Verdict from 2 experts and 5 user reviews
5 reasons to buy
- Comfort: A majority of users find the Bontrager Starvos ideal for all-day rides.
- High-quality: Many owners say this road cycling shoe is well-made and uses sturdy materials.
- Stylish: Several reviewers love the pair's design and find it attractive.
- Affordable: A number of buyers find the Starvos to be budget-friendly.
- Light: Some wearers mention how they forget they have the shoe on due to its lightness.
2 reasons not to buy
- Retention system flaw: A couple of owners claim that the top-most strap is super short, which makes achieving their ideal fit difficult.
- Missing cleat graph: This Bontrager shoe doesn't have a graph in the cleat area that serves as a guide in cleat positioning. This has made some users complain.
Bottom line
Despite its many strengths, there are a few minor gripes, like a possible strap problem. But all things considered, the Starvos offers all the essential elements of road shoes and a distinct style without breaking the bank.
Tip: see the best cycling shoes.
Bontrager Starvos: Versatile design, constant comfort
The Bontrager Starvos is designed to deliver all the essential elements of road bike shoes, and more. Apart from the usual road shoe's characteristics like sleek, light, and stiff, its universal cleat system (fits SPD and Look Delta) provides the option to use it for varying cycling endeavors.
Who is it for? Whether you're a beginner or consider yourself a seasoned enthusiast, the Starvos is for you if you are looking for the following components:
- Enough rigidity for power transfer, but comfortable enough for walking
- A shoe that is compatible with both SPD and Look Delta cleats
- Sleek design
- Triple Velcro closure
Other similar shoes you can check
Giro Techne. This shoe also employs the same closure system and cleat fitting design as the Starvos. However, the Techne's upper integrates mesh material, which could mean it provides better airflow than the aforementioned Bontrager shoe. The Giro shoe is also at least $20 lesser than the Starvos.
Lastly, a graph is printed in the cleat area to serve as a guide for accurate cleat positioning
Pearl Izumi Select Road v5. Like Starvos and Techne, the Select Road v5 is also a road bike shoe that utilizes a three-strap Velcro closure and universal cleat system. This pair's most apparent difference is its sleeker and almost seamless upper construction. Price-wise it is lesser than the Bontrager Starvos.