What is your fav road shoe and why?

[torelli]

Originally Posted by Seramount

been riding a pair of Giro Empire for ~6.5 years (44K miles). after using various velcro/BOA types, was prepared to hate the laces, but they basically were a non-issue.

stiff soles, narrow enough for my spaghetti-shaped feet, and have a cool reflective coating (but I never ride at night, so not really a bonus for me).

they're pretty beat up at this point, but are still usable. have a brand-new pair that I scored on sale sitting in the closet, so when it's time for new kicks, I'm all set.

I have had two pair of Empires myself, the slx version and hands down the best shoes I have used in 30 years of riding. Like you I have narrow feet and every shoe I have used I would have to tighten the boa dials or velcro straps all the way to get a snug fit. With laces this isn't a problem. Sure it's a little extra time to tie them but once you get them dialed in as far as how tight to tie them they are the best. Great looking shoes too, imo.

[.RJ]

Giro Prolight Techlace/Imperial

Feels so comfortable, light, like they're not there and very well vented. Not a stiff sprinter shoe though.

[Matthew]

I need help.

[ggdave]

I have wide feet so I like shoes with dual boas on each shoe because I can adjust the fit for both the bottom and upper parts of the foot. A recent tip I picked up from this forum is to get a shoe stretcher as another way to fine tune the fit.

[rlanger]

Another Lake lover here. CX301 for me. At like 185gr per shoe, probably one of the lightest out there, and by far the most comfortable I've owned.

Previously wore the S-Works 6 and they just didn't work for me at all. The only good thing that came out of those shoes was getting the Specialized inserts, which I still use in the Lakes.

If you've got wide feet, Lake's may be the best option out there.

[merckx]

I also use Lake shoes. I've used them all reaching back to Detto Pietro.

[herb5998]

I enjoyed the earlier S works models (S works 4 2010, S Works 5 2014). They served me well for quite a long time and fit me nicely. The change on the 6 and 7 didn't agree with me, I think more due to the upper being less stretchy with the Dyneema, and the length sizing seemed to be just a hair shorter.

Current favorites are some Lake CX302s, very lightweight, comfy upper, and very breathable in hot weather. I have them in size 45 Wide, which Lake recommended, though my foot width sits right on the edge of the normal/wide lasts.

[jadmt]

Would be so nice if all shoes manufacturers had consistent sizing. Found a close out pair of lake cx1 carbon for good price but not returnable. I am literally between a 46 and 47 in shimano rc3 and am a 45.5 in specialized recon 2.0 i wonder if i would be safe ordering the cx1 carbon in 45.5? Anybody have lakes and shimanos to compare sizing?

[bob_in_pa]

Originally Posted by jadmt

Would be so nice if all shoes manufacturers had consistent sizing. Found a close out pair of lake cx1 carbon for good price but not returnable. I am literally between a 46 and 47 in shimano rc3 and am a 45.5 in specialized recon 2.0 i wonder if i would be safe ordering the cx1 carbon in 45.5? Anybody have lakes and shimanos to compare sizing?

Lake has a size guide that actually works. Give it a try before you order. I have the cx1 carbon and couldn’t be happier. They are the most comfortable cycling shoes I’ve ever owned.

-Bob

[jadmt]

Originally Posted by bob_in_pa

Lake has a size guide that actually works. Give it a try before you order. I have the cx1 carbon and couldn’t be happier. They are the most comfortable cycling shoes I’ve ever owned.

-Bob

I decided to take the chance on them. $115 with shipping. they do not have the next size down so if too big won't be able to do an exchange but have the next size up so if too small I can. I am on the bleeding edge of the size chart

[Likes2ridefar]

Originally Posted by bob_in_pa

Lake has a size guide that actually works. Give it a try before you order. I have the cx1 carbon and couldn’t be happier. They are the most comfortable cycling shoes I’ve ever owned.

-Bob

I learned I should use a wide shoe in the 2 series after using Lakes size guide. I had never worn any shoe in a wide width regardless if cycling or off the bike and I still don’t unless you count Altra Lonepeak trail shoes. The wide lakes made such an immediate difference in comfort! I was able to size down a half size helping place the cleat in a better position.

[ssb94]

Giro Imperial. I've generally found Giro fits my foot really well, and Imperials check all the boxes: super comfortable upper, rock solid sole (s/o Easton EC90; i like the old Factor Techlace for the same reason), incredibly light, and breathable. Unfortunately they aren't very durable. The finish on the upper tends to peel and I've had issues with the BOA dials. Unfortunately Giro doesn't sell the boa base (the part sewn into the shoe, not the dial - boa is great about replacements), so my current ones are toast. Will grab another pair if I find them lightly used, but hard to justify the MSRP

[jadmt]

Originally Posted by bob_in_pa

Lake has a size guide that actually works. Give it a try before you order. I have the cx1 carbon and couldn’t be happier. They are the most comfortable cycling shoes I’ve ever owned.

-Bob

thanks I just put 40 miles on my new pair of cx1's on their maiden voyage and they are very comfortable.

[saab2000]

Originally Posted by Matthew

I need help.

Same. I will only use SIDI.

I can finish a 1 hour ride or a 6 hour ride and my feet aren’t aching and bringing tears to my eyes. Plus, they’re great quality and durable. I also clean mine and air them out between rides, including taking out the insole. I rotate through two pair and they’re a decade old, at least.

[chismog]

Originally Posted by Matthew

I need help.

Sidi for me too. I've been using some version of the Genius since it came out. They fit me well, super comfortable, as much performance as I need, and they last for a long time.

My secret is that I don't even buy new ones. The design really hasn't changed much in decades, so buying a particular year isn't important to me. I just wait to find a mostly-fresh looking used pair in my size and pounce.