C[omp]ute

From: andrew cooke <andrew@...>

Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2023 10:53:37 -0400

My old Shimano CX shoes started to separate from the sole (making
unclipping difficult).  The Adidas gravel shoes were on offer from
199.990 to 139.990 (60% off) and when I added an offer code I found
via google I got them down to around 103.000 (CLP), which seemed like
a reasonable price, so I bought a pair.

Since they are only available online I neded to guess the size.  I
have two pairs of adidas trainers - size 10.5 and 10 US.  Since I
thought a cycling shoe should be a fairy snug fit I ordered size 10
and it seems fine.  My feet are perhaps slightly wider than normal,
and they are still comfortable (but don't want to be any smaller!).

They are black with white stripes and they look awfully like football
boots.  The white stripe is a bit much for a cycling shoe IMHO, but
that was the only choice in stock.

I've just come back from a ride and they seem fine.  The elastic strip
to trap the laces could be higher, but works.  They're the most
comfortable to walk in cycling shoes that I've owned and the soles are
deep enough to avoid "clicking" on ceramic floors.  The sole seems
very rigid (no hot spot, but I have never had problems with that).
They're easy to clip in, but if you don't the "arch" area is very hard
and slippy, so you can easily slide off the pedal.

Some other reviews mentioned that they are not well ventilated.  I was
hoping that might mean that they were warm, but they didn't seem any
warmer than my previous shoes.  The "sock" is really just a collar
round the ankle and doesn't cause any problems, but I wonder how
stretchy it will stay after a few years of use.

So far they seem fine, but I wouldn't have wanted to pay full price...

Andrew