PI winter shoes?

[Banjers51]

I know there has already been quite a bit of discussion about winter shoes, but I'm wondering if anyone has tried the Pearl Izumi Barrier GTX yet. I have a virtually new pair of Lakes, but they just don't fit my feet; had the same problem with Northwaves. My instep/arch are abnormally high--can barely get the Lakes on my feet and then they constrict across the arch. From what I've read, the PI shoes have a slightly more generous last, but I'm really getting tired of buying shoes that don't fit, so I was hoping for some advice/comments from y'all. Winter's on its way here in New England, and I'm freezing my toes on morning commutes...

Banjers51
"Putcher fangers on the strangs" E.Scruggs

[Z3c]

I have not ridden in these shoes but 3-4 guys I know have all bought them recently. All seem to really like them, say they are really warm. They run small meaning you will need a larger size than typical; from what I can gather, about 1.5 sizes larger than Specialized. Overall, these guys seem to really like them.

Scott

[gdw]

here's a discussion from another forum which might be useful.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=5087720&page=2&highlight=Pearl+Izumi+Barrier+GTX

If you're still interested, these guys are selling them at half the suggested retail price.

http://villagecycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=49710

[markie]

My Lakes have a voluminous toe-box.

From all accounts the Lakes should probably be your best bet. Do regular shoes fit you?

[Banjers51]

Thanks for all the quick and informative info. Problem with the Lakes is that I can just barely get them on due to the internal booty--can just barely get it open enough to squeeze my foot in. And this also creates problems with binding over the tops of my feet. The PI's shouldn't present the same problem since they have a speed lace system that usually allows for a more individualized fit.

I'm going to give the PI's a try, and will report back once I've put them to the test. Special thanks to gdw for the link to Village; just called them up and ordered a pair.

BTW, this means I've got a barely used pair (two rides) of Lakes for sale (size 44). I'll post them in the classified section in the next day or so, if anyone is interested.

Cheers,
Banjers51
"Putcher fangers on the strangs" E.Scruggs

[markie]

You could always get longer "laces" for the BOA system in the lakes. I think they are $20-$30 depending where you get them.

I wore my "laces" out and had to get replacements. They were easy to install and you cut your own length. I found the coated steel better than the kevlar.

You should be able to get more room to get your foot in, then.

[dekindy]

They appear to be SPD only compatible in case you did not notice and that is an issue.

[markie]

They appear to be SPD only compatible in case you did not notice and that is an issue.

There are two versions, road and MTB. :)

[dekindy]

There are two versions, road and MTB. :)

I thought so, too. There were four (The PI Barrier GTX were one of the four) winter boots profiled in Bicycling's recent addition. I assumed they were all road compatible but upon looking closer it appear three of the models have mountain shoe type soles and only one pair that has a flat sole that is SPD-SL/Look compatible.

But, the version that he is referencing that is on sale at Village Cycle only lists SPD compatibility. PI's website indicates SPD 2-bolt compatible only.

I just caught this when I reviewed the Village Cycle ad and wondered if anyone else could confirm or clarify for certain. Everything that I am seeing indicates SPD 2-bolt only.

[Birch]

here's a discussion from another forum which might be useful.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=5087720&page=2&highlight=Pearl+Izumi+Barrier+GTX

If you're still interested, these guys are selling them at half the suggested retail price.

http://villagecycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=49710


That's right down the block from me! Thanks!

[gdw]

You're welcome. Post a review after they're broken in.

[xjoex]

I got a pair of Shimano MW-02 winter shoes recently to replace my Diadora winter shoes. Oh good lord this shoes are nice. If you are in the market for winter shoes, check em' out.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jz4f840sc_c/STFj-5fCCkI/AAAAAAAABU0/n9bot62FhuY/s400/100_2866.JPG

-Joe