Shoes

Specialized’s Stumpy are basically old school trainers given the body geometry treatment and would suit those who find conventional designs offering insufficient support. Marketed as a “Podium shoe” these crisp looking retro shoes feature supple leather uppers which are ideal for day long mooching and offer surprisingly good ventilation-my feet remained dry and odour free despite several hours worn with nylon socks (nice - ed).

The market for cycling specific sandals isn't exactly crowded and the main alternatives, from Shimano and Stelvio, look more like traditional open sandals. These pleasingly chunky and robust Lake I/Os buck that trend by looking more like a perforated leisure shoe.

Decathlon’s R700 are ideal for wallet conscious racers or those looking for a high performance training shoes. Compared with the latest generation of shoes dripping in carbon composites, they seem technologically modest with their mesh and faux leather uppers but this is largely forgotten aboard the bike, where the performance outstrips the price.

When I saw the Dromarti Race Shoes in a photograph I thought they were the answer to my prayers, a shoe made of real leather looking identical to those worn by my heroes of yesteryear, Merckx, Coppi et al, but updated to suit modern pedals.

Suffice to say that, when I got my hands on these hand-made Italian leather cycling shoes, my prayers were more than answered.

So on to the shoes.

Opening the shoebox for the first time I dicovered the contents were wrapped in a protective fabric drawstring bag, I knew they were going to be special.

These trainer type SPD shoes from dhb strike an excellent balance between style, comfort and performance. Black suede/Codura uppers with subtle reflective detailing compliment anything in the cycling or civilian wardrobes whilst providing a little extra nocturnal security. A broader profile ensures day-long comfort, they'll work with clips and straps but not your overshoes.  

If your feet suffer on Winter rides then it's worth getting an insulated boot to keep the chill off your toes. Shimano's RW80 is certainly one to look at, with a full Gore-Tex Duratherm liner it will keep the rain and the cold out.

The MT90 has been a stalwart shoe in Shimano's range for many years now, and I'm basing my comments here not just on the new pair I've had to test but my long-suffering three-and-a-half year old pair that have been pressed into service for pretty much every type of riding I can think of, save for road racing.

These mountain bike/touring shoes came into the road.cc offices a couple of weeks ago and they've pretty much been on my feet ever since. So far my feet aren't complaining.