I am in the same position, except my feet are not only wider in front but my right toe joint is somewhat bigger than it should be, like the one on my left foot. It might be from letting my feet freeze repeatedly on cross country skis when I was 20 year old or maybe it is just some deformation that happens.
Also, not being in lycra or too serious biking kind, I am looking for SPD shoes even if I ride road bike. The big spikes put me off, on the other hand the shoes that tone them down sometimes don't look sporting enough. I checked online but only to see what is out there
I would definitely buy only if I can try the shoes on (and doubly so if my feet are not quite standard).
I suppose online shopping is for those who buy their n-th pair of shoes and know their size and maybe even brand. Shoe sizes are only a rough guide as it is (for normal street shoes) and when it comes to cycling shoes, the numbers are likely in a whole different league.