Shoe recommendation
04-05-21, 01:04 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Shoe recommendation
Can anyone recommend a brand/line of 2 bolt cycling shows with a stuff sole and a generally wider toe box or available in wide sizes?
I use egg beaters on my road bike hence looking for a stiffer sole in a 2 bolt pattern.
I use egg beaters on my road bike hence looking for a stiffer sole in a 2 bolt pattern.
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04-05-21, 11:49 AM
#4
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A few years ago, the 2 lowest price Bontrager models had soles that were stiff and higher toe boxes than higher end shoes had. In fact, they were roomier than Sidis of the same size. I really wanted the Sidis, but the Bontrager fit was better, so I saved $150 on the purchase. I have no doubt that the Sidis were stiffer and more durable, but comfort wins out with non-racing me.
04-06-21, 01:09 AM
#5
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Most Shimano shoes in 2 bolt SPD or flat no cleat style are very nice for my 2E feet.
04-06-21, 01:20 PM
#6
Scrubby duff
I have the xc300 in wide. You cant wear cushion socks with those, they are real snug.
Or Lake.
Or Lake.
04-06-21, 02:11 PM
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IME, Specialized shoes typically have a wider toebox, but I can't speak to specific models, since they've changed since I bought my last pair. Worth a try, though.
04-06-21, 02:16 PM
#8
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I bought a new pair of S-Works 7 road shoes and the S-Works Recons last year, they are definitely wider in the toe box than previous generations. And, very stiff, providing a nice stable platform. The Recon's will work nicely with the egg beaters...but they are pricey.
04-06-21, 02:34 PM
#9
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Ditto the Shimano SH-XC7, dual BOA, They come in a wide size. Possibly the most comfortable shoes I've worn. Worth it.
04-07-21, 10:33 PM
#10
Senior Member
A few of the Lake models with the Competition last also have a round-shaped front, but are a touch wider in standard widths. Heel fit generally wider.
I've found it a good idea to find overhead pics of models to compare toe-box shape.
For example you can see with the high-end Shimano shoes they cut back a little around the side/toe edge (narrower), compared to the Spesh and Lake round-front models.
Bont also have round fronts but from what I've read they're best suited for higher arch.
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04-07-21, 10:40 PM
#11
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Also, Specialized have footbeds that come in 3 different heights to suit the general 3 arch types. I hadn't thought of that until you mention the Bonts tend to work better for high arches...once a person figures out what shoe shape works for their foot shape, the next step is getting a reasonable shaped arch bed. Excellent point!
Last edited by Badger6; 04-08-21 at 02:23 PM. Reason: typo fix
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04-08-21, 01:42 AM
#12
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I’m a Bont fan, in part for the wider toe box, but I’ve also got quite low arches, not so far as flat, but low. I’m not sure what makes a fully moldable shoe like Bont “best for high arches” since one can shape the foot bed as needed, but I actually had a fitting done(FitMi, Ann Arbor) where she put me on an insole with more arch support than the stock Bont one, which suggests to me that the footbed in those shoes was lacking in arch support. I’d never shaped the arches lower, so I dunno if it was that A3 model design or if it’s just not accurate to say Bont are best for high arches, but given the moldable feature alone, I’m thinking the latter.
04-08-21, 06:52 AM
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Shimano and Specialized are the most readily available, moderately wide shoe in the US. If those don't work for you, visit the Lake Cycling website and do the foot-tracing/measuring procedure as outlined there and then reference their sizing chart. It's the most comprehensive that I've found online and the results have been fantastic for me - great fit, great shoe. Frankly, I wish that I would have done that sooner - I chased shoe fit for a years, wasting more time and money than necessary, mostly because I balked at spending ~$300 on shoes and getting it right the first time.
