Audax Road Shoe

[Cudzoziemiec]

Just vaguely browsing cycling shoes (note to self: stop it!) and was surprised to discover this.

Inspired by the European sport of randonneuring, the all-new Specialized Audax Road Shoe has been specifically developed for long rides spent chasing far off horizons. And from a design standpoint, it strikes the optimal balance between comfort and efficiency, making it ideal for anyone exploring their limits across anything from unmaintained back roads to smooth tarmac.

https://www.evanscycles.com/specialized-audax-road-shoe-EV244713

Are they really more suitable for "long rides spent chasing far off horizons" (that would be the Fens... ) than any other shoe? Probably not but it's interesting to see that audax is now marketing-worthy for a company as large as Specialized. (I certainly won't be buying them as I use SPDs and these are three-bolt.)

[Wycombewheeler]

£100 = not audax
3 bolt = not audax

[Ruthie]

They are so pretty.

[Cudzoziemiec]

Pretty, in matt black? Sleek but I wouldn't call them pretty. However, that's a matter of individual taste, obviously; and I've never thought of pretty as a term applying to shoes at all.

£100 = not audax
3 bolt = not audax

I kind of agree on both points but a glance around any audax shows that lots of people don't.

[Ruthie]

Pretty, in matt black? Sleek but I wouldn't call them pretty. However, that's a matter of individual taste, obviously; and I've never thought of pretty as a term applying to shoes at all.

£100 = not audax
3 bolt = not audax

I kind of agree on both points but a glance around any audax shows that lots of people don't.

They're pretty in pale blue or orange.  Black or white less so.

[Cudzoziemiec]

I know at least one audaxer who might buy them specifically because they're orange!

[PaulF]

Not helpful but I read the thread title as "Antiques Roadshow"

[HeltorChasca]

I think the black would suit your new Spesh.

And I think the orange might just match the ACB jersey. And those famous, orange framed ACB specs. Although I'm led to believe they are 'satsuma'. Not orange.

[Delph Cyclist]

I've tried different shoes, but you can't beat SPD sandals for long distance comfort.  You can walk I them, your feet don't get too hot, you can wear seal skin socks if it's wet, you don't need to dry them for multi-day rides (Audax or touring), you can still use overshoes if it's cold.  Save your money for a pair of those instead.

[Wycombewheeler]

Pretty, in matt black? Sleek but I wouldn't call them pretty. However, that's a matter of individual taste, obviously; and I've never thought of pretty as a term applying to shoes at all.

£100 = not audax
3 bolt = not audax

I kind of agree on both points but a glance around any audax shows that lots of people don't.

I love the pale blue, but even if I had them I couldn't see myself using them for audax because 3 bolts and so not as good for walking in. Bling for he club run though.

[phantasmagoriana]

They're ok, but neither one thing nor the other really. I don't see why they haven't put fittings for 2-bolt cleats *and* 3-bolt cleats on them - plenty of low-end road shoes have that arrangement, mine included (though nicer ones seem to only have 3-bolt fittings).

[T42]

Stupid fastening - try adjusting that flat twiddly knob-thing with frozen fingers. Non-SPD. Too §$&/ pricey.

BTW "Audax" is a trademark of the Union des Audax Français. Clubs use it on sufferance, but the UAF has attacked commercial usurpers in the past, and won. Dunno how hot they are on that these days, but I'll drop them a line and see.

[Duckfoot1606]

I'm not sure what an Audax shoe is anymore than an Audax bike? Having just marshalled at LEL, I'm pretty sure more or less anything goes on both counts.

A

[tonyh]

I've tried different shoes, but you can't beat SPD sandals for long distance comfort.  You can walk I them, your feet don't get too hot, you can wear seal skin socks if it's wet, you don't need to dry them for multi-day rides (Audax or touring), you can still use overshoes if it's cold.  Save your money for a pair of those instead.

+1 to all of those points!

[Andy W]

I bought a pair of specialised audax shoes (orange, as they were much cheaper). As i have them i might be in a position to give a brief review. Specialised shoes, both road and mtb types have a wide toe box. I have broad feet and these commodious shoes accomodate my feet and allow for some wiggle room without being sloppy. My right foot frequently develops "hot foot"if i wear other makes of shoe. The fastening combo of velcro straps and dial works very well, with micro adjustment easy on the fly possible. (I was sceptical being old school, however my concerns were unfounded). The point about the three bolt cleat is valid. I prefer spd shoed for time off the bike, its safer. I bought these shoes for long rides>4 hours hoping my right foot wouldnt develop hot foot, so far, after a dozen rides they have proved a sound investment, so the three bolt fixing is for me a price worth paying. For Specialised to call them Audax Shoes is probably a misnomer where the UK audax fraternity is concerned.
I do have Specialised mtb shoes, roomy enough, but theyre a bit clumpy.

[mmmmartin]

I've tried different shoes, but you can't beat SPD sandals for long distance comfort.  You can walk I them, your feet don't get too hot, you can wear seal skin socks if it's wet, you don't need to dry them for multi-day rides (Audax or touring), you can still use overshoes if it's cold.  Save your money for a pair of those instead.

+1 to all of those points!

Agreed, they're ideal. Very strong sole, feet can expand easily, and they must, simply must, be worn with socks. At. All. Times.

[mrcharly-YHT]

Sandals are the best things ever.

Plus, what phanta said. Restricting people to 3-bolt cleats is stupid.

[bianchi boy01]

I have ridden specialized shoes for years and always find them very good. I have a pair of the Audax show and can say they are up there with the best shoes I have ever used. Sole is great  and feet always in good shape. MP1000 ridden without problems except for having to replace the heal tabs. All that 30% hill climbing on the two foot gear.

BB

Sent from my E6653 using Tapatalk

[Pickled Onion]

£100 = not audax
3 bolt = not audax

Can't walk up Devil's Staircase = not audax

[Carlosfandango]

£100 = not audax
3 bolt = not audax

Can't walk up Devil's Staircase = not audax

Aren`t you supposed to cycle up?

[Carlosfandango]

£100 = not audax
3 bolt = not audax

Not all Audaxers are cheapskates!

3 bolt cleats and pedals are so much better for cycling.

[LittleWheelsandBig]

£100 = not audax
3 bolt = not audax

Not all Audaxers are cheapskates!

3 bolt cleats and pedals are so much better for cycling.

Not in my experience. I started with toeclips, went to double straps on the velodrome, got into road clipless about the time Kelly did and changed my road bikes to SPDs well over a decade ago with no loss of performance. Have road clipless pedals improved power transfer that much since 2000?

[Wycombewheeler]

£100 = not audax
3 bolt = not audax

Not all Audaxers are cheapskates!

3 bolt cleats and pedals are so much better for cycling.

U don't find them any better. I have two bikes with SPDs and a one bike with Integra pedals. I don't notice any benefit while cycling. But I do find clipping in is more reliable with SPDs and walking (at controls) is so much better with sod shoes.

[Ruthie]

£100 = not audax
3 bolt = not audax

Not all Audaxers are cheapskates!

3 bolt cleats and pedals are so much better for cycling.

U don't find them any better. I have two bikes with SPDs and a one bike with Integra pedals. I don't notice any benefit while cycling. But I do find clipping in is more reliable with SPDs and walking (at controls) is so much better with sod shoes.

I didn't have enough float with SPDs and it did bad things to my dodgy feet and knees.   Speedplay zeros with the walkable cleats have solved this.  But you do need a 3-bolt or 4-bolt compatible shoe.

Is there any need for shoe/pedal snobbery?  Or inverse snobbery?

[Banjo]

DMR v8 pinned flat pedals work for me.Eliminated my knee pain and being slow anyway havent noticed any loss.

The pins dig a hole in the soles of whatever your wearing giving really good grip.Unless racing or fixed  Im sure flats are fine for most things.