Replacing my XC Shoes

The Specialized Recon 3 is a great shoe. Been thrashing on mine now for 3 seasons.

There is a reason that non Specialized sponsored pros regularly get Specialized shoes and get them debranded...

'Round these parts we don't call them hot dogs. We call them weenies. Of if we're in more of a formal setting we call them wieners. Sorry I have nothing to contribute to a discussion about xc shoes.

I have been wearing Recon's for years now. Never any complaints. Room enough for ATAC cleats without modification, which is a plus

NorCalNomad wrote:

The Specialized Recon 3 is a great shoe. Been thrashing on mine now for 3 seasons.

There is a reason that non Specialized ...more

NorCalNomad wrote:

The Specialized Recon 3 is a great shoe. Been thrashing on mine now for 3 seasons.

There is a reason that non Specialized sponsored pros regularly get Specialized shoes and get them debranded...

...more

I've been using spesh 2FOs for a long time. I gutted the VR90s and replaced with specialized insoles and varus wedges for my freakishly high arches and would likely have to do the same to any other pair of shoes I bought.

I wear the same shoes (VR90s). They're the only ones I've been happy with, so I consistently search eBay for them in my size and pick them up when new or slightly used ones pop-up for a bargain. They're not perfect –– on some I've had the inner, forefoot rubber lugs rip off –– but they are the most comfortable I've found.

Although marketed as a gravel shoe, the Quoc Gran Tourer has been one that's piqued my interest.

If you want something less stiff I really like giro rumbles. Go to in my rigid ss days. Comfortable with reasonable weight and solid protection.

Another vote for Recons. I have the s-works version and they’re the best pedalling shoes I’ve come across.