Specialized 04 Pro Road Shoe

Price Paid:  $120.00 at Supergo

Bike Setup:
SPD-SL with fixed cleats. These shoes also come with a removeable internal plate to adapt to two bolt type cleats (like eggbeaters) and should be removed if your using a 3 bolt Look pattern cleat.

Summary:
I thought SIDI was the only shoe for me till I tried one of these babies! I was initially interested in the shoe cause it has nice rubber pads on the toe and heel so you have something to grip the pavement when you put your foot down. Body Geometry, Varus wedge, metatarsal button, medial arch support; this shoe has some serious engineering to it and you can feel the difference the first time you turn the crank over. The fit for me is outstanding and my foot does not move at all even when I am seated and powering up a steep hill while pushing and pulling throught the whole stroke.

Strengths:
The varus wedge claims to keep your knee straight and it does really seem to work. Wide rubber pad under the toe keeps the shoe from getting scratched up and grips the pavement when I stick my foot down. Plenty stiff, but there is also a carbon model if you want stiffer. Ratchet strap seems really nicely designed to get just the tightness and there is a handy release button you can press to adjust the shoe while you are riding your bike.

Weaknesses:
Now my 3 pairs of SIDI's feel like misshaped peices of flat plastic without the arch support and metatarsal button of the Specialized.

Similar Products Used:
SIDI
Adidas
Shimano
Look

Price Paid:  $166.00 at Local Bike Shop

Favorite Ride:
Any smooth road

Bike Setup:
'92 Tommasini Tecno, Delta Record group.
San Marco Rolls Saddle.
Tufo C Elite Road tires.

Summary:
This review is for the Carbon model.

Comfort is a big thing with me, and I choose my equipment accordingly. I tried on a number of different brands and models before deciding on these very comfortable shoes. The comfort factor actually increases when you get on the bike and get on down the road. These shoes allow me to put hours in the saddle with no foot complaints. Power delivery is very satisfying. Walking in these shoes is no problem thanks to the heel-and-toe traction pads. Ventilation is good, they are very sharp looking, and build quality appears to be excellent. For pro-grade carbon shoes they are surprizingly affordable. Overall, a truly impressive shoe!

Strengths:
Great comfort.
Really good price for carbon.

Weaknesses:
None so far.

Price Paid:  $160.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Wright Stuff Century-Wisconsin

Bike Setup:
Does it matter? These shoes ROCK!

Summary:
Outstanding! Comfortable, stiff, well made, Fair price, Light weight = 300 grams per shoe, Good looking (white).
Best shoe I've owned!
Makes riding more enjoyable. Nice, slightly generous toe box, but not huge like Carnac Legend.

Strengths:
Comfort!!
Lightweight
Fair Price
Good Looking
Well made
2 straps and 1 micro-adjust buckle
Carbon soles
Body Geometry design works!

Weaknesses:
None as of yet.
Silver would be a better color, but white is okay.

Similar Products Used:
Shimano 151 carbon
Carnac Legend
Sidi Genius 2 (narrow toe box)
Northwave
Diadora

Price Paid:  $163.00 at Local Bike Shop

Summary:
I recently got the Specialized Pro Carbon Road shoes in black. I absolutely love them! They are LIGHT, very stiff, and very comfortable. They give you an extremely fluid motion while pedaling. The power transfer is unreal! Best of all is how comfortable the shoes are. There is padding in the insole at the ball of the foot and heel. The heel cup area and buckle allow for a snug and comfortable fit. VeloNews recently recommended these as being a great value as well. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Strengths:
- COMFORTABLE
- Stiff Carbon Sole
- Light
- Look very nice
- Good Ventilation

Weaknesses:
- NONE