Exustar touring shoe? or Stelvio? or Stelvio v2?

[drossall]

I do mean flex, rather than being curved. In other words, the sole bends upwards as you walk, but not downwards as you pedal. Not sure about the need for cycling shoes to have soles more curved than any other shoes.

[drossall]

They've replied with the same photos as mercalia provided, and to say that "We have produced the Arturo cycling shoes in this traditional way for over 40 years. The sole used on the Arturo cycling shoes is a 4mm thick stiffened resin flat sole - please see image attached." They also mentioned that they are produced in the UK.

So yes, stiffened. If anyone does come along who could comment from experience, that would be great. Otherwise, I'll have to see when the pennies might be available some time, and make a choice...

[mercalia]

I do mean flex, rather than being curved. In other words, the sole bends upwards as you walk, but not downwards as you pedal. Not sure about the need for cycling shoes to have soles more curved than any other shoes.

well dont know about the original 600s but my 705 dont flex much upwards. A little yes but not much, which is why I said there was in my case some heel slop as I walk - the sole cant bend "enough" so takes the heel with it as it tries to bend. In that respect they flex down also, but not much. What stops them bending down much is the upper part of the shoe.

[mercalia]

So yes, stiffened. If anyone does come along who could comment from experience, that would be great. Otherwise, I'll have to see when the pennies might be available some time, and make a choice...

well events may over take u as the 705s are discontinued.

[CJ]

They've replied with the same photos as mercalia provided, and to say that "We have produced the Arturo cycling shoes in this traditional way for over 40 years. The sole used on the Arturo cycling shoes is a 4mm thick stiffened resin flat sole - please see image attached." They also mentioned that they are produced in the UK.

So yes, stiffened. If anyone does come along who could comment from experience, that would be great.

I had some Arturo cycling shoes about 30 years ago, in the days when I still used toeclips and before I got some better shoes. I didn't think much to the Arturos. As I recall it was the way the sole distorted under the modest pressure that I (in those days only a 9-stone weakling) was able to exert upon the edge of a rat-trap pedal, that persuaded me it was worth shelling out for a pair of hand-made Pete Salisburys.

[Brucey]

my first set of cycling shoes had a 4 or 5mm thick sole and I quickly concluded that (even with a partial steel shank inside) it simply wasn't thick/stiff enough for comfortable use with cage-type pedals.

This little pearl of wisdom was not of course, enough to prevent me from buying other pairs of cycling shoes that also turned out to be uncomfortable; but they were at least uncomfortable in different ways....

cheers

[drossall]

One of the friends with whom I started riding used, like all of us, ordinary trainers. He rode so much that he wore a slot in the sole. This was good as a rudimentary shoe-plate to engage on the pedal, but not great for comfort...

[mercalia]

seems like then its the Stelvio 705's? They certainly are very rigid, so rigid I think they will make a nice light weight rambling shoe for tracks and such ( not rock climbing.....)

Would like to hear from those who have been using them for years whether they have experienced any plastic coating peeling. Thats the only downer in my opinion.

here a bad example of it on my old motor cycle boots.
I dont think pu leather likes contact situations - this the left boot that would change the gear

[mercalia]

my first set of cycling shoes had a 4 or 5mm thick sole and I quickly concluded that (even with a partial steel shank inside) it simply wasn't thick/stiff enough for comfortable use with cage-type pedals.

This little pearl of wisdom was not of course, enough to prevent me from buying other pairs of cycling shoes that also turned out to be uncomfortable; but they were at least uncomfortable in different ways....

cheers

so what do u wear now then?

[Brucey]

I mainly use MTB race shoes with SPD fittings on them these days.

For touring with conventional pedals I have a set of SIDI touring shoes with flat soles (sadly these are now NLA). Like these;



An earlier version had smoother soles but otherwise basically similar uppers. A later version 'Mirage' had a similar sole to the above but a Velcro-fastened mesh upper (which you can still find new if you take a size 41).

If the lace-up ones suit your feet, they are as comfy as slippers. Nice stiff soles and (with twin toe straps, with the second strap set through the back openings of the pedal) completely secure when required.

cheers

[Paul Smith SRCC]

...I had some Arturo cycling shoes about 30 years ago, in the days when I still used toeclips and before I got some better shoes. I didn't think much to the Arturos. As I recall it was the way the sole distorted under the modest pressure that I (in those days only a 9-stone weakling) was able to exert upon the edge of a rat-trap pedal, that persuaded me it was worth shelling out for a pair of hand-made Pete Salisburys.

I upgraded to Pete Salisbury as well, I think they were called 'Espana' if I recall with slim soles, Peter also made a thicker soled version called something like 'Belge', he even had some light race bike versions with holes that several TT stars of the time used.

Prior to the Pete Salisbury's I had been using an older style shoe like the Arturos, I think they were called Leopard, rubber sole but slightly ticker than the Arturos so I was still able to nail some shoe plates on. After Pete passed away I used the older version of the Sidi that Brucey mentions, they looked similar to that sole, but without the red insert, I had two blue suede pairs and a red pair, although I always found the sole shaped to the arch too quickly, which I assume was rectified by that red insert below. After which time the Carmac Carlit had been introduced so I was back to my beloved plain back touring shoes.

[drossall]

Dilemma resolved. This thread advised me that On-One were clearing their remaining Stelvios at a final reduction price, and I got the last pair in my size

[mercalia]

Dilemma resolved. This thread advised me that On-One were clearing their remaining Stelvios at a final reduction price, and I got the last pair in my size

lucky u. now if any one wants a pair its the price at SJS £68 - far too much in my opinion for what isnt full grain leather, or maybe I just still living in the 70s/80s

[CJ]

I found this old thread. I've been using SPDs for years, but I've now acquired a Holdsworth Mistral (through this forum), in as-new condition. I want to go back to clips and straps on that bike, just because it's authentic.

I actually have some Stelvios, but they have deep threads that would catch on the pedals.

There's no shortage of the new smooth-sole design according to Spa Cycles site, if you want some. And you should: they're ideal for toeclips - but not so good with cleats.

I have both old chunky and new smooth Stelvios. The new design is not so good with SPD because the less substantial sole does not have a thicker outer tread to project slightly below the cleat. Instead the cleat is slightly proud of the sole, which also being curved in cross-section, makes them less stable, i.e. more tippy when walking and prone to skid on smooth paving or rocks. As my feet tend to roll outwards and my ankles sprain easily, I find this uncomfortable to the point of hazardous and cannot use them except for clubruns which will not involve much walking. Whereas my old original Stelvious I can wear all the time, even for long hikes on so-called rest days on tour! I don't know what I'll do for shoes when those wear out.

[mercalia]

I have both old chunky and new smooth Stelvios. The new design is not so good with SPD because the less substantial sole does not have a thicker outer tread to project slightly below the cleat. Instead the cleat is slightly proud of the sole, which also being curved in cross-section, makes them less stable, i.e. more tippy when walking and prone to skid on smooth paving or rocks. As my feet tend to roll outwards and my ankles sprain easily, I find this uncomfortable to the point of hazardous and cannot use them except for clubruns which will not involve much walking. Whereas my old original Stelvious I can wear all the time, even for long hikes on so-called rest days on tour! I don't know what I'll do for shoes when those wear out.

Is this true of all types of cleat or just the ones you use? Would be interesting to hear from other users. It dont affect me as I got them for normal use, I wanted some shoes that I could also walk with on rough ground, traditional flat cycle shoes too thin in the sole for that. Should last years with the centre still in.