Shimano or Vans SPD

[cummings]

Hey guys,
looking to pick up a pair of SPD shoes and give clipless a go this year. I originally wanted to get the white Shimano DX shoes, since I've rode them before and they felt awesome, but apparently they are discontinued? Have trouble finding my size. I've read the AM45 is the replacement? Are they for DH like the DX's were?

My other option is the Vans Warner SPD. I can get them cheap and easy, but I hated the first version of them, the cleat was too close to the toe, even when shifted as far back as possible. Has anyone had experience on the newer version? I just want whichever has the cleat the furthest back as possible.

As far as Five tens, Im skipping those, too much money at the moment.

Cheers,
Matt

[whoopwhoop]

I have, and like the older DX shoes. I personally think the new ones are ugly as sin. You can still find NOS of the older Dx's on Ebay and such.

SHIMANO DX BIKE SHOES SZ 46 / 11 for mountain bike & bmx ( SH-MP66W ) spd / flat | eBay

The other ones I have my eye on are the 5.10 Kestrel, not quite yet available though.

at Interbike in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States - photo by IanHylands - Pinkbike.com

[dtc81]

I bought a pair of the Warner SPDs last year. The toe cap ripped and folded back the first ride out after clipping a rock. Shoe Goo'ed them back together and called it good. Van's didn't seem keen on helping me with warranty or anything- could have sent them to the company to get "reviewed" then a decision made on replacement or not in about 6 weeks time. At least that's what they told me when I called. Besides that I like them; stiff, clean easily, pretty comfy, and don't look half bad.

[Scott@GO-RIDE.com]

I have not tried the Van's, but the new Shimano AM 45 is very good for everything from DH to trail riding. I use them for everything. They even work well for winter riding.

Shimano AM45

[Uncle Cliffy]

There's a new version of the Warner? I had a first run pair, and they felt terrible. Not very comfortable, and you had to run the cleat way back. Also stuck out too far and gave me the duck waddle.

I have a pair of the AM45's and they're SUPER comfy. I've since got used to their "special" styling...

[gooroo]

I have to post 10 times to enable PM....lame. This is #7

[cummings]

Thanks for the help, will most likely get the AM45's, what size would you recommend? I am a 10.5 five ten impact flat shoe. 44 or 45?

thanks

[Fastcars12]

Go with size 45. I have a pair of 5.10 impacts as well size 10.5 and ride in a shimano M087 size 45. They both fit very similar as far as length. Width is also very similar, however need to cinch both down pretty hard to get them how I like it.

[azdog]

I have actually sent back my shimano shoes for warranty after the sole came off-wasn't the typical wear and tear. You have to do it within one year but I am a loyal customer after that. Jenson was great in helping with getting this expedited.