shoes

[sherpaxc]

I have Lake 185's.  Love them for general riding and light touring.  They are a bit pricey though (especially since QBP doesn't carry them anymore).  Has anyone tried the Pearl Izumi lace up ones?  I saw Ethan P. using them on the CTR but I never heard back from him (because he's do dang fast!) about how he liked/disliked them.

[sean salach]

for clipless shoes i'm a velcro devotee. easy on, easy off. frozen fingers, dead tired, it's never a hassle to remove shoes held on by two or three velcro straps...

[rocky rode]

I recently picked up a pair of Pearl Izumi X-Alps.  It's a lace up shoe with a velcro strap at the top where the shoes tie.  They are higher than normal shoes and give your ankles a little extra rock protection.  A side benefit of the higher top as well as the foam around it is that my shoes fill up with debris much less than before.  I've worn the racer type shoes for years, Sidi, Pearls, Lakes, etc. and got tired of the slick soles and sketchy feeling when hike-a-biking.  I'm really impressed with these shoes.  The soles seem plenty stiff ( I weigh 140) and as soon as I put my foot down in a sketchy section I notice a difference in traction and stability.  They look like light hikers and the sole is pretty similar too.  I'd recommend them if you do a fair amount of hike-a-biking.  On a longish tour this would be the only pair of shoes you'd need.  I won't be hauling my Crocs anymore unless it's a road tour.  Nashbar is (was) blowing them out for 50.00.

Gary

[sherpaxc]

Thanks for the info.  My Lakes are awesome for hike a biking (which I do plenty of since I ride a SS) but are rather expensive (to me).  I really want to find some super light weight/low cut gaitors to keep the junk out of my shoes.

[Pivvay]

Thanks for the info.  My Lakes are awesome for hike a biking (which I do plenty of since I ride a SS) but are rather expensive (to me).  I really want to find some super light weight/low cut gaitors to keep the junk out of my shoes.

As long as you sew the gaitors on, I bet the Montbell or REI softshell shorty gaitors would do the trick.

I just picked up a pair of Specialized's low end show for hike-a-bike fests. I don't have much time in them yet but after doing the CTR in Sidi's...never again.

[ScottM]

I'm glad to see a topic on shoes.  I need some new hike-a-bike-ish shoes, and have been eying the Pearl Izumi shoes as well.

I really want to find some super light weight/low cut gaitors to keep the junk out of my shoes.

I'd like to experiment with gaiters as well.  I've many times found myself out on a trip wishing I had something along those lines, but for whatever reason I've never owned or tried any.

Here's one thought:

http://simblissity.net/levagaiter.htm

These are made by Brett Tucker, the creator of the Grand Enchantment Trail.  Brett has be very supportive of our efforts to explore his "hiking" route, and his one man shop produces some nice products.  I haven't tried the levagaiters, but they look pretty good.

[blackwood]

I'd like to experiment with gaiters as well.  I've many times found myself out on a trip wishing I had something along those lines, but for whatever reason I've never owned or tried any.

Here's one thought:

http://simblissity.net/levagaiter.htm

These are made by Brett Tucker, the creator of the Grand Enchantment Trail.  Brett has be very supportive of our efforts to explore his "hiking" route, and his one man shop produces some nice products.  I haven't tried the levagaiters, but they look pretty good.

Hi Scott, as regards those gaiters, Integral Designs make a very nice looking pair at 70g,

http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=765

and then check this out, the motherload of lightweight gaiters,

http://www.argear.com/adventure-racing-gaiters.html

those Simblissity ones look cool though, and supporting a small business is always a worthwhile thing.

[jido]

I have the PE ex alps.  I am going to replace the shoe laces w/ a bungee set for easy on/easy off.  They hike well.  I got them on sale (seems to be a major factor for my gear buying decisions!)
If you could find a velcro version I would go for that
J

[sean salach]

I recently picked up a pair of Pearl Izumi X-Alps.  ..............
Gary

gary, how does the sizing run on those? i'm usually a 13 but can only find up to 12.5. if they're a little roomy, they look decent(laces aside).

[rocky rode]

I wear a 43.5 in my old Sidis.  I wear a 42 in four year old Pearl Izumi, I think my Lakes were a 42.  My Pearl Izumi X- Alps are a 43 and they fit great.  I have room to wear a thicker sock for cold weather, I think.  PI shoes from three to four years ago were smaller than they are today.  Weird!  So, I'd guess if you are wearing Lakes go up one size. Worst case scenario you'll have to trade 'em for one size up or down, let us know what works for you compared to what you now use.

 Why can't ALL shoe companies make their sizing the same?

Gary 

[Goatrak]

I've been riding/hikabiking in Diadoras for 8 yrs now. I was just looking at them the other day and thinking that the souls had not held up too well (intact but kind of chewed up), but I guess its been.... 8 yrs. So I guess I'd say they've worked well and are comfortable when walking/hiking is required. The tops barely show any wear. I just looked at Diadora's site and their current version is named the Venture (allterrain). Looks like they've changed the soul some, but otherwise very similar to my old ones.

[conifir]

i picked up from l.l.bean a pair of water sandles.......the kind that protect your toes........
i have been using these shoes all summer for my rides............i find that my feet are comfortable......
have no problems........i also picked up some storm socks from rei last year to keep my feet warm when it starts to get cold.........will see how this works as the weather starts to get colder...........i have tried using neoprene socks when it snows and they have kept my feet very warm..........

[DaveC]

I sew a bit of velcro into the back of my trail gaiters, and glue a piece on the back of my trail runners.  Works great.

Haven't seen the need to do so on bike shoes, but I'm sure it'd work fine.

[ScottM]

I wear a 43.5 in my old Sidis.  I wear a 42 in four year old Pearl Izumi, I think my Lakes were a 42.  My Pearl Izumi X- Alps are a 43 and they fit great.  I have room to wear a thicker sock for cold weather, I think.  PI shoes from three to four years ago were smaller than they are today.  Weird!  So, I'd guess if you are wearing Lakes go up one size. Worst case scenario you'll have to trade 'em for one size up or down, let us know what works for you compared to what you now use.

Hey Gary,

Thanks for the tip on the X-alps.  I ordered a pair of the '07 version (not as cheap as Nashbar, but hey) and so far I really like them.

My foot is about a 43, but in my Lakes I wear a 44 due to the custom orthodic I use.  For the X-alps I ordered a 45 and they seem to be just right--they fit very similar to the Lakes.  So your advice of going one up from Lakes was right on.

I'll be using them in a short trip this week, followed by a longer one next week.  I'll have some more feedback them, but so far so good.