My well-used carbon soled Shimano XC shoes have just, finally collapsed after about 9 years. The heel cup area foam and material have now disintegrated and no amount of gaffer tape will repair.

So I’m looking into new shoes for spring to autumn XC use.

I liked the stiffness of the carbon sole; two replaceable studs at the front for all the mud round here; two velcro staps and one strong ratchet strap; part mesh part leather upper to keep things cool in summer.

Budget around £100, and not limited to Shimano. Sizing is 43.

Any clues on what to look at? And where to get a deal?

Anyone got any recommendations out there?

Merlin have some good deals. Hoping these will be on my door mat tonight:

http://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-m088-spd-shoes-black-59113.html

I like the shimano shoes, they suit my feet so I bout some of these:

http://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-xc61-spd-shoes-white-black-65786.html

I initially tried the totally carbon soled ones, but they felt just too lightweight, good on an xc race, but I’m more an all day hack type person.

Get on really well with these

http://www.absolute-cycles.com/diadora-x-country-2-spd-mtb-cycling-shoes-size-44-sil-blk/

Good value as well compared to Shimano etc. These are my summer shoe vs my mw81s for winter use. Really comfortable and seem to be well put together

I’ve always been a big fan of Specialized shoes – can’t honestly remember which model fits that budget, but I suspect these days you may struggle a bit for ratchet strap and carbon sole for £100, unless you can find something discounted.