off-road.cc

dhb are doing great things for affordable cycling clothing and the Troika MTB Shoes are no exception, but the sizing may prove to be a bit of a faff to get right. 

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dhb say the Troika shoes have wider toe-box to accommodate wider feet or “thicker shocks” according to Wiggle. Having a standard sized foot, it was very noticeable how much room was at the forefoot of these shoes. If you’ve ever suffered from pinching or crushing of the toes, or you know you have naturally wider feet, then you’re in for a treat. For me, however; the extra room simply made me feel a little disconnected from the pedals, like I was wearing shoes that were too big for me, so I wouldn’t recommend them for the average rider. It’s also worth noting that Wiggle suggests that you choose a size smaller than usual.

The rubber is a little hard on hard surfaces, but the tread pattern digs in well on dirt

Out on the trails, the Troika shoes were sturdy and robust. The perforated upper material allowed a decent amount of breathability to the shoe, but with all the holes focused on the top of the shoe, rather than on the sides, they were still secure from the odd puddle splash.

Offset velcro fasteners give okay weather protection

Although the compound was a little harsh and shiny when walking around on tarmac, the soles gripped soft mud well and the nylon soles offered a decent amount of rigidity for pedal power. The cleat holes did a very good job of keeping water from seeping into the soles of my feet, and a claimed weight of 361g for a pair of EU32 shoes is a pretty respectable number.

A nylon sole gives respectable stiffness

All-in-all, the Troika is a decent pair of shoes at an average price (made more affordable and appealing by Wiggle’s end of season sale, now selling for £50), however; they are better purchased by riders who find themselves typically half a size bigger than the standard sizes, or who need a little extra room in the forefoot. 

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