Shoe fit - advice please

Essex Man

I was passing an "Evans" cycle shop today and popped in to look at some SPD shoes, as I have just ordered some SPD pedals.

I was in a real hurry as I needed to get a train, but I tried on some Shimano M076 shoes. I am size 10 in all shoes. I tried on a 46, 45 and 44.

THe 44 was way too tight, the 45 was OK, but a bit tight at the sides around the ball of my foot. The 46 however felt great. However, the salesman stated that the 46 was not a good fit as my toe did not come the the end when I put the shoe on the floor and then lifted my heal up. My toe was about and inch away from the end.

Is this true, as the fit felt good but would my foot be positioned incorrectly in the shoe for pedalling?

Before I could try on some Specialized shoes I had to dash....

BigG67

Only thing I can say is that I've never viewed my cycling shoes any different to any sports shoe. As in I've looked for the same "feel" when they were the right size as I do with tennis/squash/running...heck even golf shoes.

Certainly not worried too much about the location on the pedals, remember SPD-SL cleats have a fair amount adjustment in them.

Essex Man

What about SPD cleats? This is my first venture into shoes/pedals.....

BigG67

Sorry, my bad.

SPDs have less adjustment but still some. Unless I'm wholly wrong the fit of the shoe is the 1st consideration....get that wrong and there'll be hours of discomfort. If the cleats are not quite under the ball of your foot then I'd say you'd only loose a "bit" of power, though I'd doubt if many would notice.

BigG67

Take your time...try on other brands.

Get this one wrong and it'll be pain all the way.

UKScooby

I have just gone through the same process as you - kitting my new Cycle Scheme bike with SPD's.

I have a shortish 8 1/2 to 9 foot - depending on shoe. But my foot is quite a wide fitting. During the fitting process I am also nursing a badly bruised little toe - chasing after the dog in the bedroom who was running off with my watch (Irish Setters !)

That therefore puts me in the 43 / 44 size area. But a 44 Shimano was too small. On the other hand a 44 Specialized was much better - but still a tad compact.

Moving up to the 45's the Specialized was too big - although nice and wide. The 45 Shimano was the best compromise of everything I found - a tad wider wouldn't have gone amiss.

The next problem was shoe style - I originally wanted Velcro to easily kick off at work - but with my broad foot the Velcro straps were short. The more flexible trainer style shoe appeared to work better. For my first pair - and being new to SPD I didn't want to go too crazy in case I changed my mind.

I would therefore suggest you try Specialized as well - plus different styles in both ranges. If like me you don't plan to walk far when off the bike it will be on bike comfort which is more important. Evans selection was 'poor' but Cycle Heaven in York had a really good range at fair prices.

Having had my first ride out today in the shoes I can say how well the SPD's work and how quickly you get used to them. I have adjusted the cleat position tonight as they felt slightly out after a 15 mile ride. You can't of course move your foot position during the ride as you can with ordinary shoes so small adjustments will probably make a big difference (which is why I hit the forum tonight looking for advice).

A little tip - the things you are in most are your shoes and your bed - get them right !

pianoman

Good to see you've found bike stores other than Evans.

Try SIDI's - you can loosen the straps during a ride if your feet swell on a hot day.

And their Dominator's are the best looking shoes I have ever owned. They even go well with the tiny Wellgo pedals I use!

miurasv

Both my brother and I have needed 2 sizes larger than the size we normally take in the bike shoes we bought. He is an 8 but needed a 10 in a Shimano shoe. I normally take a size 11 but take a 13 in the Northwave Typhoons I have.

rjh299

Shimano do wide versions of their shoes (at least some of their range). So you get 44/44w, 45/45w and so on. If they are ok length but not wide enough see if they've got other version. Also I think I'm right in saying that Shimano or narrower than some other brands. Specialized are more suited to wider feet.

Essex Man

Thanks for all the advice. I have been tempted to order some shoes over the internet, but I think I will make sure I get out to a shop again to try some more on, even if this does mean paying a bit more and waiting a bit longer.

on-yer-bike

Essex Man wrote:

Thanks for all the advice. I have been tempted to order some shoes over the internet, but I think I will make sure I get out to a shop again to try some more on, even if this does mean paying a bit more and waiting a bit longer.

I ordered mine over the internet I bought 4 sizes and sent 3 back. Sidis are narrow unless you buy the megafit versions. I take a 42 normally and 44.5 in Sidis! I have also tried Mavic but they are too wide for me. I have Shimano SPD shoes and they are 44. My toes don't touch the front of the shoes and if they did I would be uncomfortable. I have some Specialized that cost about £85.00 which are 43 and my toe touches the front and this became uncomfortable, the 44s were too big. I think Sidi are the only ones that come in half sizes.