When you are buying road shoes you must choose a shoe that delivers the best fit and comfort for your feet, there can be no compromises if you are serious about spending hours of your hard earned free time on your bike. That much is pretty obvious, but what you may not be aware of is the additional performance and comfort that is offered by top end shoes like this one from SPIUK.
The SPIUK ZS1 RC road shoe has a serious wow factor that goes beyond first impressions, to the feel and performance it delivers when you wear it.
I would always expect a competition shoe to be light, well ventilated and have excellent straps and fastening devices which offer a close but comfortable fit, but with the ZS1 RC, SPIUK have gone much further than simply meeting these basic requirements. For example, this is the first shoe that I have come across that is both ventilated through the sole and comes complete with a choice of insoles to make the most of this feature; there is a set of thin, perforated hot weather insoles, which optimise the ventilation in the sole and there is a set of thicker, cold weather insoles, that offer protection from the ventilation in the sole. Simple,but unique and very effective.
The sole of a cycling shoe is arguably one of the most important parts, it is the interface with the bike and the point at which all of your energy is transferred to the pedals. Any flexibility in the sole will reduce the efficiency of that energy transfer and so for optimum efficiency, it should be as rigid and light as possible. This shoe offers a very stiff, light sole which is achieved through the use of multi-directional carbon fibre and the resulting feel is that you are completely at one with your bike.
As well as taking these shoes out on the road, I tested them at the velodrome in Newport. I feel that the uncompromising environment of track cycling highlights how kit really performs and I instantly enjoyed the light feel, close fit and very responsive performance of these shoes.
The shoe feels very secure and this is thanks not only to the zip fastener (a ratchet style affair), with a double security strap on the upper arch (which is wonderfully easy to adjust on the move) and two velcro bands on the two lower arches, but also because the heel is moulded to fit snugly around the heel, whilst at the same time protecting it from muscle fatigue.
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Verdict
SPIUK say they have worked to design a shoe that will 'help to stave off the onset of fatigue and, consequently, prolong and increase sporting performance', all of which sounds great to me! But it is perhaps the more obvious touches, like the rigidity of the sole, the comfortable, thick tongue, the all round ventilation and wipe clean surface, with metal (rather than the more usual plastic) fastenings, that immediately lifts these shoes above the rest.
If you never knew just how many features can be packed into a pair of shoes, take a good look at these and accept no compromises. They may not be cheap, but you get what you pay for.
 The SPIUK ZS1 RC road shoe has a serious wow factor that goes beyond first impressions, to the feel and performance it delivers when you wear it.
 Not women specific fit and no sizes in this model below size 40
Price: £125
Website: www.spiuk.co.uk
Colours: White/silver
Sizes: 40 - 46 (no half sizes)
Photo Gallery
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Great styling |
New 2007 version |
Sole detail |
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| Discuss this article, 1 of 6 messages, read more: |  Holly | |
| Posted: 19/03/07 12:16:56 56 | Does anyone know if it is worth getting womes specific pedals?
I've been using Shimano SPD's, but all my friends keep raving about Time pedals.
Any feedback gratefully received. |
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