Shoe me!!

[Flybye]

Well, I have just returned from the physical therapist who had worked over my feet for the second time :( OUCH!! I now realize that I HAVE to shell out the $$ to get new cycling shoes and after doing some snooping, I have decided to go with SIDI's.

Unfortunately, the nearest bike shop with a selection of SIDI's is 500 miles away. There are a few at my LBS, but they are all men's shoes.

I am not opposed to men's shoes because I do have large feet for a woman and often end up purchasing men's athletic shoes anyhow.

Because of the distance issue, I am pretty much forced to purchase a pair online without the opportunity to try them on first and that's where I would like some advice, please.

If this sounds like your foot and you have found a great SIDI, please let me know which one:

I typically wear a 10 or a 10 1/2 in womens shoes. I love Merrell's for normal everyday shoes and wear a 10- 1/2 in them. Would that translate to a 43? Do the Sidi's run pretty true to size? The pair of shoes that sent me to the physical therapist were Shimano's and they were too narrow in the toe box, so I am guessing that I would want shoes in the wider range?

Thanks for any advice - my money will be burning a hole in my pocket until I find out which ones to give a shot!! Wait, I don't have money :p My Capital One will be burning a hole in my pocket......just doesn't have the same ring to it, does it?:D

[batsheva]

Hi,

I know you say you have decided to go with the Sidis-- but I post this anyway, just as a general information thing:

I have 'birkenstock' feet - I have worn them everyday for like 15 years and even putting a pair of regular type shoes on squishes my toes now seeing as i am so used to open 'square' shoes like Birkenstocks and like Merrills.

I bought Diadora Fast Road shoe

http://outspokenbikes.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=8992

even when hot and sweaty there is tons of room in the toebox for even the squarest feet like mine that are not used to wearing closed in shoes at all-- I am generally a 36-37 in normal shoes and these are a 38 and fit beautifully - like one full size up - no looseness and no numb cramped toes either. I have them with easy to use Shimano A520 pedals and would recommend this combo for a beginner on clipless as I am also.

Might be worth a look?
batsheva

[jobob]

We had a discussion on Sidi fit just recently, you might find some good info there.

I think the general consensus was that they do run small. I wear a women's 10, and I generally take a 41-42 in Euro size shoes, but my Sidi Dominators are a women's 42.5.

( Aha! Found the thread: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=219614 )

Team Estrogen carries Sidi shoes, perhaps if you give them a call they can help you out on sizing details.

good luck, - Jo.

[short cut sally]

I too was going to suggest shopping here at TE for the sidi shoes. I am giving the bike shop until tomorrow (2 weeks later for a 2 day delivery). And if they don't call, I am calling TE to see about a pair of Sidi's. I didn't realize that had shoes also, I thought it was just clothes and socks..the shopping here just gets better..I wear an 8 in my shoes I have present, which converts to a 39 Nike brand. The Sidi I tried on was 39.5, and it was okay and doable, but I want to see what the 40 fit like before I doled over the $$. My feet are so funny and I need to make that comparison to be sure. For what they cost, I want to be right. And I tried on some less expensive shoes, and those Sidi's won out. But everyone has different prefrences and shape of feet, so make sure they (which ever brand you decide on) fit you and you feel comfortable in them. Good luck, let us know how you make out..:)

[Flybye]

Hi,

I know you say you have decided to go with the Sidis-- but I post this anyway, just as a general information thing:

I have 'birkenstock' feet - I have worn them everyday for like 15 years and even putting a pair of regular type shoes on squishes my toes now seeing as i am so used to open 'square' shoes like Birkenstocks and like Merrills.

I bought Diadora Fast Road shoe

http://outspokenbikes.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=8992

even when hot and sweaty there is tons of room in the toebox for even the squarest feet like mine that are not used to wearing closed in shoes at all-- I am generally a 36-37 in normal shoes and these are a 38 and fit beautifully - like one full size up - no looseness and no numb cramped toes either. I have them with easy to use Shimano A520 pedals and would recommend this combo for a beginner on clipless as I am also.

Might be worth a look?
batsheva

Thanks for the info on the Diadora's. I hadn't considered them and I will be sure to check them out. I would describe myself at the Birkenstock kind, too. Squarish feet on the front, with a narrow heel. That is why I absolutely LOVE Merrills. BTW - shoebuy.com is an excellent site to shop for regular shoes like Merrills. They ship to you for free and if you need to return shoes, you can ship back to them for free. What's not to love about that??
I have the SPD cleats on my Shimano shoes now :D they're great.

Thanks for your help!

[Flybye]

We had a discussion on Sidi fit just recently, you might find some good info there.

I think the general consensus was that they do run small. I wear a women's 10, and I generally take a 41-42 in Euro size shoes, but my Sidi Dominators are a women's 42.5.

( Aha! Found the thread: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=219614 )

Team Estrogen carries Sidi shoes, perhaps if you give them a call they can help you out on sizing details.

good luck, - Jo.


Thanks for the link to that thread, I cruised around on the threads for awhile, but didn't get to this one. I will read the comments on the SIDI's and decide between them and the Diadora's.

Many thanks!

[Flybye]

I too was going to suggest shopping here at TE for the sidi shoes. I am giving the bike shop until tomorrow (2 weeks later for a 2 day delivery). And if they don't call, I am calling TE to see about a pair of Sidi's. I didn't realize that had shoes also, I thought it was just clothes and socks..the shopping here just gets better..I wear an 8 in my shoes I have present, which converts to a 39 Nike brand. The Sidi I tried on was 39.5, and it was okay and doable, but I want to see what the 40 fit like before I doled over the $$. My feet are so funny and I need to make that comparison to be sure. For what they cost, I want to be right. And I tried on some less expensive shoes, and those Sidi's won out. But everyone has different prefrences and shape of feet, so make sure they (which ever brand you decide on) fit you and you feel comfortable in them. Good luck, let us know how you make out..:)

What a bummer to have to wait that long at the LBS. I know exactly what you mean about wanting it to be right for the $$ - I have spent more on the physical therapist than I care to all because I didn't get the right shoes for the $$ I went cheap the first time and it ended up costing me more in the long run. Good advice to check here. Thanks!

[mimitabby]

I am sitting here with a brand new pair of SIDI Dominators on my feet. They are a size 40. I have wide feet and often end up wearing a size 9 even though my feet are only the length of an 8.

I am trying to decide whether I can keep these beautiful dusty rose and red shoes, or if i have to send them back. For some reason they never have size 41's.

So they are kind of tight but lengthwise, they are just right.

i hope that helps.

[Flybye]

I am sitting here with a brand new pair of SIDI Dominators on my feet. They are a size 40. I have wide feet and often end up wearing a size 9 even though my feet are only the length of an 8.

I am trying to decide whether I can keep these beautiful dusty rose and red shoes, or if i have to send them back. For some reason they never have size 41's.

So they are kind of tight but lengthwise, they are just right.

i hope that helps.

Just a warning on the tightness isssue - that's what sent me to the physical therapist - my Shimano's were too tight from toe to toe or ball of foot to ball of foot and compressed my feet which in turn compressed my nerves in my foot and led to both toe numbness and problems with the ligament that connects my big to to the heel. It isn't fun to have a physical therapist dig at your toes and stretch out the ligaments in the bottom of your feet :eek: I hit him on accident today because it hurt so bad - OUCH OUCH and OUCH!
Just a thought for you.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Mimi-
Your feet are going to swell after several hours of riding...don't get ones that are snug anywhere, or you'll wind up with tingling and numb feet. :(

[Biker Jo]

We had a discussion on Sidi fit just recently, you might find some good info there.

I think the general consensus was that they do run small. I wear a women's 10, and I generally take a 41-42 in Euro size shoes, but my Sidi Dominators are a women's 42.5.

( Aha! Found the thread: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=219614 )

Team Estrogen carries Sidi shoes, perhaps if you give them a call they can help you out on sizing details.

good luck, - Jo.

Just an FYI: I'm the one that started the above thread, and I thought it was time to give an update.

I wound up returning the Sidi Bullets (size 40) and instead bought the more expensive Dominators in 39.5. (My normal shoe size is 6.5 wide.) I was still experiencing toe pain, so I decided to bite the "bullet" and go for a fitting. Well, to make a long story short, since the fitting and some major adjustments, including saddle height and fore-aft adjustment, I have experienced absolutely no foot problems! The shoes are very comfortable. It was definitely a good investment.

Jo (not the same Jo in the quote)

[KnottedYet]

Shimano shoes are what caused Trek420's toe catastrophe on ALC this year.

I have wide toes/narrow heels and have great luck with men's Specialized Tahos. I can't wear Merrels because they are too narrow in the toes, but I can wear Birkenstocks, Chacos, and Keens.

[mimitabby]

yeah, you guys are probably right; but i am SO bad with shoes, I can't stand to leave ANY shoes on. The ones I currently use on my bike are so loose they slosh. I have feet that like to be barefoot. I am concerned that their poor fit might be part of why I had the problem yesterday on a longer ride.

what kind of shoes can I wear? :confused:

[RolliePollie]

Mimi...nice feet! Look at the difference between yours and mine...mine are sooooooo narrow and flat! Like my Teva tan lines? :p I can't believe I'm actually posting a picture of my feet. And a HUGE picture at that...I don't know how to make pictures smaller!

So what shoes should I be wearing? My current pair are PI road shoes...quite comfy until I get to about mile 20 and I get numb toes and hot spots. I had to buy them on the small side just so my feet wouldn't slip out at the heel. Have tried different insoles, repositioning my cleats, etc., but it doesn't help. The only thing that helps is stopping to get off the bike. But once I get back on the bike, hot spots and numbness return. I'm getting very frustrated.

[Trekhawk]

I am sitting here with a brand new pair of SIDI Dominators on my feet. They are a size 40. I have wide feet and often end up wearing a size 9 even though my feet are only the length of an 8.

I am trying to decide whether I can keep these beautiful dusty rose and red shoes, or if i have to send them back. For some reason they never have size 41's.

So they are kind of tight but lengthwise, they are just right.

i hope that helps.

WOW Mimi they sound a little small to me but hey our feet are all so different.
For what its worth I wear 37 in Birkenstocks, US 7.5 in Keens and 41 in Sidi Genius and Dominators. I love my Sidi shoes they are super comfy.

[Blueberry]

I am sitting here with a brand new pair of SIDI Dominators on my feet. They are a size 40. I have wide feet and often end up wearing a size 9 even though my feet are only the length of an 8.

I am trying to decide whether I can keep these beautiful dusty rose and red shoes, or if i have to send them back. For some reason they never have size 41's.

So they are kind of tight but lengthwise, they are just right.

i hope that helps.

Mimi-

I would be very surprised if you could comfortably wear a 40. I wear an 8.5 normally (or a 39 in most Dansko clogs) and have WIDE feet, and my old Sidis are a 41 (and I had wondered whether they were too snug). The 41's appeared back briefly on Sunday (I think), and I ordered them. After all of the Nashbar discussion, though, I certainly hope they have them:cool: :cool:

Good luck whatever you decide:)

CA

[TrekJeni]

I too was going to suggest shopping here at TE for the sidi shoes. I am giving the bike shop until tomorrow (2 weeks later for a 2 day delivery). And if they don't call, I am calling TE to see about a pair of Sidi's.

FYI
It's probably not your bike shop's fault for the Sidi order not being here. My BF manages his family's bike shop and put his Sidi order in more than TWO WEEKS ago and still hasn't gotten it. He says the customer service sucks but they have a good product. He's heard an earful from me for the last week as he ordered the full size range and I'm dying to figure out which size is right for me. I have a RR this weekend and will be wearing my mountain bike shoes AGAIN. Once I figure out which size I wear, I'm going with the cheaper of the carbon pairs. BUT I CAN'T GET ANY UNTIL THE STUPID ORDER COMES IN!!! :mad:

Call your LBS and see if they're running into the same problem!

Jeni

[mimitabby]

Mimi...nice feet! Look at the difference between yours and mine...mine are sooooooo narrow and flat! Like my Teva tan lines? :p I can't believe I'm actually posting a picture of my feet. And a HUGE picture at that...I don't know how to make pictures smaller!

So what shoes should I be wearing? My current pair are PI road shoes...quite comfy until I get to about mile 20 and I get numb toes and hot spots. I had to buy them on the small side just so my feet wouldn't slip out at the heel. Have tried different insoles, repositioning my cleats, etc., but it doesn't help. The only thing that helps is stopping to get off the bike. But once I get back on the bike, hot spots and numbness return. I'm getting very frustrated.

Sara, you definitely have shoe feet as opposed to mine. note how your big toes point towards the center. That only happens in feet where you have been pushing them into shoes. People who never wear shoes do not have big toes like that; they actually tend to go out instead of in. From what I can see (and i'm no expert) YOUR feet would probably fit SIDI's nicely.

Since you have such lovely slim feet, why don't you wear wool socks under your shoes and see if that helps?

[mimitabby]

okay all you foot/shoe experts. Should i go up 1/2 size or a full size??

(from the 40's that are snug on my feet)


HELP!!

[mtbdarby]

For what it's worth, if you need room in the toe box Nikes run wide. Especially compared to Sidis. I love my Sidis but as my bunion gets worse on my right foot, some toes go numb during longer rides because they are a narrower shoe on the average. Time to get my orthodics.....

[Ninabike]

Mimi, Have you thought about trying the 0.5 size in the 40? I wear a 38 and my old pair of Sidi's were 38. Then I got a 38.5 in Genius and Dominator shoes and it made a HUGE difference in the toe box width. I have chronic issues with my feet (bunion, arthritis, etc.) and now my Sidi shoes are among the most comfortable of all my shoes.

[Ninabike]

okay all you foot/shoe experts. Should i go up 1/2 size or a full size??

(from the 40's that are snug on my feet)


HELP!!

Sorry, my above post was a little late.

[Biker Jo]

If it will help any, I normally wear a 6.5 wide shoe. I had originally gotten a size 40 Sidi Bullets, which were not very comfortable - the tongue was hitting me in my toes and instep. I was able to exchange them (and pay the difference) for a pair of 39.5 Sidi Dominators, and I couldn't be happier! I also have a problem with bunions and other assorted foot problems, and I definitely have enough room in the toe box.

Jo

[mimitabby]

Thanks gals

I just ordered the 41's at full price. (argh)

I really like the color and I know the shoes I have are sloppy cheap shoes.
and I also know that NO ONE has the 41's on sale .. or even HAS them.
except this one little store...

[short cut sally]

well, the bike shop called, my shoes are in to try. I was only able to try on the 39.5, they didn't have any 40's, and I am fussy (bunions-after reading this post I am concerned, but glad I am trying on the 40's too) . I have to wait until tomorrow to go to the shop, its 2 hours one way and they are open late tomorrow night. The only bad part is that DH will probably go with me. HE has NO idea how much these shoes cost and how much the pedals I want also cost..oh my god..he is going to die. (life insurance policy=shoes/pedals for remainder of life..hhhmmmm;) ). I can see the eyes roll back and head striking the carpeted floor now...but I HAVE TO HAVE THOSE SHOES......this addiction is soooooo...bad..:cool:

[mimitabby]

oh Shelly i feel your pain. Lucky me, my DH already has a pair so he already knew what the damage was going to be!!

[Blueberry]

Wow! I was really lucky to get the 41's from Nashbar - seriously, they came back in stock for a very short time:cool: :cool: If they don't fit, I'll let TE know before I send them back in case anyone wants them....

But they better fit just like my old ones :p:p

[mimitabby]

Ca_in_NC they were probably a return. Just like the 40's I have right now.
You're luckier than I.

[Flybye]

Okay - I have determined a few things from all of your posts/pictures.
First - THANKYA, I am in your debt :D
Second - I think I will fit a men's 43.5 :o Guess I'm not quite a "49 Clementine"
Third - SIDI's in women aren't made in my size, so now I am off to explore men's shoes.

I hope this thread helps others as much as it has me.
I have checked out SIDI, Nikes, Diadoras, and Carnacs. I know more 'bout shoes than I did in the beginning.

Thanks!

[GLC1968]

Just as a general bit of hopefully helpful information...

If anyone has flat feet (ie, no arches to speak of) a very good shoe brand to consider is Specialized. Their 'body geometry' technology has created a shoe that is designed to work for those who pronate (which most people do...but not everyone). If you have flat feet, it is highly likely that you also pronate and therefore, a Specialized shoe should work well.

I have short, flat feet that pronate and I need a wide toe box. I bought my specialized road shoes originally because they were the only pair my LBS had in my size at the time. Luckily, I loved them from the start. I've since been to a specialist and she said that I picked the right shoe for my foot (phew!).

[mimitabby]

got my 41 Sidi's today! THEY FIT! with room to grow! (swell)

they are beautiful; they match my new bike..

[RolliePollie]

After experiencing foot agony on my 50 mile ride today, I'm ready to give up on my PI shoes. Performance Bike has last year's Sidi Zetas on sale so I think I'll just order a pair and see if they fit. Here is a question though...on all the pictures I can find of the sole of the Zeta's, there is a red thing covering the left-hand set of screw holes. My cleats fit the 2-hole pattern. Does anyone know what the red thing is and if there are screw holes underneath?

Here's a picture of what I'm talking about:

[LBTC]

Sara, I can only imagine that the red plastic bit is sort of packing material, or the inserts you leave there if your cleats use the outside four holes. They've simply removed one so you can see the screw holes that the plastic bits hide.

H&B
~T~

[LoriO]

I guess I get to join the cycling shoe party too. My very first pair of shoes just arrived today. I got a pair of Pearl Izumi flow mountain bike style shoe. I took a chance and ordered them on line without having tried on a similar shoe first but luckily, they fit great! Now to seriously start thinking about what kind of pedals to get although I am leaning towards the speedplay.

Now if the weather would just break so I can get out there and ride. I don't mind heat but the humidity levels here in CT have been through the roof. I just do not handle humidity well!

[LadyInMotion]

I purchased my new shoes yesterday. I tried on several at the LBS, who had a wide variety of styles and brands. I did not pay attention to the brand because I did not want it to be a determining factor, I just wanted the shoe that felt best on my foot; which requires a wide toe box and narrow heel. My LBS guy would just take them out of the box and hand them to me, then check fit. I ended up with a pair of lightweight Specialized that feel wonderful. I found out that I had passed on a pair of Sidis because of the toe box room.

[RolliePollie]

got my 41 Sidi's today! THEY FIT! with room to grow! (swell)



What she said! My Sidi's arrived today, they are 41's, and they fit!!! Also with room to swell! So I guess the moral of this story (in terms of fit), is that Sidi size 41 fits both my very narrow size 8.5-9 and Mimi's relatively wide size 8.

I wish I could go test them out tonight, but I'll have to wait until tomorrow's ride. My cleats are all installed so they're ready to go. I have high hopes for these shoes! I really, really, really hope they help with the hot spots and numb toes.

[RolliePollie]

OK, I couldn't wait til tomorrow. I put on my new Sidis and went out to ride around on my driveway. So far, I like!!!

[Bad JuJu]

OK, let me throw in my two cents here: I just got my first pair of cycling sandals. I tried the Lakes that TE sells, but they fit me weird and felt very clunky. So I swapped them for the Shimano, and they're excellent. I installed the cleats last night and hope to get a ride in today. I'm hoping for some relief from the heat for my poor, hard-working tootsies.