FITNESS Magazine Best Cycling Shoe Winner Giveaway!!!

Ok, finally the long awaited April 2011 FITNESS Magazine issue is out so I can write about the shoes I tested!!  As some of you may have read from my prior post, I have been testing spin shoes for Fitness for the last couple years.  Then I get to keep the shoes, and I really really don't need a million pairs of spin shoes!  So last year I gave away all of them to different friends, but this year I figured what's better than giving them away to you loyal readers!  I have 3 pairs to give away, just comment here or email me a little blurb, tell me which pair you are interested in and I will pick winners within 2 weeks! Note: my normal shoe size is 6, but I size up to a 7 in these shoes to allow room for swelling.

So the winning shoe that was picked by all the shoe testers for Fitness were the Specialized Spirita Touring shoes. 

Here's the review from Fitness:

For bikers or Spinners who want the pedaling boost of clip-in shoes

"Excellent for Spinning," this pair of women's-specific shoes provides "an efficient shoe-to-pedal connection" while you ride. Its stiff, injection-molded plate "holds your foot steady" as you stroke, allowing "better ankle alignment." And when it's time to dismount and towel off, the sturdy rubberized outsole is "great for off-the-bike stability." Plus "the mesh venting in the synthetic upper keeps your feet happy," while the three-strap Velcro closure helps "hug the shoe to your foot." ($90, specialized.com)

If you ever wore Specialized, you would know that they are known for the awesome support of the foot arch during the ride.  These also have their new "Slip Not" sole.  I have them in a size 7, but they do fit a little bit on the smaller side.  Also narrower - they are supposed to hug your feet like a glove.  They are compatible with SPD cleats (I don't have cleats to go with them but you can get them for about $20 at REI or a biking store).  The support of the shoes definitely enhance your performance on the bike and you are able to go faster, longer.  The ones I am giving away are exactly as pictured above in black/berry!  These would be great for indoor or outdoor cycling.

Next, the runner up according to all the shoe testers, is the Shimano SH-WM50.

I have decided to keep these for myself so I won't be giving these away.  But I wanted to write about them anyways.

Fitness review says:

Testers agree: These off-road cycling shoes "look good, feel good, and perform great." The soles are "stiff enough for great power transfer," and rubber treads mean "comfortable walking off the bike." The breathable synthetic leather upper is "not too heavy," and the strap enclosure system "makes it easy to adjust your fit when you're sweaty from Spinning so hard." ($99, bike.shimano.com for stores)

Well, I'd have to agree with the consensus again!  These look very slick, and are light and comfortable.  Though the support is not as good as the Specialized pair, I still find them very good to spin in.  They fit a little bigger than Specialized, which is another reason I've decided to keep these instead as an alternative to my trusted Pearl Izumis.  I don't have a bike and only do spin classes indoors, so I really don't have a need for super supportive shoes.  These are absolutely perfect for indoors, but they also have reflectors on them so you can wear them outside as well.  Same as the Specialized pair, they are very comfortable to walk in after you get off the bike as well.  They are also SPD compatible.

Thirdly, the last shoes I tested were the Keen Arroyo Pedal shoes.  

The cool thing about these shoes is that they are super versatile!  You can wear them as biking shoes (with SPD cleats), as well as hiking or trail walking shoes / sandals.  They are even water-proof!  It's a great idea.  The look is very different from the Specialized and Shimano pairs.  These are definitely for the outdoorsy peeps.  The vents on top are very nice for indoors as well though - they keep your feet super cool which is a plus in spin class.  I think the hybrid shoes idea is great and so convenient, only if I wasn't a gym rat I'd be all over them!  I'm not crazy about the look of them, but it would one of those things where you sacrifice fashion for function.  But as things stand now, I would not have a chance to wear them.  And, they accidentally sent me 2 pairs of these.  So, they are both up for grabs!  One of the pairs have never even been opened / tested.  They are also in size 7, and have a wider fit.  I think my feet are on the narrower side, so they were a little too wide for me as well.  I felt weird wearing them inside, primarily because they looked so out of place at Equinox where everyone wears Sidi, Shimano and Pearl Izumi sleek looking road shoes. Again, cleats do not come with them.

Ok that's it!  Can't wait to hear from you all!