Having the right cycling shoe is vital for the right cycling experience. However, those with wider feet have a harder time getting the right kind for them. Here, we’re going to help you with that.
Hi, I am Michael, and getting shoes has been a pain for me for years. It started when I was small. Being a chubby kid, it was assumed that my wide feet had to do with my size.
I’ve always been on the heavier side, but six years ago, I started working out, cycling to be specific. As I progressively lost weight, the more I was interested in cycling for longer distances, and that required the right shoes.
However, the problem prevailed- I couldn’t get cycling shoes that could accommodate my feet and they were always sore after long bike rides. It was later that I came to learn through a store clerk that I had wide feet and could, therefore, only wear shoes that met precise specifications.
With the knowledge I’ve acquired, I’m here to share with you a few of the brands I found that make shoes that can accommodate people with wide feet. I’ll also highlight some other things to look into before purchasing a cycling shoe altogether.
8 Best road cycling shoes for wide feet- comparison table
Name |
Sole |
Action |
Lake Cycling CX 402 |
Carbon fiber |
|
Lake Cycling MX 241 Endurance |
Carbon fiber |
|
Bont Cycling Vaypor+ |
Carbon fiber |
|
Bontrager Foray |
Nylon composite |
|
SIDI Shoes Genius 7 Mega |
Carbon composite |
|
SHIMANO SH-TR9 |
Carbon fiber composite |
|
Giro Chamber |
Vibram rubber |
|
Tommaso Strada 200 |
Fiber glass |
Lake Cycling CX 402 road cycling shoe
This shoe is designed for very high-intensity riding. The sole is made from carbon fiber, and you can get it in either a Speedplay or 3-hole cleat pattern that you can use without adapters. That is dependent on the cleat mechanism you already have.
Specs
- Custom-fit carbon fiber sole
- Replaceable heel strike pad
- Klite Kangaroo leather and mesh upper
- IP1-S Boa lacing system
Even though the sole is stiff, it is still comfortable to wear and get a snug fit. This aspect adds to the power that you can put on the peddle and thus enhancing your cycling experience.
Pros
- Lake Cycling is a brand that works with pro athletes
- You can customize your shoe
- The heel is stiff yet comfortable and thus ideal for long rides
Con
- You have to purchase the cleats separately
Verdict: Lake Cycling is a brand that you can trust to meet your cycling needs. They have made a name for themselves and worth considering.
Lake Cycling MX 241 Endurance road cycling shoe
Next, we have another pair that is also from Lake Cycling. It, too, has a larger toe box and a tighter heel. It is exceptionally secure, allowing for performance ride or race. The toe box space is equally enough to let you run up inclines or get through the hike-a-bike section without binding taking place.
Specs
- 100% carbon fiber sole
- Mountain Race X real rubber sole
- Helcor abrasion-resistant leather upper
- Full-grain leather and Nufoam lining
Just as with other road cycling shoes in this brand, you can use heat to mold the carbon heel counter for a snugger fit. The MX 241 Endurance also uses the IP1-S Boa lacing system
Pros
- The shoe is suitable for performance riding or racing
- It is super secure and will stay as-is when on the trail
- The leather upper is durable
Cons
- It doesn’t come with the cleats
Verdict: If you’re serious about riding or racing, here’s a shoe you can confidently wear and not think about.
Bont Cycling Vaypor+ road cycling shoe
This Bont Cycling shoe is tailored to be lighter, more durable, and faster compared to the previous Vaypor. It’s different in that it’s made form new materials and also features a closure design and an improved fit for added performance.
Specs
- Durolite outer skin
- Unidirectional carbon sole
- Retention system
- Arch support
For ventilation, the Vaypor+ has frontal area air vents and also air gills located in the arch area. The inner sole is EVA thermo-moldable, and the padding the company uses is memory foam.
Pros
- The heat-moldable chassis allows for a fit customization
- There are two-cleat mounting options for the shoes
- There’s adequate ventilation in the shoes
Cons
- The cleat options are not the standard type
Verdict: if you’re looking for a shoe that gives you medial longitudinal arch support and lateral forefoot support, then this is for you.
Bontrager Foray mountain shoe
Though this show is tailored for an off-road experience, you can still use it for road cycling. Having such a shoe allows you to switch between the two. The sole is stiff enough for cycling and walking, and it has a durable upper that will take you longer and further.
Specs
- Nylon composite sole
- Single BOA® L6 dial
- Tachyon rubber outsole
- Compatible with 2-bolt SPD-style cleats
Foray has what the company calls the inform race last that offers a slightly roomier and a high-performance fit. It’s thus ideal for those with wider feet.
Pros
- You can use these shoes for road or off-road cycling
- The dial keeps your shoes secure as you ride
- The shoe has a roomier fit for those with wider feet
Cons
- It does not come with the cleats
Verdict: If you’re looking for a multipurpose shoe, then you can consider going for the Foray mountain shoe. You can use it for both cyclings and walking on smooth and rough terrain.
SIDI Shoes Genius 7 Mega cycling shoes
[amazon box=”B084DNQ2N4″ template=”horizontal” ]Here we have a sure that offers quality features but is affordable. The materials used on the upper make it water repellent, allowing you to go on for miles. SIDI offers these shoes either in the standard or men’s sizes.
Specs
- MicroTech Microfiber mesh upper
- Carbon composite sole
- Caliper buckle and Velcro closure system
- The replaceable anti-slip heel pad and toe vent system
When cycling, you’ll note that the soles are firm with no flex while you’re peddling. Additionally, the shoes have vents that allow the cycler’s feet to breathe.
Pros
- They are ideal shoes for people with wide feet because of their size range
- Your feet get to breathe while you’re cycling
- The shoe’s feature gives you maximum support when you’re on the road
Cons
- They don’t come with cleats
Verdict: If you have wide feet, this is one brand you can turn to without possibly fearing a hit or miss. It also looks futuristic, so it’s something you can consider getting.
SHIMANO SH-TR9
[amazon box=”B00ZWBG5RY” template=”horizontal” ]This shoe is quite practical, especially when it comes to its securing system. You can place your finger through the heel loop to quickly secure the footwear while you’re in transitions. The upper is breathable too, allowing your feet to remain well ventilated.
Specs
- Carbon fiber composite sole
- Asymmetrical heel-loop
- 3D breathable mesh
- Anatomical tow cap
The shoe is lightweight, so you’ll feel almost nothing while cycling. Another feature is the dual density cup insole that allows the footwear to remain rigid yet breathable.
Pros
- Its sole is stiff, making it ideal for long-distance cycling
- The upper has breathable material, so your feet remain well ventilated
- The securing system is Velcro, which keeps the foot in place
Cons
- It doesn’t have cleats
Verdict: The cycling shoe by Shimano is ideal, too, if you’re looking for a Velcro shoe that your wide feet can be comfortable in.
Giro Chamber
[amazon box=”B0716YZLZ7″ template=”horizontal” ]With this shoe, Giro provides cross and downhill races with the benefits of a stiff and clipped-in shoe to lock into the pedal but also has the functionality for walking or running. The Chamber is made in such a way that it eliminates pressure points.
Specs
- Leather upper
- Internal bootie retention system
- Dual-density Vibram rubber outsole
- Molded SPD compatible shank
The Vibram outsole provides adequate traction even when the clean is not locked in. The bootie that is in place keeps the foot comfortable and secure, while the heel cup absorbs impact.
Pros
- Has a rubber reinforced toe box for durability
- The upper is breathable, keeping your feet both happy and dry
- There’s a hook-and-loop strap that keeps laces safely in place
Cons
- You have to purchase the cleats separately
Verdict: Giro is a great brand and is known for producing quality shoes. Additionally, the style of this shoe allows it to be functional even when you’re not cycling throughout.
Tommaso Strada 200 cycling shoe
[amazon box=”B0716YZLZ7″ template=”horizontal” ]Last but not least, we have a cycling shoe that is suitable forbiking, spin class, fitness riding, and commuters. The shoes allow you to paddle with more power, but it is also comfortable while doing so. The fit system is made with those who spend hours on the bike in mind.
Specs
- Fiberglass sole
- Sleek, lightweight profile
- Two ergonomic Velcro straps
- Ratcheting buckle system
The comfort inserts and padding make for a perfect fit for anyone who wears these shoes. That means that if you’re taking a short or a long ride, you’re still comfortable.
Pros
- Made with several functions in mind, including a spin class, biking and commuting
- It is lightweight for all-day comfort
- The fit system keeps your feet comfortably in place as you ride
Cons
- You’ll need to get cleats at extra cost
Verdict:Here we have a multipurpose shoe that you can take full advantage of for multiple uses. It is equally comfortable for all-day use.
Buying guide for road cycling shoes
Let’s explore some factors to look at when you’re purchasing a pair of shoes when you have wide feet.
Soles
When looking for a cycling shoe, you want to ensure that you get one with a stiff sole. Stiff means that when you press down on them, the bottoms don’t bend.
The reason why that’s important is that the energy you use to push down gets transferred to the pedal as is. That allows you to get more from your workout than if you’re using a shoe with a softer sole.
Stiffness is not the only factor. The lightness also plays a role not just in the effectiveness ofthe shoes, but yourexperience. Let’s look at it more in-depth. Most basic cycling shoes have plastic soles, and they tend to weight more.
However, if you want something lighter, you can get a sole with a mixture of carbon and plastic (carbon composite), which is lighter. With that, the price goes higher. At the top of the hierarchy, we have pure carbon soles, which are by far the lightest. However, before you add carbon-soled cycling shoes in your cart, they are the stiffest and can get uncomfortable on longer rides.
Fastening systems
In the market, you’ll find four types of tightening systems for cycling shoes: laces, Velcro, ratchets, and dials.
Laces: Laces are traditional when it comes to shoes, and you will find them on cycling shoes. You can indeed find laces on some high-end cycling shoes too. They are preferred thanks to their aerodynamic nature and also how comfy they are when properly tied. Their major disadvantage is being unable to adjust them while on the go.
Velcro: You’ll find several shoes with Velcro, perhaps because they are cheaper. You’ll notice that the shoes tend to have one large Velcro fastening, which keeps the foot securely inside the shoe. They do take a bit of adjustment to get the fitting that you want, though. Additionally, they aren’t easy to adjust while on the move, with some of the other fastenings available. However, when you do get it right, you’ll note that the straps tend to be light. It’s for that reason you’ll find some high-end shoes using this fastening.
Ratchets: Compared to Velcro, ratchets offer you an even more secure fit. When you’re cycling, for example, going up a trail, you can tighten them while on the move. However, the tricky part comes in then you need to loosen the fastening. That would mean having to stop since adjusting them will require two hands. Most shoes you’ll find that come with ratchets also do use Velcro.
Dials: There are the top-tier fastenings when it comes to cycling shoes. You’ll typically find these on expensive shoes. They are impressively secure and quite easy to adjust. What allows for that is you can dial the knob to get the perfect hold for your foot. What you’ll notice is that there isn’t a universal standard for dials. Even so, the rule that brands opt for is the Boa dials, since they are easiest to adjust compared to others.
Cleat
The type of cycling will primarily dictate the type of cycling you’re doing, along with the sole that you’ll get. For example, if you prefer off-road cycling and will want to have shoes that you can comfortably walk in after, then opt for the two-bolt cleats. These are typically recommended for rougher terrain.
If you’re road cycling, then three bolts would be better. That’s because they give you a wider base and improve the power transfer to the pedals, allowing you to go faster. If you’re going for the three cleat bolts, then be ready to part with more money.
Fit
In a world where online shopping has made purchasing things convenient, stone and motor stores are, in this case, preferred. The best way to know the right fit for you is by trying them on. You’ll know if you want plastic or carbon shoes. If you can’t, be sure to check the sizing system that the company uses. That particularly essential for those with a wider fit.
Wrap up
Understanding you have wide feet makes a difference in the types of shoes you’ll wear. You won’t automatically reach for what others are wearing because they won’t work for you. Instead, you’ll look for brands that specifically state that they accommodate people with wide feet.
Once you identify brands that can cater to you, the next step is ensuring that your feet check off the various points raised in the buying guide. All the same, we hope that this has been a useful guide and starting point for you.
FAQ
What does it mean to have a wide foot?
Our feet vary greatly, so it’s essential to know your type to make your shoe-buying easier. Having a wide foot means that your mid-foot or fore-foot are wider than the average person. People with flat feet tend to have the same feature
How can I tell if I have wide feet?
The quickest way to know if you have wide feet is to check your shoe wearing history. If you have difficulty wearing standard shoes for your feet length, then you have wide feet. You’ll find that you have to wear certain brands or go to specialty stores to find shoes that you can put on easily.
