I'm looking for another set of summer shoes to replace my trusty 7 year old Shimanos. I had a set of the silver M221s which only lasted about a year before I put my big toe through the mesh toe box. So I am after a set of shoes which don't have mesh covered big toe area! As I have found out this is a bit difficult as a lot of the ones I like the look of have that exact design.
I have had a look round on the web and seen the Shimano M230s but have yet to see a picture of them from above. Does anyone know what the toe box is like? Is it covered in mesh or is it protected?
Also does anyone have any experience of Gaerne or Mavic? What is the fit like compared to a Shimano? Would I be the same size? Shimano seem to fit my feet really well but they don't have many big toe proof designs!
And before anyone asks YES I do cut my toenails! This was my mates rather clever response but he has since done the same to his M221s.....
Anyone?
I have just bought a pair of Mavic's and they are really comfy. Only have experience of shimano winter boots and they are a size 43 but my Mavics are my usual size (a 42).
Haven't had a "big toe" issue with any of my shoes so can't comment there but my toes seem to be much further forward than the mesh bits.
Mrs SSStu.
Which Mavic's did you buy sorry?
I quite like the look of the Tempo but that has a lot of mesh in the toe area.
I've had the Shimano winter boots before and I think they are in a size league of their own, very narrow toe box - well at least the older ones were.
I thought it was just me and my freak feet. My last 3 pairs have done that. You need some duck tape on the inside, that's my advice. That and do some bloody work.
Don't worry wolf man, I'm doing as much work as you are judging by your forum prevalance!
What is the point of having mesh if you're going to cover it up with duck tape? I want to buy some without that 'flaw' so I can get some ventilation down there!
Shimano M182 is pretty good. Not a mesh top and fine for all but the hottest days. I use them throughout the year
I have set of M182s which I use most of the time but they are a bit warm for 'proper' summer days. I'm off to France for 3 weeks this summer as well and I'm hoping it will be hot there!
I don't know what the point is Will. Stops my toe sticking out I guess, whilst the retaining the attractive mesh look. What about Sidis? I used to use Dominators - not sure what the equivalent is now but they seemed to last for ages.
SIDIs are MEGA overpriced Italian cr*p in my opinion. So they're not on the shopping list. Also they don't seem that vented.
Gaerne (also Italian, hoping they're not crap!) and Mavic have a few models which fit the bill so will probably have to plump for one of those.
My old electric blue Shimanos (forgotten the model number) are perfect in almost every way - vented toe box but stitched in a way that makes them big toe proof. Sadly the velcro is giving up the ghost so they are soon to be retired.