Dromarti Cycle Shoes

[RachelB]

Can anyone give any advice if they have worn / used or bought these so called retro / old fashioned types. I have been on the website and am looking to purchase the new black which are compatible with SDP's ( And the Red will match the Orbea of Course ) - As I am also planning to move to wearing cleats. T.E.R.R.I.F.I.E.D - But after the last couple of years using rat traps, I now realise what a lot of work Iv been giving myself. I have been doing operations on my feet over the last 18 month's and thought these looked super soft leather.. BUT ARE THEY? The cycle shoes I have picked up in shop's seem really heavy. I want a really light shoe in leather, that I don't have to "break in", as such. What do you all wear??

Your thoughts and opionions will be greatly received Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thanks Rach.

[Dombo]

Nip along to BikePlus and try various brands. They are part of GB so we get an Agreeable discount. Decathlon is fine for choice and value but the staff are like those in Halfords with the added charm of being useless in French.
As a rule of thumb, Sidi and Shimano tend towards the narrower fit while Northwave and Specialized are wider. Spesh also do Women Specific designs. They won't be leather but breathable synthetic and mesh which won't need "breaking in" and also won't be too badly affected if they get wet. If you get spds, ie mountain bike style pedals, the shoes can have trainer-style soles so you won't be slithering about when trying to walk. Plus the pedals are double-sided so easier to get into than road-specific pedals. The other advantage is you will only need one pair of shoes for both road and mtb.
As Marco says, practise getting in and out somewhere soft. After a while they are much easier than releasing from clips and straps and you'll never look back.

[RachelB]

OMG Thank you Gents. I would have thought they would be difficult to get out of? And that is exactly why I never changed ( Scared ) .. And have often wondered what people do going downhill, racing etc, I have been told so many times to change to cleats, as you say.. I wont look back! - BUT I have to have leather.

Thanks again for this

[Andrew G]

Don't worry about clipping in and out. After 5 minutes it's second nature and with SPD (double sided) pedals it's a doddle. When you buy them they are set with te release spring set loosly and just leave it on this setting. It will be tight enough to hold you in for better pedalling but easier to release. Unless you are going to start pulling hard on the pedal then you won't need it tighter.

[Dombo]

Just googled Dromarti and, without wanting to be too in touch with my inner Imelda Marcos, have to say they are the best looking cycling shoes I've ever seen. If they fit they'll be perfect, particularly the sportivo with the grippier sole.

[RachelB]

Great Minds think alike! I thought so too. And the Sportivo with that red detail is the exact ones I'm after. Though the price is gonna HURT - But Iv paid more for Handbags - My feet are worth it.

Thanks Dom.

[Jon H]

Good job they didn't make the sole red too. Mr Louboutin would not be amused.

[Dombo]

[quote="RachelB"]... But Iv paid more for Handbags....

[Andrew G]

They're pre-clipless shoes with a cleat.

[RachelB]

[quote="Andrew G"]They're pre-clipless shoes with a cleat.

[Andrew G]

Clipless pedals (those with a clip in cleat like modern cycling shoes) came in in the 80s, before that cycling shoes were black leather and you fixed a plate to the bottom which engaged in to a flat (quil) pedal and your feet were strapped in to a cage with a leather toe strap.

Example of the shoes:
[img]http://farm1.staticflickr.com/138/356331102_182680113e.jpg[/img]
[img]http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1kf83ifFNRo/TUIEVuNjGbI/AAAAAAAABv8/XYujrBFyi-Q/s1600/Vintage%2Bleather%2Bcycling%2Bshoes.JPG[/img]

old style pedal and strap
[img]http://en.academic.ru/pictures/enwiki/66/Bicycle_pedal,_quill_type,_early_1980s,_Campagnolo_SL_road.jpg[/img]

[RachelB]

Oh I love those photos, complete with the air vents which is another feature of the Dromartis.
I do have those strap on things, minus strap - to scared - On Orbea! But why are cleats called " clipless"?
when that is exactly what they do Also just had an Email from Dromati asking what " Cycling shoe " I take.
please...thought it was the same as walking shoes! This all takes me back 40 odd years ago when my Dad took
the stabalisers off. OMG Gettin stressed.

[Andrew G]

Called clipless as the "cage" is called a toeclip and the strap a toestrap, remove the toeclip from the pedal and it's clipless .
cycling shoe size generally the same as shoe size, I guess they either just phrased / translated a bit off or making sure as some shoes come up different sizes. So you could tell them a Northwave 41 for example. Remember to use the euro sizing.

[RachelB]

Thanks Andrew,
Yeah just been informed by Dromarti that cycling shoes do come up smaller. Never mind Northwave 41
I'm more South Eastern flat
Cheers mate!

[RachelB]

Should have read East/West flat!