supton

When buying cycling-specific shoes, does one typically bring their bike with them?

On a lark I decided I needed a new set, after many a mile and now some holes. Bontrager Katan, which have this nifty dial gizmo to tighten it up. Problem is, got home, pedaled around the block--and one shoe feels awful. Fine in the store, not so fine on the bike. Shoes do have a return policy so I think I can get out of them easily (hopefully!).

And yes, I want SPD shoes; I like clipless, but I don't think there is much to be gained by SPD-SL in my case (I ride aggressively for me but ultimately I'm no pro).

I do have narrow feet, so finding shoes in a store is going to be a pain it seems (searching old threads). My left is 43B and right is 42B (maybe even A width). The guy at the bike store said shoes come in regular and extra wide, not sure how true but ultimately I'm not dropping $500 on a set of shoes either.

RonH

All shoe brands I've encountered come in regular width and width width. If you don't want to spend big bucks try a pair of $100+ Shimano or a similar brand.

supton

Ironically, I have a pair of Shimano's which seem to get the job done. I'd buy another pair, if I could, now that I see this may not be as easy as I hoped. Not even sure what they are, the tag on the inside wore away.

NYMXer

I've been lucky that just about every shoe that I bought, has fit me fine with no issues. Some of my friends have certain types of personal foot variants and must buy carefully. Over the years, they learned what works for them and what didn't.
So, if the OP has foot issues like wide feet, fallen arches or other ailments, then I would think that he would know what has been working for him. If this is just a fluke, return them for a different pair.
I personally like tight fitting athletic shoes, tight like they are an extension of my feet. On the bike, the show really doesn't move much, so I do not understand why they felt good in the store but not on the bike.
As a general rule, the more athletic shoes cost, they fussier they fit.

supton

I think what happened was, wrong pair of socks. When I was in the store I was wearing my typical socks, but yesterday I had been wearing a thicker pair of "smartwool" socks, as I had been doing some yardwork. Decided to not change socks but see if the thicker sock would help with fit. Well, that small movement of my foot somehow jams my ankle closer to the shoe opening, and there is one spot where it feels like a bump. With very little pedaling that small discomfort got really big (like bruise). Then the shoe would never feel good again, due to that irritation.

I put on my regular socks and that helped, but then I was mindful of just how much my foot was swimming around in there, and it was a bad omen. If the shoe loosens up with time, but I can't wear thick socks to take up space, then the shoe won't work well over the long run.

I'm not really sure why my Shimano's "work for me". They do feel loose too, but I'm kinda used to that (all shoes in my life have been a poor fit). For a bike shoe I just need the top of my foot "tight" I guess, so I can pull up on the pedals; the rest of the fit isn't so critical. I suspect the Shimano's must have a wider foot opening and just not hitting the top of my ankle in the same spot.

rydabent

My problem with cycling shoes is they are too narrow. I need a EE width.

supton

Bummer! Exact opposite here. For a while I would buy Nike running shoes, as they ran narrow; and they fit good. I rarely wear sneakers any more though.