The Correct Fitting Shoes

Josh has been given a bit of advice on cycling shoes, he is worried that possibly it's the wrong advice and wants to know what we think. Here is what we think about the right fitting cycling shoes and why!

Question:
Regarding cycling shoe fit, I had a salesperson who seemed reasonably knowledgable tell me that the length of the shoe didn't matter. He tried selling me a shoe, with a proper rocking motion of moving my foot up and down and no pinching on the side, however the shoes were size 13 and I normally try to wear size 11.5. Is he trying to rip me off, or is there some truth in what he is saying. The shoe model was a 2007 Specialized Road Sport shoe.

Hi Josh,

This advice seems a little strange to me, all shoes should fit properly to all parts of the foot. They should be a snug, but comfortable fit across the foot as well as the length of the foot, if you have shoes that are too long then your foot will move back and forward when you are pushing and pulling hard, say on a stiff climb. Another reason is that the foot has to be in the correct position in the shoe so that the foot is over the shoe plate and in the place over the pedal. If the shoe is too big the fittings for the shoe plate will be further forward than they should be making all your pedaling wrong and possibly in the end this could cause knee and hip problems.

Get the correct size shoes, the ones you are comfortable with.

Comments

shoes must fit

hi josh ive allways had problems with cycling shoes,becase like all others i have one foot that is biger than the other well i found the answer i just bought some shr300 by shimano and fit perfect.they put them in this oven to heat them up and then put them on our foot and then put a vac bag around them and then vac all the air out to fourm the shoe to your foot.i have a custem shoe now to my foot wow what a great feeling no hot spots i can ride all day with the bike club.i hope this will helP u some TOM

#1 - TOM

My experience has been that some makers--Sidi, for example--design on a narrower last, and I'd have to go up a couple of sizes to achieve a decent fit across the ball of my foot, resulting in way too much room in the toe. Not good. I also have high arches and even in Specialized shoes I had to go up one size to obtain a comfortable fit across the top of my foot. Having put about a 1,000 miles on my current pair, I've found the slightly roomy toe box to be an asset; it allows me to wiggle my toes and keep the circulation going. I haven't experienced any fore-to-aft movement at all.

#2 - Aden Nichols

commuter

I always use the European sizing instead of American and found that is some instances, there will be a variance of one size up or down when compared to the American sizing. Nevertheless, I still have to go up or down a half size using the European method to get a comfortable shoe. The basics still apply that the ball of the foot has to be in the correct spot and the shoe has to be comfortable across the middle. Ensure that your heel is not too loose, that will cause the shoe to have the tendancy to slip. If they have a bike on a stationary platform, ask to spin with the shoes you are considering (they may laugh at you though)

#3 - John

shoe sizes from different manufacturers

I would be concerned that the salesperson might be fitting your foot to their available shoes. The right shoe size fit is affected by the style of the shoe. My 46 Shimano touring shoe may be too narrow in the toe box; I tie it loosely and use front inserts for longer rides and all is well. My 46 SIDI racing shoe with Look clips has a larger toe box, the fit is marvellous, but impractical for touring so I carry something to walk in. Someday I will get a better fitting Shimano. Best advice, find a salesperson who will work with you rather than sell you something that doesn't work. Most importantly, don't ever get stuck on a brand, unless of course you want a SIDI for training or Shimano for touring.

#4 - Mike

When in Doubt, Try Them Out

Shoe fit is critical to long-term comfort on the bike so plan on spending some time at the shop. Once you've narrowed it down to 2 or 3 shoes based on try-ons, ask them to put your bike in a trainer and let you spin wearing your potential choices. Granted, this is a lot to ask of your LBS so be respectful of their valuable staff time. Go during a slow time with your own bike. If they laugh at you or think it's weird that you showed up w/ your bike and your lycra, find another shop.

#5 - Matt

The Correct Fitting Shoes

Hi.
It is very important that the shoes are
exately your size. Never to long or to wide.
You should trye many different shoes before you make up your mind.
Specialized and nortwave shoes are bigger than sidi, shimano ect.
Ole

#6 - ole

Thanks

Thanks for the advice, it actually was incredibly helpful. I was amazed that there was an answer and four comments within 24 hours. You guys are great: )

#7 - Josh (the one who asked)

Shoes

Also have problems with wide feet and find that Sidi have Mega fittings which is equal to EE width so no need to have extra length to get width.

#8 - Nigel sheridan

Firefighter/Paramedic

My experience with shoes is that they should fit snug with room in the toe box so as to not put pressure on the toes. Sidi seems to run narrower in the toe box. I have a pair of Specialized carbon mtb shoes I have put 2000 miles on. The key to epic ride comfort for me was the addition of inserts. I have very high arches and "Sole" inserts worked best for me. I have something called a neuroma in the ball of my foot which makes finding comfy shoes tough. Good Luck...

#9 - Brice

How to submit your Cycling Question?

Ask any question you may have about bike parts, accessories, clothing or training and let our team of experts help you.

Simply Click here to post your question, we will reply on the website shortly ..