shoes bike shoes fit like running trainers???

highlander777
highlander777 Posts: 67
edited August 2010 in Road beginners
Hi

I am having issues finding bike shoes that are comfortable in terms of fit

Tried Sidi + specialized

The issue with specialized is that a 44 fits with no real room at the toe end. No issue with width. The 45 feels too big. The same kind of applies with the Sidi

WIth my trainers , I always have at least a thumb nail at the end, to allow my feet to expand

is there a rule of thumb with road shoes???

Comments

  • rjh299
    rjh299 Posts: 721
    Running shoes will have more give and be more flexible than road cycling shoes.
    Try a different brand, also some do half sizes.
  • Sean1504
    Sean1504 Posts: 101
    I run as well, my bike shoes are a lot tighter than i'd ever have trainers but it doesn't seem to matter and now I don't even notice that they're 'tight'. When your running the constant pounding of your feet into the tarmac causes them to swell, this doesn't seem to happen on the bike or at least to a much smaller extent.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    The biomechanics of running and cycling are different - when running, with each foot stride the feet and toes splay to dissipate the shock - you don't need this with bike shoes. Bike shoes are designed to transmit the power from the legs through the shoes to the bike - if your feet are flopping around inside the shoes you are loosing efficiency and power. As long as the shoes aren't restricting blood flow and creating discomfort.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    Cycling shoes should be a close fit and hold the foot securely as far as the ball of the foot. You do need some room at the toe section both in width so you can spread the toes a little and at the front so you do not push your toe nail against the end when out of the saddle.
    I have a similar problem getting shoes that fit but are long enough. I am currently using Specialized BG ones. Not perfect but close.
    My Fleet.
  • careful
    careful Posts: 720
    JohnT said
    You do need some room at the toe section both in width so you can spread the toes a little and at the front so you do not push your toe nail against the end when out of the saddle.
    +1 for that. I once did one race in a pair that were slightly too tight. Both my big toe nails fell off a few days later. I have narrow feet and usually have to buy 46 in Shimano etc to get the length. I have a pair of Sidi's in 46 but these always feel a bit loose. Just bought some Sidi's in 45.5. Perfect, less room than in a well fitting trainer bit just 1 or 2 mm at the toe. Sounds obvious but the lesson I learned is not to settle for something that "nearly fits". If you buy on line, be prepared to send them back if not a perfect fit.

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