User submitted reviews
Review by EricJensenRidesBikes
On sale, it's a fine value. Full price these are a poopy, and I'd go back to Sidi or Lake if I had a WABAC Machine*** The venting perforations seem performative more than functional. Lower vent thing is pointless if for no other reason that the holes are filled with the glue used to assemble the shoe. There is a spiffy coating on the shoe that likely makes it wipe fairly clean, but I live in Tucson so the javelina poo dries to dust fast. The BOA lace continually catches the top notch they have in the tongue; nuisance nothing more. The ratcheting to loosen is FANTASTIC compared to my current Lake, and that is good cuz you're going to need to fiddle these.
*** = I still might be going elsewhere and chucking good money in shoes on to ebay for less.
Sizing is SNAFU and FUBAR: Fizik size charts in a EU43 says "<107mm" for width. Shoe measures on the OUTSIDE 97mm. Long story short, I have beaten a WIDE pair out of Fizik and they are all of FOUR MILLIMETERS WIDER; big flippin deal. 101mm wide on the outside in a EU42 where the normal width is charted as "<105mm". Like, I measured my foot with machinist precision not just guessing at US<>EU sizing. So if you have a foot over 101mm wide, GO ELSEWHERE!!
Then, length of the shoe they ship is conversely 10mm LONGER than it should be from the chart. I have EU42 wide and EU43 and I have a lot of measurements and none of them even come close to a size chart.
I spent 4 hours in the shoes on 2 occasions on carpet before mounting a cleat. Then rode a trainer 2x for +60 minutes and 60-110rpm 100-400W, standing, mashing, hammering, spinning, all of it. I had no problems. I rode outside on a pretty-darn-flat path and and doomed myself to owning these and FOOT PAIN I HAVE NEVER HAD...and no joke I have close to 80,000 miles in the last 20 years.
Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.
PS - get some painter's tape and cover the shoe before you mount a cleat, and the scuttlebutt at BTD might then exchange them. I have no idea where I am in that process since they have not responded in a week...
Review by PMAinRHI
I'm writing this mainly to address sizing, since that was my biggest apprehension when I ordered. It's nice that Fizik uses true sizing. In my case, I wear size 11 for Nike and Asics. I measured my feet accurately (using two books that slid parallel to each other; this is more accurate than tracing around your foot) with cycling socks on, at 281mm. Using the Fizik guide, I rounded up to the next size, 44. When I first put them on (standing on carpet, not clipped in), they felt too small (top of toe contacted the roof of the shoe), but when I clipped in, they fit perfectly.
Regarding the shoe itself, they are nice and light and stiff, with good power transfer. The BOA snugs the foot nice and even. They are a tad narrower than the Bontragers these are replacing, and one foot feels that after 20 miles or so, so I usually just loosen them a little. It's nice that the BOA works both ways. Overall, I'm happy with the purchase.
Review by Eyekayak
I have used SIDI shoes for several years but started buying FIZIK in between SIDI purchases. So far I have had really good results from FIZIK and this pair has been as good as my earlier two pairs. They seem to be a bit more comfortable than my SIDI's and have less hot spots when using them with the Speedplay pedals. Water drainage is fine when riding in Florida downpours. The value is really good, and so far after around 500 miles they are working great.
Review by Hickinator
These are very nice shoes. Super light and stiff. They are a little wider than the Fizik shoes I�ve worn in the past. The blue color is very bling.
Review by Matthew
I waited to put 165 miles on these to break them in before offering my two cents. I really appreciate the narrow footbed and the stiffness of this shoe. The Li2 BOA dials are a breeze to operate and easy to adjust during a ride. The inside heel-portion has an interesting anti-slip design that helps to secure the back of the foot inside the shoe. On the sole there is a port to allow ventilation at the front of the shoe. I am really happy with these shoes, and I can be very hard to please. They have been easy to clean after each ride: I use bleach-free Clorox Scentiva wipes which are stated to be safe for vinyl surfaces, and the wipes keep my white shoes looking great.
Review by SixSeven
BTD offered these shoes on sale at the perfect time when I needed a new pair. I've been loyal to Fizik over the last few years because of their comfort, simplicity, style and durability.
My last pair were the R3 which served me well over the last few years. I need to repair the metal insert cleat and then they'll be operational again for when the roads are wet and grimy.
The Tempos are similar in style but offer one less BOA dial (I haven't noticed any difference), the soles are definitely stiff for power transfer and I bought the white shoes (I promise to keep them clean!) which are quite snappy looking. They are definitely comfortable right out of the box. I wear 10.5 regular shoes but ordered the 44.5 (11) to allow some toe movement and swelling for the extra long endurance rides. They fit perfectly. Additionally, the heel pads do not have exposed screws where rust and dirt find their way in. I'm not sure the Tempos heels are replaceable if worn, but in the new phase I'm not really worried.
I would have ordered a second pair (Iridescent Blue), but BTD did not have my size. I did not want to take a chance at the next size down which was available.
Pound for pound....dollar for dollar, I think these are the best shoes on the market in my humble opinion.
Review by Anonymous
I bought these a couple weeks ago to replace some Giro Empire lace ups. The Tempo Decos is billed as a 2nd tier road shoe, maybe due to the single boa dial. It has a great stiff sole and the single boa tightens things nicely. I have a few hundred miles in them and they needed very little break in (just the tongue was a little stiff, took 1 ride). If you like your cleats farther back like I do, this is more adjustable than most other shoes with a moveable cleat base. Nice and light, very comfortable and they have a bit of sole ventilation also. I am a 44 in sidi and giro, followed the chart and fit a 43 in Fizik. Highly recommend.
Review by Anonymous
Great road bike shoes that work very well with my Wahoo Powerlink Pedals. They look sharp and are easy to clean. The BOA system is a single but does the job very well of keeping my feet secure. You can adjust the dials while riding. I did but 46.5 and find them a little long as I usually get 46 is my only glitch.
Review by msp01
Great shoe: light, grip inside the heel to keep foot steady. These have the ability to move the cleat mound further back or forward for your needs.
Review by Kenneth H
Can't give a full in depth review because they will be a Christmas present. I have been searching for a pair of white cycling shoes for a while. Tried a few and these seem to be what I've been wanting. I tried them on for a few minutes and felt great and just the look I have been wanting.