Budget Road Shoes and sizing

[AdrianS]

Hi,

I have used toe clips and straps for many years but fancy trying some proper shoes/cleats/pedals.

Dont want to spend much in case I dont get on with them.

Any suggestions as to what to get?

Also, how accurate are sizes? It would probably be cheaper to buy online so wont be able to try on for fit.

I am normally a Clarks shoe size 9, european 43/44 , but I have some Adidas Sambas which I had to buy size 11!

Cheers,

Adrian

 

[tjw_78]

I thinking about this too, but for mountain biking, so advice on that side too please! (sorry for hi-jacking the topic!)

 

[slowmotion]

I found that SPD shoe sizes are all over the place compared to regular trainers. I gave up trying to buy them on the internet after sending back two pairs that didn't fit. They tend to be quite narrow as well. If you have wide feet, North Wave are worth a look. Evans do them.

They say that Lidl shoes are good value, if you can find them.

Good luck.

 

[lejogger]

Wiggle sell the DHB road shoes for less than £50 - depending on your discount level this can come right down. I have a pair and they're very good for the money.
I've heard that there's a new model due out in Q3 so you may be able to pick them up discounted as end of line.

They have good reviews and sizing guides on the website

 

[funnymummy]

I bought a pair of Lidl cheapies when i first went clipless, £18 & a normal shoe size, but very heavy.
I then bought myself a pair of Northwave road shoes, still my normal shoe size - The Lidl's still get used for my more 'rugged' riding routes

 

[Glover Fan]

+1 for DHB R1s

 

[AdrianS]

Sounds like DHB are the shoes

what about pedals to suit ( for a road bike)??

 

[Glover Fan]

Wiggle had Shimano M520 spd pedals for £20 the other day.

 

[lejogger]

for the road shoes I have Look Keo 2 Max.

I have the carbon on my 'best' carbon bike and the composite on my commuter/tourer/winter 'everything else' bike. They're not hugely expensive - about £70 for the composite if you shop around.

You can get the Keo Easy for £40 if you're looking budget and they'll come with cleats.

Honestly, once you've got used to getting your weight right so you're not trying to get your left foot our whilst leaning right and unclipping at lights without a comedy slo-mo fall, you'll never look back!

 

[Fast_Mark]

Have a look over at your local Sports Direct. I was ably to pick up some Muddy Fox branded shoes there for something like £25.00 and there're miles better than anything I've seen in Lidl or Aldi. Have lasted me a winter of commuting and they still look as good as new.

Like yourself I didn't want to go spending the earth on kit only to find I didn't get on with it. As it goes though I wouldn't look back now and am thinking of picking up some egg beaters to shave the weight (currently running A520s) and some Shimano M076s

 

[smokeysmoo]

I've used Shimano, Northwave, Sidi and Lake and I always find I have to buy one size higher, not always easy to find a great selection either when you are a UK12 as standard! Buying online can get pricey if you have to start sending shoes back and paying for return P&P.

I have pretty wide feet too, but my Lake shoes and Northwave boots are both very good, allbe it a size bigger than normal. The Sidi Genius 5's I used to have were from their Mega range and these are specifically designed for wide feet.

 

[Nebulous]

I've bought pretty much everything the cheapest I could find - except my road shoes. I bought a pair of specialised BG elite shoes from Edinburgh Bicycle in their sale. Surprisingly I needed a size bigger than normal so getting fitted was worth the difference in my opinion.

 

[Domestique]

If you have a Decathlon near by to you, imo they are worth a look and normaly have something in the budget range.
First set of shoes its worth trying a few on if you can.

 

[Lien Sdrawde]

Agree with getting some, it was a big help to me - i got Lidl's spd's last year. I agree with the comments that they may be narrow also. A good few 100 miles into thier use and my lidls arent that comfy. I feel ive given them enough time to bed in and I am now considering an upgrade. Hope that helps. Neil.

 

[postman]

Go to a decent shop.Try some on.I have just bought a pair of Spesh shoes.Size 47 (13) but my old Shimano were 48.Once you have found a pair,scour the 'net' for the same or as i did get cheeky and see if you can get a discount,i offered up my ctc membership card and got 10% off.Good hunting.