I had a softball-sized rock get kicked up by my front wheel in October 2022 while going about 20mph, which directed itself squarely at my right toe and resulted in one of the most painful MTB injuries I've experienced. I was wearing the Specialized 2FO Roost Clips. My toenail (which ended up falling off) is about halfway grown out now in June 2023. I've also had more pinky toe impacts with rocks/roots than I'd care for over my 13 years of mountain biking, which also hurt a lot. The 2FO's toe box reinforcement stops just short of where my pinky toe is and the front of the toe box reinforcement isn't enough to deflect serious rock impacts.
All that to say, toe box impact protection is top priority for me now. RC's Tallac shoes are my current choice because they have the burliest toe box I could find. Just a couple days ago I landed a double with a root in the landing, and as my suspension compressed the front of my right shoe went between my pedal and that big root. The Tallac shrugged it off, no harm done.
Anyway, weight and stiffness are now backseat to foot protection and I don't think I could go back. The Chamber II looks good but that toe box looks pretty similar to the 2FO roost clips, and they appear to be the most protective of the bunch.
June 2, 2023, 7:18 a.m. - Ken Kienow
I had a softball-sized rock get kicked up by my front wheel in October 2022 while going about 20mph, which directed itself squarely at my right toe and resulted in one of the most painful MTB injuries I've experienced. I was wearing the Specialized 2FO Roost Clips. My toenail (which ended up falling off) is about halfway grown out now in June 2023. I've also had more pinky toe impacts with rocks/roots than I'd care for over my 13 years of mountain biking, which also hurt a lot. The 2FO's toe box reinforcement stops just short of where my pinky toe is and the front of the toe box reinforcement isn't enough to deflect serious rock impacts. All that to say, toe box impact protection is top priority for me now. RC's Tallac shoes are my current choice because they have the burliest toe box I could find. Just a couple days ago I landed a double with a root in the landing, and as my suspension compressed the front of my right shoe went between my pedal and that big root. The Tallac shrugged it off, no harm done. Anyway, weight and stiffness are now backseat to foot protection and I don't think I could go back. The Chamber II looks good but that toe box looks pretty similar to the 2FO roost clips, and they appear to be the most protective of the bunch.