Boasting trickle-down technology from their pro-level shoes, Bontrager's Race DLX Road Shoes are sure to add a touch of speed and comfort to every ride. These fine shoes boast carbon-reinforced soles so every watt of your precious power goes into forward motion. And, because power is nothing without comfort, the Races sport Bontrager's ergonomic inForm footbeds, breathable inForm uppers and molded heel cups, too. And, you'll love how you can find the perfect fit and feel with the ratcheting buckles and Velcro straps.
I've put a little over 400 miles on these shoes over the course of about 3 months.Here are some things I like:-The ratchet system works well. I haven't had any issues with slipping, and I like that I can loosen the strap by one increment at a time if I need to. I am seeing some wear in the ridged, plastic part of the strap, but no problems yet-The rubber bumpers, while not replaceable, are hard enough to last for some time, but still grippy enough for smooth surfaces.-Overall, the upper wraps your foot pretty nicely, I thinkSome things I don't like:-The vents on the bottom of the shoe are purely cosmetic, which annoys me. If you're going to put vents in the bottom of the shoe, is it that much harder to put holes in the midsole/insole too so that the air can actually get to your foot?-When wearing these shoes with thicker socks (for cold days), my heel doesn't stay in place very well. To keep it in place, I have to tighten the ratchet to the point where it cuts off some of the circulation in my foot, thereby my feet/toes feel colder. Somewhat of a nuisance, for part of the year. In warmer weather with thin socks, I don't really notice this problem-I don't think these are a great value. On a relative scale, as far as bike shoes go, these are unfortunately towards the lower end. Even still, it's still money. The shoes surely get the job done, but I think Bontrager could have put in more attention to detail. These shoes are pretty run-of-the-mill. They definitely have that "made in china" feel to them. If you have an extra 50 dollars to spend on shoes, you could probably find a pair that you'd be more excited to ride with.Ultimately, these are bike shoes. They do what bike shoes do. If I could go back in time, I would probably save up a few extra bucks and get something a little nicer, and probably from a different company too. I don't really feel that the quality of Bontrager's products match the price tag. But that's another story. For now, these shoes will do.
Gift:
No
Dec
30
2012
4.0
Toe box too narrow
By Methodical
from Maryland
About Me Casual/ Recreational
Pros
Looks Good
Well Ventilated
Cons
Shoe Seems Too Narrow
Narrow toe box
Best Uses
Everyday riding
Comments:
This is a good road shoe, but the toe box is too narrow for my feet and because of this, I can not wear my heavier wool socks when riding in cold weather. Also, because of the narrow toe box, my feet, especially my toes felt bunched up, and it felt like they were falling asleep - not good. While not too noticeable in warmer weather (i.e. manageable), it became evident when riding in cold weather. If you have really narrow feet, these would probably be ok; however, you may want to consider going one size up though.
Gift:
No
Jul
30
2012
5.0
Nice! Shoe
By James
from North Van.
About Me Casual/ Recreational
Pros
Simple to Use
Durable Sole
Cons
Hard to Walk In
Best Uses
Sprinting
Long-distance riding
Climbing
Comments:
Nice comfortable shoes. Feels nice and snugg and could ride a long time with them if I wanted too. Only thing is they aren't easy to walk in because of the cleats but that's ok because I just use them for going for a ride and not stopping anywhere to walk around. If I plan on stopping somewhere then I'll use basic pedals and runners to walk around in
Gift:
No
Jun
08
2012
5.0
Great shoes..Built well
By Redone
from Canton Ohio
About Me Avid Cyclist
Pros
Simple to Use
Well Ventilated
Durable Sole
Cons
NONE
Best Uses
Long-distance riding
Sprinting
Climbing
Comments:
Great shoes for my size they fit well and seemed to be normal with without getting wide shoes! Very happy with purchase and service at [...]!
Gift:
No
May
23
2012
5.0
Great Shoes!!
By Corrado
from Overland Park, KS
About Me Avid Cyclist
Pros
Simple to Use
Well Ventilated
Cons
Best Uses
Long-distance riding
Sprinting
Everyday riding
Comments:
I have put 500 miles on these shoes. so far I have had no issues and little to no wear.