dhb Dorica Road Shoe

The dhb Dorica Road Shoes represent good value. Taking either two-bolt or three-bolt cleats (caveats apply), with well-thought-out features, for the money they are a good option. Be mindful sizes run large, though.

• Pros: 2 or 3-bolt cleats, adjustability of laces, looks
• Cons: Not for colder/wetter weather, no reflectives, 'pontoons' hard to source & could cause issues

The Dorica shoe harks back to yesteryear with its laces and lack of high-visibility or reflectivity. Coming in black or white, these are the cycling equivalent of a Little Black Dress or black polo-neck sweater, and will pair with just about any cycling apparel.

Further enhancing their utility is the ability to take either two-bolt or three-bolt cleats, putting a firm stamp of approval on the increasing use of mountain bike-style SPD pedals for road cycling. There's absolutely nowt wrong with two-bolt cleats for use on the road, and the science is not settled yet on subjects such as 'hot foot' or other pains being predominantly the domain of one cleat design or the other. And for some applications a three-bolt cleat is clearly a non-starter – where you need to walk a distance in your cycling shoes, or anywhere off tarmac.

With an increasing trend towards bikes as much at home on gravel or bridleway as tarmac, a shoe able to take two-bolt cleats appeals to a much wider market. In order to run two-bolt cleats, though, dhb says: "MTB SPD cleat mount option (requires pontoons, not included)." These pontoons provide lateral stability and grip when walking with a relatively narrow two-bolt cleat under the shoe. A drawback here is that Wiggle doesn't sell them, so you have to buy elsewhere, adding roughly 20 per cent to the cost of the Dorica.

Shimano's SM-SH40 adapter costs about £15, and fits to a two/three-hole shoe, providing support outboard of the cleat to aid walking. Reviews of these are very mixed, the rubberised area seeming not to last long at all. If you want stability and longevity you might be better off looking at a dedicated two-bolt shoe with rubberised support around the cleat.

Room to move

The sizing of the Doria runs large. I'm typically a 45 in cycling shoes; the ones I tested were a 44, and I was able to wear them for hours at a stretch with a thick winter merino sock (the excellent De Feet Woolie Boolie. The toe box in particular feels roomy, a real boon for those with poor circulation like myself. With Wiggle's excellent free returns policy, you should have no problem finding a pair that fit.

The major feature of the Dorica are the laces – there's an increasing trend for a return to laces as an infinitely-adjustable, low-cost and indeed retro-looking closure solution. If you don't feel a need to adjust your shoes mid-ride, you should consider laces over Velcro or the much pricier Boa wire systems.

The Doricas solve the one major drawback of laces – getting them caught in your chain – by including an elasticated 'lace retainer' halfway down the tongue that they can tuck into. The detailing extends to 'dhb' being printed on the lace ends. The laces pull easily through the metal eyelets, making micro-adjustments easy. The tongue itself is padded down the centre for even tension distribution.

Underneath, a basic nylon sole will be stiff enough for most riders, but walking traction is limited as there are no rubberised inserts on the raised sections at heel or toe. The Dorica definitely leans towards warmer weather, with three mesh-covered vents in the sole. These could be taped over on the inside for winter riding.

The insole is a basic thin item, with no arch support to speak of. While I didn't feel the need, others might desire a more supportive insole.

The synthetic upper is well assembled, the stitching feels quality and the overall impression is of a more expensive shoe. There are many ventilation holes along the top, and muted dhb logos side and rear. No reflectives adorn the Dorica, so commuters might want to consider adding a blingy something now the science is in on moving legs being the best place to highlight your presence to motorists.

Cycling shoes are much like saddles: there's little correlation between cost, comfort and overall value. The Dorica has an RRP of £70 but can frequently be found for less at Wiggle (earlier, they were less than £50, currently they're £67).

I found them to be a perfectly adequate, comfortable shoe for rides up to four hours. I tend to run a bit cold, so the ability to wear a thicker sock was welcome. That's not to say you couldn't ride in them all day – but feet/shoes being such an individual aspect, all I can say is I had no problems.

> Buyer's Guide: 8 of the best cheap cycling shoes

At £70 or less, there's less risk than most in losing out financially if you find they don't suit long-term. Using laces means if, in midsummer, I need to go for a thin sock, there should be no issue getting a snug fit, while the roomy toe box and three vents should aid cooling/comfort.

Overall, if you like laces, use three-bolt cleats – or accept a two-bolt setup without needing walkability – the Dorica could be the shoe for you.

Verdict

A stylish, well-made, warmer weather shoe that can fit both cleat standards, with well-thought-out features, at a good price