Northwave Bike Velvet SBS Cycling Shoe

I had to return these. I really liked these shoes but the tongue was so long it cut into the front of my foot, even when I was just standing. Otherwise they were nice. I agree on the "large in the toebox" comment.

These are a very light and fairly stiff shoe (for a non-carbon shoe). I am a 7.0-7.5 in women's shoes and the 38 fits me very well, with more room at the tip and sides of toes than the same size in Specialized cycling shoes. Like many NW shoes these run a little wide in the toe box (on my average width feet). I like that the sole is very flat so my cleats can be fastened without a lot of space between the sole and the cleat. The material is very light and I can tell that with all that mesh my feet will be far less sweaty in the summer in past summers. The NW buckling system works well though I am still getting used to the SBS ratcheting system. It is not complicated to use, just takes a minute longer to adjust, which I'm sure I'll get used to. I hope all the parts that make up that ratchet will wear well. Frankly, I would be just as happy with 3 velcro straps and a strong, stiff sole than with the other gizmos!