The Empires were attractive as they dispensed with all the lace/clamp/crank silliness and permit straightforward tying of shoes.
But despite the Giro Empire's overall fit, on longer rides my toes were cramped. As mileage increased each month I was dealing with ingrown toenails.
So the search began for quality replacement with slightly more toe room without having to settle for a sloppy fit (and the worst -- a loose heel).
Before long it became very clear that shoe sizes for cycling shoes are nowhere near standard. Sizing was inconsistent and completely unpredictable.
.
Iv'e bought dress shoes and sneakers online in US Men's 10.5 D width for years. They arrive, I try them on, they fit.
Not so with cycling shoes.
Fizik Infinito R1
The first replacements I tried was the highly regarded Fizik Infinito R1.
I really wanted these to fit.
Alas, they did not. A size down would likely not work, as there were snug as well as loose areas.
These shoes just weren't made for my foot. I reluctantly sent them back.
Louis Garneau Course Air Lite II
I like Louis Garneau products. First, he's Quebecois, from Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, a few miles from my childhood haunts in Ste Foy.
Second, I've come to rely on the fit and finish of Garneau jerseys, bibs, and even socks (though
Pactimo has my top spot for bibshorts --
Mille pardon, Louis!)
 |
| LG Course Air Lite II |
And third, Louis Garneau knows cycling. He's an Olympian and continues to ride and support cycling throughout Quebec.
So I had high hopes for LG's high end shoe offering.
Unfortunately, these size 10.5 were too big.
In addition, I was not a fan of the plastic feel of the upper material. I know no one uses leather anymore, but at least try to mimic the soft, moldable feel of leather. Instead, these felt more like ski boots. That's fine, but just not for me.
The color was also off, in a weird lipstick red that just didn't match the catalog image.
I sent these back reluctantly.
The search continued.
Bont Helix
Bont shoes are different. The Australian company's roots are in inline skating, but they saw the need for cycling shoes that connected the rider to the bike. The concept is sound. The shoes have moldable soles that are very stiff and cradle the foot. The uppers are strengthened with Kevlar to avoid stretch.
They were well made but lacked the sophisticated fit and finish of the Giros and Fiziks. The stack height of any cleat would have been the lowest of any shoes (I did not mount cleats but looking at the cleat mount position relative to other shoes it was clear these were meant for direct connection to pedals).
The single Boa strap concept is intriguing, but in trying thes eon I found the top of the Boa tightened long before the forefoot portion. perhaps use and break-in would change this.
The shoes did not fit, and in fact had a rather annoying padd on the tongue that pressed against the top of my foot ("Extensor Retinaculum") and would have been unbearable in short order.
I really wanted to like these shoes. They seemed built for pure speed, and looked slick and did not crush my toes. But they just did not feel good on my feet. So off they went.
Lake 237
My first order was for Lake's high-end shoe in size 10.5 in white. the shoes arrived and looked and felt positively sublime.
White cycling shoes are super classy, but I've never had a pair because I just know they'll get dirty and look awful in a month. The Lake 10.5 was comfortable, but loose. I absolutely cannot bear loose cycling shoes (if I could mount a set of Look red arc cleats to the balls of my feet tied down with 2" steel banding straps I'd be fine).
So -- yet again -- I reluctantly sent these back BUT requested a pair in size 10 D in black.
They arrived.
I slipped them on.
Love.
These should be described as "Cycling Moccasins."
I finally took them out for a ride (28 miles with a few hills) which is pretty dumb, since every new shoe requires a bit of break in (my set-in-their-ways muscles and tendons get used to position within millimeters and complain about any change).
These shoes felt comfortable, I felt connected, and before long forgot I was wearing new shoes.
Until I tried to wiggle my toes and I could! I could feel the ball of my foot fully engaged with the footbed. I could shift my foot inside just enough to ensure circulation was uninhibited.
Eventually I will replace the insoles (the Lake-provided insoles are thin).
I was wearing my normal uber-thin socks and the shoes were fine. The Boas were eeasy to manipulate, and I appreciated the micro loosening as well as tightening.
So my new go-to shoes are the Lake 237 in size 10 D, black. They may not be for everyone, but I think these are the best higher-end mass-produced shoes for my feet.
Long term review to follow.
