Am happy with new cycling shoes – Mavic Tourmalet after a long battle to find a pair which fit well. They look pretty good too.
When it comes to buying shoes I would prefer buying from a local shop than online. I have always had difficulty buying cycling shoes. Partly, because manufacturers have widely different conceptions of what size 12 or size 48 means means.
Different brands seem to use different shoe sizes. I’ve had cycling shoes from size 46 to size 48.
A problem with buying at local shops is that my size 12, is often not stocked. So with reluctance, I looked online. I was fortunate to find one model which did half sizes, so I ended up getting a Mavic Tourmalet 46.5. Evans cycles were quite good because initially I thought the 46.5 were too big so I sent it back to get a 46, but, that was too small so I ended up back with a 46.5 – which is just right even in winter and with hotpads stuffed down them.
I don’t know why it’s so difficult to choose the right pair of cycling shoes. But, one foot is slightly bigger than the other and my feet are comparatively wider than normal.
By the way, if anyone takes size 48, I have a pair of Northwave size 48, which I rode twice before I realised they were too big. I guess I should try sell on ebay..
Tips on Buying Cycling Shoes
- Do try them on.
- Don’t put too much weight on manufacturers shoe sizes – they definitely do vary
- Be aware your feet can expand when they get hot. Also bear in mind, you might be wearing two or three pairs in winter.
- A good fit is more important than any other feature.
The Mavic Tourmalet are a good shoe. They look good and weigh little – just 285 grams for size 8.5. They are well ventilated and have good heels to avoid wear and tear.
After three years of wearing the Mavic Tourmalet, they are still doing a good job. They have lasted very well, despite constant use. I usually use some kind of overshoes throughout the year. They help to keep them clean.
The only thing was that the straps were too long. I cut them off to make shorter and more aerodynamic, but they still feel tight enough. You can also adjust them if you are wearing a different number of socks.
Related
- Mavic Road shoes at Evans
You must be a super cool cyclist!!
