Do shoes make a difference?

You bring up an interesting consideration, Nick. One could argue that you couldn't pedal hard for a significant period of time and remain comfortable unless the fit and stiffness -- and, it follows, power transfer properties -- of the shoe weren't already close to ideal for you.

There are a number of shoes out there that are stiff as anything, and theoretically, the stiffer and more snug-fitting a shoe is, the more pure power-transfer you're enjoying, but that's worthless if the rigidity or shape tweaks your nerves and makes your foot go numb, cramp up, or ache.

There are probably other shoes out there that would suit you, and maybe even strike you as more efficient, comfortable and all-out cool than your Duigis. If you'd like to hunt for them, you should go for it. New stuff is fun. On the other hand, it sounds like you might just end up riding those Duigis until the fall to pieces, which is just fine!

As Lokstah implies, comfort is the crucial factor. I've ridden for years on Carnac Jalabert's (simple 3 strap closure and carbon sole) but bought a nice pair of Sidi Energy's that were overloaded with different technologies: ratchet mechanism, tension dials, sole rigidity thingy. All wasted because I couldn't get on with the fit and feel. Buy a new pair of shoes by all means but don't expect your riding to improve as a result.

I recently replaced a 10 year old pair of Sidi shoes with some new Shimano's with carbon soles. The first day I road to work with the new shoes my normal 29.5 - 30 minutes ride dropped to below 28 mins.
Coincidence? maybe, but I'm using that to justify spending $250 on shoes.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by eric_the_red
I recently replaced a 10 year old pair of Sidi shoes with some new Shimano's with carbon soles. The first day I road to work with the new shoes my normal 29.5 - 30 minutes ride dropped to below 28 mins.
Coincidence? maybe, but I'm using that to justify spending $250 on shoes.

Hey, justify away. Sometimes the pleasure and excitement alone brought on by new stuff is enough to make you a more energetic rider. Provided, of course, the stuff works, which it sounds like your new Shimanos do. New well-fitting shoes can be pretty motivating.

What model Shimanos did you get? They've got two models currently on the shelves with carbon soles, a nice one and a really nice one. I'm considering replacing my Pearl Izumis at the end of the year. Which ones did you pick up, and what are they like?

I've got nice, stiff carbon shoes, and "soft" plastic shoes. The stiff ones are much more efficient, and much more comfortable on a long ride.

The stiff shoes do need to be put on right, or you start to get a little numb.

Aside from that, I think the real question is, "are you happier and do you enjoy your ride more?" Who cares if you are more efficient (unless you are racing, or your setup physically hurts), enjoy it and have a good time. I like to treat myself to new bike gizmos, but it isn't to be faster (I need the bloody excercise), it is to get me on the thing more.

The ratchets are handy -- tighten for a climb or short run, then loosen as your foot swells later, etc.

Here's a question... why does everyone go with such thin socks?? I use thick ones since I have narrow feet and need a slightly larger shoe to handle the length of my feet.

Thanks everyone for all the responses! I'm going to stick with my Duigi's til they fall apart. Not sure what I'll do after that though. Can anyone recommend some simple, classic cycling shoes with maybe some modern updates? Like Carbon sole with thin leather upper and velcro? (No Ratchets) Years ago I had a conversation with a wizend old cycling dude about shoes. He said, "We used to buy leather cycling shoes and to break them in we'd soak them in a mixture of water and alcohol. Then take them for a ride on a brutally hot day until the shoes completely dried. Then you had the perfect fit."
...Those are the shoes I'm looking for! Comfort is everything - Thanks!

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Nick-NH
Can anyone recommend some simple, classic cycling shoes with maybe some modern updates? Like Carbon sole with thin leather upper and velcro?

Well, the pair I've been using for a year and a half now fits that description, except for the leather bit. Pearl Izumi Vapers -- lightweight, minimalist, and simple, with a one-piece fabric top and a triple velcro strap system.

There are other good ones, of course, but do check these out. Nice if they fit.

I'm showing these posts / testimonials to my wife to justify my craving for new shoes!

If she wants me to get home faster from work then I better get new shoes!

Thanks guys.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by manilacyclist
I'm showing these posts / testimonials to my wife to justify my craving for new shoes!

If she wants me to get home faster from work then I better get new shoes!

Thanks guys.

Tell her I just showed my wife a Cannondale Six13 with Record and she was totally excited for me! Then tell her that after that, I'm not going to push the shoe issue... :-)

LOL!

....but hey you know what Nick, it might just work...

LOL!

I think not. If ever I get a new bike my wife'll use it to bonk my head!

Thanks.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by manilacyclist
LOL!

....but hey you know what Nick, it might just work...

LOL!

I think not. If ever I get a new bike my wife'll use it to bonk my head!

Thanks.

HA! Ok, better to just show her the first part of this post then!
:-)

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by lokstah
What model Shimanos did you get? They've got two models currently on the shelves with carbon soles, a nice one and a really nice one. I'm considering replacing my Pearl Izumis at the end of the year. Which ones did you pick up, and what are they like?

These ones;
http://bike.shimano.com/Footwear_Pedals/footwear/componenttemplate.asp?partnumber=SH-R125.

So far I like them, lots of room in the front, comfy insoles and easy adjustment with the ratchet. I've done one 100 km ride so far with no foot pain, and like I said earlier I feel faster. Of course that could be just 'new toy excitement', or more likely it's the fact that my feet don't hurt any more.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by GuyStevens
As Lokstah implies, comfort is the crucial factor. I've ridden for years on Carnac Jalabert's (simple 3 strap closure and carbon sole) but bought a nice pair of Sidi Energy's that were overloaded with different technologies: ratchet mechanism, tension dials, sole rigidity thingy. All wasted because I couldn't get on with the fit and feel. Buy a new pair of shoes by all means but don't expect your riding to improve as a result.

Carnac Jalaberts work for me.
great fit - very comfortable.

Don't be a wuss. There's nothing wrong with having better adjustability, etc. I find that I have to fiddle with the stupid velco straps mid-ride to tighten them up WAY more than I need to use the ratchet.

Try out the Sidi Genius 4. Added benefit... they are BLACK and low key unlike some of these insanely colorful things.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by eric_the_red
These ones;
http://bike.shimano.com/Footwear_Pedals/footwear/componenttemplate.asp?partnumber=SH-R125.

So far I like them, lots of room in the front, comfy insoles and easy adjustment with the ratchet. I've done one 100 km ride so far with no foot pain, and like I said earlier I feel faster. Of course that could be just 'new toy excitement', or more likely it's the fact that my feet don't hurt any more.

Oooh, those are the nice ones... glad to hear they feel good to you. Maybe I'll give them a looksee at some point.

Speaking of shoes: so it's been raining here in Boston all day. I come trudging back into my apartment building in tonight, a bit tired, drenched, and ready for a cup of tea. I live on the fourth floor and the elevator is too small for the bike (old, old building). I going up the stairs, wearing my road shoes, carrying the bike, and I think I almost killed myself about five times. Slip. Slide. I was like a dog trying to walk on ice. Doing the splits and banging up the bike. What a nightmare!

I know a couple people who prefer mountain bike shoes for the flex and ease in walking. I never thought much about the idea until now. Anybody have thoughts? On maybe a shoe that has a big front tread to stand on instead on the cleat? (my Look cleats have a small rubber spot in the middle, but it was mostly useless) Rear tread doesn't help navigating polished stone steps in wet shoes!!! I guess it's no big deal, and I probably need to stretch more anyway...

Yikes. Well, I can only say that conventional road shoes with Speedplay cleats, which I've been using for a long time, are an awful walking combination. I fall every now and then, too.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by tcklyde
Speaking of shoes: so it's been raining here in Boston all day. I come trudging back into my apartment building in tonight, a bit tired, drenched, and ready for a cup of tea. I live on the fourth floor and the elevator is too small for the bike (old, old building). I going up the stairs, wearing my road shoes, carrying the bike, and I think I almost killed myself about five times. Slip. Slide. I was like a dog trying to walk on ice. Doing the splits and banging up the bike. What a nightmare!

I know a couple people who prefer mountain bike shoes for the flex and ease in walking. I never thought much about the idea until now. Anybody have thoughts? On maybe a shoe that has a big front tread to stand on instead on the cleat? (my Look cleats have a small rubber spot in the middle, but it was mostly useless) Rear tread doesn't help navigating polished stone steps in wet shoes!!! I guess it's no big deal, and I probably need to stretch more anyway...

Try some Koolcovers for your Look cleats, they are rubber and slip over the cleats. makes walking much easier, and protects the cleat.