Vittoria "Impact" MTB Shoes: First Impressions

A few weeks ago now, I started using the Vittoria Impact model mountain bike shoes as my main shoes for cycling. (You can see my introductory post here) These shoes have seen commuter duty, off road duty including mud, sand, and rocks, and have been on long rides, short rides, and even have been worn all day at my shop job!

The Vittoria "Impact" shoes proved comforatbleFirst off, I have to say that I was a bit iffy on the CRS closure system at first, but it is body heat moldable, which means....you just have to wear them awhile! After they took to the form of my instep, the shoes were very comfortable to wear.

One of the things I like about three strap closures is that I can control the fit in the toe box area, the mid-foot area, and on the instep. The Impact allowed very good control over these areas, and adjustments mid-ride could be made if/when my feet got swollen, or mysteriously shrank, as they seem to be wont to do on occasion. The instep strap is very easy to adjust while riding. Either tighter or looser, and of course, Velcro straps are simple enough to adjust as well. One small complaint: If you find yourself one to cross your legs at rest stops, you can easily bump the red release button on the ratchet and end up with a bit of a loose fit when you return to the bike. Obviously, a small issue, and easy enough to rectify.

The Impact shoes soles seemed to be a bit flexy right at the cleat at first, but since my initial rides, that sensation has gone away. They are stable when riding, and I experienced no hot spot issues, or odd wear issues at all during initial testing. The soles, specifically the tread,  seemed to make cleat interface a bit more snug than my other shoes I have used. I happened to like this effect. There was less of a tendency for the shoe to float, or tip on the pedal, which Shimano cleats have a tendency to do. The interface just felt more "solid" and secure, and release and entry were not hindered at all by this effect.

Wearability off the bike is excellent. I rate the Impact shoe high in regards to walkability, and comfort. As I mentioned at the outset, I have been on my feet all day in these shoes at work, and they were not uncomfortable at all. On trails, this translates to walking comfort in dirt, and on rocks. If your riding requires traverses at times, or portaging of your bike, these shoes should shine for you. Even on loose, rubble these shoes find a purchase and sure footed walking is easily done. (Even with an injured knee, as I suffered on a rocky mountain ride in the desert recently where I crashed and which forced myself to walk some.)

Durability seems very good so far. Mud, sand, and rocks have all had a turn at these but with little to show for it. These shoes look great yet. The straps are not deformed, and the graphics still look fresh. I will give them a longer term test, of course. That will come later in the season. As for now, the Impact shoes have met my initial expectations well. Stay tuned for another update on these later in the summer.