i've still got my pair of spesh mtb sport shoes from 2002. bought the ones 2nd from top in their range a few months ago and expect the same from them. spesh stuff just lasts.

having said that, i would think twice about buying shoes with the ratchet thingy. velcro works just as well imo, and it doesn't hurt your feet when you fall off to the side.

They're very good, I had 2007 S-Works ones, now got 2008 ones, and they're more comfy, the liners are much softer and I think the fit's better.

Only bad point is the Boa closure is harder to use on the 2008 ones IMO, but easier to release, swings and roundabouts and that.

I also had to Dremel a bit of the tread away, they fouled on my pedals (Xpedo) and stopped me releasing my foot properly, but I had to do that with my 07 ones too!