Nike Poggio II

Price Paid:  $40.00 at E-Bay

Favorite Ride:
Any

Bike Setup:
2004 Giant TCR2 full composite with ultegra gruppo and Neuvation R28 aero wheels.

Summary:
I very stiff shoe that is very light. It really does a good job of transferring power to the pedals. The only drawback that I can tell so far is that they are a bit snug so if you buy this shoe I would buy 1/2 size up. I can't complain too much for the price I paid.

Strengths:
Light and looks cool. Transfer power to the pedals.

Weaknesses:
Not made for wide feet people and a bit snug. If I had a chance to buy these again, I would buy 1/2 size up.

Similar Products Used:
Diadora and Pearl Izumi.

Price Paid:  $80.00 at Lombardi Sports

Favorite Ride:
Mt Tam

Bike Setup:
Time Edge VX, Ultegra, Velomax Assents (racing), Open Pros (training)

Summary:
As advertised these shoes are very light. However, that may also be their downfall. The outer layer of material is not designed for the rigors of road racing or training. By my estimate the material that Nike used is a few grades thicker than tyvek (read: very thin). A few scrapes or rubs again the crank or pavement and you've already got some gaping holes. The sole seems to be very stiff and they do fit comfortably though.

Strengths:
Weight and sole stiffness

Weaknesses:
The outer materials is too thin; scrapes away too easily. The tongue of the shoe is held on my a very small piece of material; take care when putting on.

Similar Products Used:
Sidi Genius 5
Sidi Zeta
Lake 330C

Price Paid:  $100.00 at Towpath Bike Stop

Favorite Ride:
Bully Hill in the Finger Lakes of NY

Bike Setup:
LeMond Chambery, Ultegra Group, Mavic Ksyrium SL, SpeedPlay Peds

Summary:
Really nice shoe - the best shoe I've ever owned. I can imagine a better shoe, but I haven't found it yet. The Nike Poggio's strengths is its STIFFNESS and decent COMFORT. Trust me, once you go to a carbon sole, you will never go back. The three velcro straps will loosen up slightly on a long ride, but just tighten them up before the sprint (just like the pros do). These shoes are also excellent for quick exit and entry during TRIATHLONS either on the bike, or off. Now... in the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit that after four seasons of hard racing, my right carbon sole did rip off during a sprint last season. With all I've been through with these shoes, I forgave them, epoxied the sole back to the shoe, and continue to race on them to this day. Bottom line... if you can get a deal on these shoes, buy them after making sure the sizing is good.

Strengths:
STIFFEST sole you'll find
Great Ventillation
Comfortable shoe with great velcro straps
Fantastic TRIATHLON shoe - quick in in T1 and easy out in T2

Weaknesses:
Sole delaminated from shoe after four demanding seasons (repaired and still wearing them)

Similar Products Used:
Lake, Duegi, Performance, Diadora Ethos (horrible!)

Price Paid:  $65.00 at eBay

Summary:
This review is for the Poggio III version. Fits me well but people with wider feet might have issues. It's lightweight and keeps your feet cool. The only issue I have is that that the heel stub is also carbon fiber so it's more slippery and not as durable than if it was rubber. Definitely not made for walking in, even with cleat covers because the heel stub does get chewed up. I'm guessing this is a race specific road shoe and made for being on the bike, not off it. If you're priority is a lightweight, riding specific shoe you won't go wrong with these.

Strengths:
Lightweight - 521g on my digital scale
Keeps your feet cool
Stiff, carbon sole

Weaknesses:
Must be carful when putting your foot down at an intersection because the heel stub is carbon fiber which is not as grippy as rubber.

Price Paid:  $140.00 at Gregg's Greenlake Se

Favorite Ride:
Haleakala (going up!) in Maui

Bike Setup:
Scott CR-1. Campy Record 10-Speed (w/ carbon cranks), Neuvation Wheels, Fizik Aerione Saddle, Ritchie Carbon bars, Carbon seatpost, carbon, carbon, carbon. . . blah blah blah

Summary:
Reviewing Poggio 4 (not the Poggio 2) These shoes killed my feet, and I had to get rid of them. Shoes are TOTALLY personal, but definately try a pair on, and leave them on for a long time before commiting to buying. I purchased a pair of Poggio 4's on sale in Summer '06 and hoped that these beautiful, shiny black, ultra-light babies would finally replace my 5 year old Sidi's. These shoes wanted me to love them -- they're super-light, full carbon soles, velcro-only (no ratchets). But the trouble started within my first 10 miles. I have a high arch and usually use an orthotic insert, and forgot to bring the arch support on my first ride with these shoes. I planned to ascend the North Cascades Highway in Washington, but was in agony by the end of my 60+mile ride. The shoes had hot spots, cramped my feet, and reminded me of Steve Martin's "Cruel Shoes" comedy routine from years ago. Even with my arch support, the shoes didn't fit well, so I sold them. Like I said, there's a lot to like about this shoe, but if a shoe doesn't fit all the features & benefits in the world will not benefit YOU! Thus, for someone out there who these shoes fit, you might give them a 5 star value rating and 5 stars overall. Since I had to get rid of mine, well, you can see how many stars I can't give them!

Strengths:
Super light, good looking, ought to be a racer, climber's, or weight-weenie's dream shoe. Not a bad price, especially if you can find them on sale (or buy themn from someone like me who's dumping their own pair for nothing just to get the memory of the pain they caused out of the house.)

Weaknesses:
I'd rather walk on broken glass than try to ride in these shoes again. But, hey, it's a personal thing. They might fit you fine.

Similar Products Used:
Sidi Genius 5 -- God, these shoes are great! Every ride, no problem. I have a pair of carbon-soled Shimano shoes which I've had no problem with either.

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