Which shoes

Do you have fat... erm... wide feet?

I do, so went looking for something that was a little wider. It was a while back now, but when I was still racing bought a pair of Northwave carbon MTB shoes. I also have a pair of Gaerne carbon shoes for the road. Both these are very comfy am sure the stiffness really helps. When you are riding that is... there's nothing worse than blowing up in a marathon and having to walk hills in shoes that don't bend - bear that in mind

Of course, the pros will tell you Sidi is the brand to buy. I know loads of discerning riders who love their Sidi shoes, but I've never actually owned a pair.

I guess it depends if you want to take a punt on-line or not? Because if not, the choice really comes down to what your LBS(s) have.

Edit: Oh... of course we should probably ask, what are you wearing now? Is there something about your current brand that's stopping you from just moving up to a carbon pair from them?

If you can get the Specilalixed shoes with the BOA - light comfortable - if anything maybe they are a little cold in winter given how much ventalation they have.

If not specialized the SIDI's have come right down in weight and as
Gazza said are bomb proof.

Remember shoe weight is important - the amount of times your shoes goes round and round defintely adds to fatigue.

As Rob says, if you go carbon soles, make sure there is sme rubber traction tread or spikes available otherwise hike a bike sections become very difficult.

+1 for the s-works Boa's, I recently picked up two pairs (road and MTB) and they are the most comfortable shoes I've had and nice and light. I have average fit shoes and they suit me very nicely. Bastards to walk in though because of the stiff soles, I still use my Shimano's anytime there's going to be much walking

I recently went for some Mavic Furys. After the first few rides bedding them in they have been excellent. Comfortable, light and very stiff. That being said I am not looking forward for C2C Day 1's walk section of Heartbreak hill

How come $10 worth of carbon ends up in a $100 price increase to a shoe?

Stiff shoes feel more efficient, Mtb shoes also need to be able to be walked in. Wider foot, I like specialized, shimano in one size further up - but more importantly, it has to be comfortable

@Smiley... you may not have noticed, but the OP is in Perth

Please let's not get off topic about that either

I've had a couple of different Specialized shoes and swear by them. My top of the line bling carbon ones from about 5 years back won't die despite my best efforts and still feel like a pair of slippers. I have a wide foot and I recall they were uncomfortable for the first few months then seemed to stretch to suit my feet and have been gold ever since.

I currently use Sidi Dragon 3 and had the same problem where they are a bit tight in the back half of an enduro as my feet swell but unlike the Specialized they haven't stretched so I endure a little discomfort. The plastic/neoprene screw on bits on the base have not worn at all well and make the shoes look a lot older than what they are.

Next time I'd go back to specialized.

I have regular width feet but own a pair of sidi s-pro 43 keep forgetting spesh makes shoes I'll have a look at em my sidi should last but it's good to have a spare set just in case you get caught in a down pour or worse they break