Decided to get these shoes after reading all the reviews about 661 shoes falling apart as you opened the box. Glad I did. They look kinda strange, but I found them to be really comfortable and grippy as hell. I am running V8's with long pins, they are that grippy you cannot adjust your feet on the pedals. I think the trick is to use long pins, like it says in the product description. They also have an extra tall inner that covers your ankle bone on the inside. I think this is a good idea, 'cause we all know how much it hurts to skin that bone! I highly recommend these shoes to anyone who just wants an excellent pair of shoes. Not suitable for fashion queens!
What are all these illiterate folk talking about? These are a great pair of biking shoes. After 17 years of biking, I still can't get on with SPD's. These are well made, with a well designed tongue flap. Stiff sole, but not too stiff. Not as sticky as 5/10's, but the uppers are much more practical and look better IMHO. Not leather I must add, just padded synthetic. Pedal pins and chainrings have taken a few chunks out of mine, but nothing serious. They were overly-stiff and a little uncomfortable to start with, but once broken in they feel really comfy. And don't you know black is the new black, you tarts?
Having just bought a pair of these shoes, I have just got back from my first ride with them. I'm very impressed, they were super comfy as soon as I put them on, no bedding in period and they look pretty pimp too!
The lace cover is a great feature and does away with having to untie wet and/or frozen laces at the end of a cold ride, although the only down side is that the laces do snag a bit on the velcro of the flap when your trying to tie them, but I can live with that.
The grip on the shoes is excellent, as I'm used to riding in skate shoes these shoes are a welcome change and feel like my feel were glued to the pedals even over rough and wet terrain. They offer a good level of protection from the elements as well, and teamed up with some waterproof socks these shoes good take a dip in a pond if you so wished!
Overall a very well put together shoe, looks good and most importantly works.
