If you’re coming from a running background, finding the perfect shoe type for your foot may seem straightforward: measure your feet for length, width, and volume, and then find the correct shoe. However, when it comes to cycling shoes, it’s generally not that simple.
Unfortunately, 98% of cycling shoes on the market are designed for narrow feet, leaving those with wider feet feeling restricted and experiencing numbness and discomfort. To make matters worse, many bike shops won’t even check your foot width or volume before recommending a shoe.
While some brands, such as Shimano, offer an E width, this designation doesn’t necessarily mean much. In the past, a Shimano E width shoe offered a nice wide fit with significant volume. However, fast-forward to 2023, and a Shimano E width shoe is only slightly wider than a standard narrow fit shoe.
Specialized offers a wide fit S WORKS, and Fizik has their Overcurve wide fit range, but these shoes aren’t significantly wider. Instead, they offer more volume, meaning the sole’s width remains similar, while the upper of the shoe is taller, providing extra space for the foot to move. (the Overcurve Wide does have a nice square toe box however so it you have quite a square shapes boxy foot where the little pinky toe gets squashed they could be a great option)
If you’re looking for a true wide fit cycling shoe, two brands stand out: Sidi and Lake. Sidi’s Mega range and Lake’s mm-based approach to sizing across several shoe types, such as sport, competition, and race lasts, provide options for different types of wide fits and volumes. In fact, in our 20+ years of industry experience, Lake leads the charge in terms of wide fit cycling shoes.
If you have a large, high-volume, wide foot, Lake is the only way to go. Their shoes are super comfortable, and the top-quality workmanship ensures that even the widest feet out there have an option. Problems and discomfort related to a foot that is too wide for the shoe is one of the most common complaints in cycling. It’s essential to take the time to find a shoe that fits well to ensure comfort, enjoyment, and good circulation and movement.
At the end of the day, finding the right cycling shoe is all about taking your time and trying on different options. The “tap test” can be a helpful way to gauge whether a shoe is a good fit – simply tap around the toe box and sides of the shoe to see if there is any give in the material. If there’s no movement at all, it’s likely that the shoe will be too narrow and uncomfortable on a ride.
In conclusion, if you’re struggling to find a cycling shoe that fits comfortably and provides the support you need, don’t despair. Look for brands that offer a true wide fit, like Sidi and Lake, and take your time when trying on different options. With a little patience and persistence, you can find the perfect cycling shoe for your wide feet and enjoy a more comfortable, enjoyable ride.
