howaboutme

Coming back into road riding after a few decades and need some advice on shoes for wide feet. I don't need high end stuff and prefer to dip my toes into more affordable options to start with. Any suggestions for shoes for someone with wide feet (splayed toes so the toe box is key)? Thanks!

Koyote

Specialized.

howaboutme

Thanks! I just looked at their website and the only "wide" shoe is high-end. Or is it a fact that their standard width shoes are forgiving to people w/ wider feet?

Koyote

You wrote that "the toe box is key" -- and in my experience, Spec shoes have wider toe boxes than most other brands. They also have a very lenient return policy, which should help you.

Iride01 

My son does well in Shimano cycling shoes for his feet that wider than mine but about the same length. I think Shimano actually has wide widths. But you'll have to look. They all are different and every shoemaker out there has their own idea of what a foot's shape is. So until you get some experience with the different fit of different brands I'll recommend you just go to the bike shops and try them on in person, or buy from places that have a generous return policy.

Steve B.

Shimano makes wide sizes in some of their shoes. You don't say if you are using 2 bolt or 3 bolt cleats (mt. or road)but the XC-3 is made in wide, they run about $95 or so

howaboutme

Thanks all for our recs. I'm likely going w/ the 3 bolt-Look cleats.

icemilkcoffee 

I also have wide feet and I’ve had good luck with Sidi shoes- their regular sizing seems to be wider than others.
Lake has wide option for all their shoes. Although I find them to be kind of wide all over including in the ankle area.

big john

I have fairly wide size 13 and some Shimano road shoes fit. I think the last pair was under $100 on sale, size 49. I've also had some cheap Duegi road shoes. These were 3 hole cleat types.

jolly_codger

Tommaso shoes run wide and are a brand I have used more than once. They usually have "outlet" shoes for under $30. Last year I treated myself and bought some Bont Riot wide shoes and they are fantastic; worth every penny,
John

alcjphil

If you have problem feet, you should try on shoes in person unless you live somewhere there are no retailers near you

Steve B.

I think the Sidi “Mega” shoes are their wide versions

icemilkcoffee 

I tried both the Sidi Trace 2 and Dominator in the regular sizing, and they both fit me fine. In all the other bike shoes I have to go for the wide sizing. I do have other issues with Sidi shoes - namely the buckles- but the fit is good.

Sierra_rider

I've got very wide feet and am a big fan of Lake. You do have to study their shoe fitting/last guide, as not all their models are the same width, but they have some of the best options for wide feet.

Litespeedlouie

I also have wide, flat feet and have been happy through 3 generations of regular Sidi road shoes. It seems counterintuitive, I considered Sidi Mega when they came out, and other recommended brands, but went with Sidi regular in 44.5 since I always had, and had no problems right up through this past summer when I got some Alba 2. I just do mail order.

I have also used Pearl Izumi and Giro touring shoes successfully, the Giro being good but the P-I needing some break-in; I did go into the store to try them on.

Sorcerer

My feet are shaped like duck flippers. They are very wide and thick. It may be anathema, but Exustar sandals SS515 model is one of the only bike shoes I can put on new without too much pinch. I also use Keen brand shoes, but I need to gradually break them in and stretch them.

Sandals are actually excellent. However I use SPD two bolt pedals mostly. I don't know why someone would use Look style cleats in this day and age.

Perhaps weight is a concern.

Another tactic is to use MTB platform pedals and shoes you already have. When I tour I often use regular shoes so that I don't need an extra pair of shoes and am comfortable. However I understand that there may be a bias against using flat pedals on road bikes (because that is not cool looking or something).

Best of luck in your search for comfort. When I started seriously riding in the '70s we used small shoes and pedal cages and straps. I suffered a long thinking that was normal and comfort came wheny feet became numb from the pressure points. I don't know how I went through all that.



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staehpj1

My wide feet like Sidi Mega models. They come in a range of models. Some of the lower end models are more afforable and still nice well made shoes.

PhilFo 

One more vote for both Sidi and Specialized. For clipless, Sidi makes all their sizes in the Mega range, but you have to try them on first. Granted, these are definitely high end, so probably not what the OP is looking for. Specialized shoes tend to run wide and have always fit my feet, which are size ~9.5 in length and 10.5 in width. These days I'm wearing the Specialized 2FO Roost and couldn't be happier for a platform-pedal shoe.

Troul 

Shimano rd shoes have the better deals & tend to cover an array of sizes/width without a huge logo on them.

PeteHski

Fizik also have wide fit options at various price points.

biker128pedal

Many Shimano shoes come in widths. REI has a good selection on most stores. One can use their web sight to see what is in stock. This is what I did a year or so ago. I used my REI discount.

Black wallnut 

Specialized, ummm nope! The only one they have in their current lineup in wide sizing is their s works torch road shoe @ $450. Sidi Mega are not exactly a budget shoe either. It's what I use for road. Have a pair of Specialized Recon lace-ups for CX, they are wide enough, just barely. When I was last in the market for shoes, about 8 years ago IIRC, I tried a number of different ones. Some from LBS, some mail order. Finally drove 100 miles to Gregg's In Bellevue, WA to try on a pair of Sidi. Haven't looked back. Unless you are a casual rider who will rarely do any rides more than 30 minutes in duration don't cheap out on shoes. Poor fitting shoes can create problems far more expensive to cure and just the cost of good shoes to start.

howaboutme

Thanks for this! I never thought of REI as a place that sold shoes. It looks like the one near me has Shimano, Pearl Izumi and Bontragers. That's a decent selection.

I will have to head to my LBS for Specialized and Sidi. More to do! Thanks all!

boomer58 

I have the same problem with wide feet 9-EE. I suffered with my first road shoes that I purchased many years ago. I recently purchased a pair of Lake shoes that are 44.0 wide. They work well for a lower price shoe and I have no complaints. I don't think my next pair will have the wind-up crank to tighten them instead of velcro. I also purchased Look pedals and they are alright but I have my old Speedplay pedals that I will be trying soon. I got both the shoes and pedals from Biketiresdirect.com and they were great to deal with. Let us know what you get, boomer.

staehpj1

Their return policy is good. So if you have to order without trying on first that is especially helpful. If you have a local REI store they may stock a good variety, but if not, having a local store makes it easy to return web orders.