After some research and reading many blogs, we chose the Shimano XM9 boot for our world cycling tour — based mainly on one detailed review of the XM7 (same shoe only no ankle support), and manufacturers specifications.
We have now cycled over 15,000km through all seasons. As our only pair of shoes, they have taken us over melting asphalt roads in Greece, Turkey and Oman, through snow and mud covered tracks in Georgia and Armenia and some rainy periods in Croatia and Iran. In a couple of weeks we will climb into the Pamir mountains and expect to face some seriously cold weather, we are confident these boots will be perfect!
At about 11,000km, some parts of the tread began to separate from the sole but this hasn’t affected waterproofing or anything else — yet. When we get a chance, we’ll try to repair them with McNett seam grip.
We have used these boots almost every single day for more than 12 months, cycling and hiking, kicking scrub and rocks to clear an area for our tent in the evenings and everything in between.
I was wearing these boots when a high speed van hit and badly injured me in Pakistan. The left boot was torn off my foot, breaking the metal lace clip, (and my foot!) But I feel quite certain these boots protected me a lot at the time.
We are very happy with our decision and wouldn’t change them for any other shoe.
They cost approximately €150 each pair, which seams a very fair price for value and quality of the product.
Pros:
- Strong, high style hiking boot
- Leather upper with tough rubber toe
- 100% waterproof Gore Tex membrane under the leather upper, (tested standing in a stream of water)
- Strong metal lacing clips
- Hard wearing Vibram rubber soles
- Can have cleats screwed in or just keep the solid rubber plate attached to use as a regular hiking boot
Cons:
- Hot in summer
- Heavy
- Very stiff until worn in
Verdict
We feel these boots are a perfect choice for long distance cyclists who don’t intend to carry a second pair of shoes. In summer they can be very hot, but considering the protection they provide, it is worth it.
Price is realistic.
Overall these are a really nice and comfortable boot!
cyclinghobOz 