GamJams Tech: Premes, Picks, Promos — 3-25-10

As a cyclist, the search for newer and better gear is constant — there's always something else out there. Premes, Picks, Promos will highlight both the next big thing and the sleeper deal.

Ah, the long-term test. There's no better way to get to the bottom of that new product — whatever it is. First impressions are nice, but it's the months-later review that tells the full story.

I'm about 10 months into my relationship with my shoes — Shimano's custom-fit R300. There's a new version out, the R310, but it was pretty hard to pass up the deal I got on the older, better looking (I think) model.

The concept is as follows: Heat-moldable panels in the heel, midfoot, toebox and insole conform to your foot with the assistance of a vacuum boot. (An article explaining the process is here.) The end result is a shoe that contours to every bump and strange, freaky protrusion in your foot.

If that description doesn't do it for you, try this one: They feel like slippers. Custom-made, perfect-for-your-feet slippers. I thought my old shoes fit well, and they're nothing compared to these.

Fit is one thing, but performance is another. They ventilate very well — thanks to a pair of fairly large vents in the soles — and have never caused hot spots, aches or pains. Basically, when you're in a pair of shoes that fit perfectly, you're free to think about other things. For me, that other thing is keeping firmly attached to the bunch.

If there is a downside (and there always is), it's price. The R310 is $380. Yikes. If you're into saving a few bucks, the next step down — the R240 — is $300. If features the same moldable upper panels, but has a different sole (plus it looks better). And there's a women's version available, too.

Sure, $300 is a lot of money, too. But think of your three contact points with the bike — your hands, feet and butt. If any of the three is sore, that ride is miserable. In that context, two or three seasons  — maybe more — of complete comfort for your feet is well worth it.

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In addition to being GamJams Tech Editor, Bryan Redemske manages the Trek Bicycle Store of Omaha, is a professional writer and a Cat 3 racer. He drinks a lot of coffee.

Comments

[kliph]

Thanks for the review. I am about to start using my new R-300s next week (Thanks to Bike Doctor - Waldorf). I am using speedplay zeros (always have) what pedals do you use?
Did you get them heat molded at the very beginning? Have you used them without the heat molded process at all?

[Bryan Redemske]

I've used them with both Zeros and Dura-Ace pedals. The DAs are my favorite, but I had no complains with the Zeros.

I rode them once without molding, and it was only OK. I could tell they were nice, but that's about it. After molding -- wow. I have a buddy who hasn't molded his and still thinks they're the greatest shoes ever.

My advice: Mold them and don't look back.

[mcn]

i got these on ebay for $180 and had them heat molded and vacuumed to my feet at bike doctor annapolis. using with sp zeros. most comfortable shoes ever.

[kliph]

Bike Doctor Annap heat molded them for you even though you got them off Ebay... sounds like a good bunch of guys over there ;-)

[mcn]

^i've purchased a kings ransom worth of things from them recently, and yes, they are good guys over there.

[Lance Lacy]

I got mine from Bike Doc of Odenton last year,even right out of the box they were super comfy but after being heated and molded to the feet they were so much more better.I love those shoes,unfortunatly a cat peed in them and the smell was just brutal so I put them out of their misery. I have the white and gold bontragers now,once they break in they are also very comfy and super stiff, I'm very happy with them also.