom upper. They mold your foot, and make a sole from that, then build an upper on top. They are a totally hand made shoe. At the price of US labor, to find someone willing to make a totally custom shoe for $500, when a mass produced shoe (heavier I might add) costs about 1/2 that, then I say it is a great value. Sounds like a new pair of R7s is going to put you back about the same as a two new pairs of shoes if you need a different size for each foot. Go for it! Order today so you can get them this season.

My Rocket 7s are the best shoes I have ever owned. You can spend thousands for a pair of dress shoes. $500 for cycling shoes that fit your feet is cheap.

Nuf said.

[jpw]

Let's get the facts right. The great value price is $800+ for a pair, unless you know different(?). :argue:

If Dave Kirk's feet are that bad what does he wear in the street? Oversized slippers with electrical tape wrapped around to hold them on? ;)

[Kevin]

jpw,

I just ordered fully custom Rocket7s and the price , including sales tax, was $550.

Kevin

[jpw]

Kevin,

How? Their website states $800 + $extras. Are you a relative? :D

[Legend_1970]

jpw,
How are you seeing 800+? Are you drinking that cheapass near beer again?!!?! Their custom road shoes are listed at 300-400 + extras.

[djg]

Kevin,

How? Their website states $800 + $extras. Are you a relative? :D

I just went to the website: http://www.rocket7.com/cyclingshoedetail.html

Full custom is listed at 499 bucks, with a couple of possible upcharges regarding custom colors and such. Semi-custom (e.g., custom footbed built into shoe) is less.

I don't know if Rocket 7 will cure Dave Kirk's problems, but if the guy is having serious foot issues this may be a very reasonable fix. No doubt most of us don't need custom shoes, but I don't see what that has to do with somebody who has real issues he's looking to address. I just went 2 months without riding because of torn ligaments in one leg. I would have been glad to pay 500 bucks (more actually) to make that injury disappear, and I'm back on the stationary bike already and should be on the bike by the end of this week. To save the possibility of cycling period? I'd spend plenty.

[Climb01742]

if i may rip-off mastercard:

customer cycling shoes: $500.
being able to ride: priceless.

[saab2000]

I think that the comment about the good shoes vs expensive frame had to do with the idea that it does not matter how great your bike is if your feet are in agony. I have had really aching feet and when that happens the thoughts about stiffness vs lightness and vertical compliance and great lugwork turn to, "OMG do my feet hurt...."

I have found shoes which fit me (Times) and I do not need custom shoes, but I can appreciate that some people do.

Now a great bike and a good pair of shoes, that is a bit more sublime.... :D

[jpw]

I stand corrected.

No, i'm off the gasoline juice.

I blame that blasted Blastin Bob who confused me (easily done) with his early reference to Lust custom shoes, which are still much too expensive. In comparison Rocket 7 seem thrifty. I'll have a dozen! ;)
Still like my Carnac shoes, which fit my duck feet so well. I tried Sidi once, which was once too many. Such a sloppy fitting shoe and not made to the same standard of materials and craftsmanship as Carnac. I just don't need custom shoes, although i might if Carnac or Time didn't exist...but they do. Joy!
My sympathy to those who 'need' (not 'want') custom cycling shoes. It must be a pain.

[BarryG]

I tried Sidi once . . . Such a sloppy fitting shoe

My feet love the great fit of my not so sloppy Sidis (narrow 45s actually) :p

Barry

[jpw]

...they were awful. Like a pair of oversized carpet slippers. Carnac fit like hand in glove, but foot in shoe. :p :p :argue: :D

[Legend_1970]

Its all personal. I find when wearing carnacs that it feels I'm standing across a pipe pushing into my outside arch...

[NateM]

Mr. Kirk,
The Rocket 7 full custom will most probably solve your foot problems.I want to warn you about casting your own feet with the materials that they send. I enlisted the help of my wife and we got the left foot ok but not so good on the right.At the time I had thought that I did a better job on the right foot.The shoes were made and I've never been able to wear them without injuring my right leg.The shoes went back and forth to Seattle from NJ 2 times and only got worse. I brought the shoes to a cycling foot specialist,he took one look at the right shoe and said that the foot had not been captured properly.Since the shoe is made to fit your foot with a minimum of insole there was no room to build a proper footbed.The shoe is toast. Brian King of Rocket 7 said he would remake a new shoe for $100. My advice to you is to have a podiatrist who is experienced in cycling do the casting. Talk to Brian about this issue and see if there is a fitter in your area. My left shoe is great,still waiting for its mate. Nate Merrill

[BigMac]

DK:
I sympatize with your foot issues and hope you can find remedy rather than giving up on cycling altogether.

Any chance you may want to take a vacation to Italy? Getting finely crafted, proper fitting, custom shoes sounds like a good reason to me! DMT, formerly known as Diamante makes superb custom shoes, in fact Federico (I only know his 1st name, his last name begins with a Z but I do not recall the exact name) has built literally thousands of custom cycling and football(soccer) shoes for professionals and aspiring pros during the last 25 years. Federico began working as a custom cobbler for Diadora building football shoes, then built cycling shoes in late 70's, all for Diadora athletes. By early 80's numerous cycling shoe firms went to Federico because their athletes demanded custom shoes but the company needed to advertise their production models. This was particularly prevalent by late 80's when clipless pedals became in vogue and the old standby leather upper/wood soled shoes could not accomodate the cleats and the uppers were tearing loose from soles w/o toe clip/strap helping support shoe uppers. Basically Federico would build a custom lasted shoe then stitch appropriate panels and logos to look like the production model. Finally, in late 90's he decided to release custom and semi-custom shoes under his own label. He actually began by using Diadora soles given his close ties to the firm. The new name was DMT, a shortened version of Diamante. Of course DMT is now offering production models, has designed and built models for Shimano and Nike as well. In Italy however, you can still walk into shop and get custom fitted for your DMT shoes, custom width, length, volume, what have you. The best part is that the end product is equal or better quality to production model, only its custom sized.

Most custom cycling shoes I have seen, yes I have seen both the Rocket and the Lust shoes at Interbike '02, are fair-poor workmanship and qc. The Rocket's at Interbike had very inconsistent stitching and the material choices were subpar compared to major production models. The Lust shoes also appeared to be using lower quality materials and had qc issues like excessive glue at sole/upper junction. Now I have not used these, do not know others that have but I have over 40k miles on my DMT's and have only had to replace a single buckle and 2 heel wear pads/sole protectors. While I do not have the history of foot injuries you have (fortunately!!) I do have feet that tend to swell, often as much as 2 sizes, during long rides of 8+ hours in saddle. For me, Fedrico was able to accomodate my needs with a bit of extra toe box volume yet his unique semi-rigid heel cup design keeps my foot planted in a shoe that would otherwise be too large, at least at beginning of a ride. The custom DMT, even in today's inflated Euro market, is considerably less costly than Lust's and in fact a few Euro's less than Rocket's. I seriously doubt he would build a custom shoe w/o in-person fitting but his english is pretty good and Italy is always a great place to be any time of year. Worth consideration.

Ride on! :banana: :banana: :banana:

[Roy E. Munson]

It must get awfully expensive having custom footwear made, I would guess. If one's feet are so structured that custom cycling shoe's are the only solution, then custom sneakers for running or gym work must be required, custom shoes if you are on your feet at work, custom shoes for any activity that requires one to be on their feet at all. I'm certainly thankful that I have fairly standard shaped feet and can fit one of the many off the shelf shoes on the market today.

[Kevin]

I agree with NateM. Do not try to create your own foot casting. There is too much margin for error. I drove two and 1/2 hours each way to have an authorized rep of Rocket7 perform the casting. This way if something goes wrong the company can't balme me.

Kevin

[merlinagilis]

There is a big difference between needing custom cycling shoes and needing custom walking shoes.
For one thing, most stock cycling shoes have a sole that is shaped a lot more than walking shoes, so if you have flat feet, cycling shoes are gonna hurt.
Also, you are applying a lot more force through your feet to the shoes while cycling vs. while walking, so you are pretty much mashing your feet into the shape of the cycling shoe..

[Roy E. Munson]

Interesting thoughts. I actually wonder if it's true or not. I don't know if it is or not, but walking, running, standing - all of these are activities that are 100% load bearing on your feet. In cycling, the weight is on your arse and saddle most of the time. Yes, your feet are under duress, but not as much as a few hours standing or running.

[jpw]

'...the weight is to the rear...' might have been a more cyclistic turn of phrase.

[jpw]

Feet are tough and can take plenty of hammering. However, they weren't designed for running on concrete or asphalt surfaces. That IS abusive. Interestingly though, when running on hard surfaces the jarring action directly stimulates the production of red blood cells in the marrow of the leg bones and thus aids better oxygen transportation around the body. It also stiffens the bones, which aids energy transfer. It also destroys ligaments, whch ends cycling as an enjoyable activity. Pick any two from three. :D

[Climb01742]

as was explained to me by the guy who made my footbeds, the forces at work inside a cycling shoe are very different from those at work inside a running/walking shoe. the foot moves in different ways. the forces are applied from different angles. my guy pointed out to me that we are justed to thinking of feet in only two dimensions--length and width. but feet move in 3 dimensions. and inside a cycling shoe there are some pretty powerful, complicated forces at work.

[David Kirk]

This has been great.....

Thanks for all the info about shoes. I've decided to try the Rocket 7's. I have lots of experience in fitting custom ski/snowboard boots and know a bit about how to make casts of a foot so I feel fairly confident that I can get a good mold.

And to the person who finds it funny that someone might have to spend everyday in slippers with electrical tape binding them.....(or in my case on Birkenstocks).......be good to your feet and don't take them for granted or you might just find out how funny it is first hand. I doubt you'll be laughing then.

Thanks again,

Dave

[jpw]

..it was i. I'm not aware of anyone with such slippery issues... it was merely a pictorial jest.

Your feet seem like a sore point. I hope you find a solution... to soothe it with. ;)

Why are yor feet apparently so bad? :confused: :D

[jpw]

This reminds me of my own foot problem. Until several years ago i had been observing a small wart slowly grow to become a VERY LARGE wart on the ball of my right foot. Eventually, and i don't recommend this, i decided to take action. I cut it out with nail clippers and the pointed end of a nail file. There was no blood and no open wound, just a knotted ball of layered skin (like the knott of a tree). It was painless... and engrossing. The foot healed perfectly. No infection, nothing. The wart never grew back.

[Luke]

Dave,

I've used the Superstocks for six months now and love them. The quality is top notch even though the finish may not be that of high-end mass produced shoes. The cleat placement and casting process worked for me unlike some of the other posters. Rocket7 also delivered on time. I would buy them again.

Regards,

Luke

[txrider]

Prior to having orthotics made by a podiatrist, I ordered Rocket 7 inserts. Did the fit kit, etc. Most uncomfortable inserts. Poorly made. My experience with this company was not very good.

Cheers

[bostondrunk]

based on looks and money, I'd rather be able to buy off the shelf, but I can't. The rocket 7's fit perfect. Hard not to when you take a complete cast of your foot (unless you screw up).

[David Kirk]

I ordered mine about a week ago..........now I'm hoping it rains so I won't be temped to ride in my old shoes.

Dave

Plus we REALLY need the rain.

[Kevan]

you can have our rain. Help yourself to it.

[David Kirk]

Can you do that ? how does that work ?

Dave

[Kevan]

you help yourself.

Enjoy the shoes. They makin'm snakebite proof?