Mis-mated Cycling Shoes

[solveig]

My feet are different sizes - the left is about size 5 (36 Euro) and is very wide in the ball / toe area as it's a club foot. My right is a perfectly normal if a little wide size 8 (39 Euro). I've gotten by the last 4 seasons - since I started riding - with a couple mismatched shoes (a Specialized and a Sidi) I got off Ebay. But they're breaking down and I need to get some new ones. So I have two questions:

1. First, any recommendations on brands of road cycling shoes that come in small, wider sizes?

2. Do any of you have experience with a cycling shoe company mis-mating shoes? I'd like not to have to buy 2 pair if I don't have to...

Thanks lots,
Solveig

[sgtiger]

I've heard of sites that help with finding mismatched shoes for people that have your same issue. Some even find people who have the same interests and have opposite shoe sizes.

Google your friend:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=wr8&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=mismatched+shoe&spell=1

[vinbek]

I don't know about mis-matched shoe sizes. But I had surgery on my left foot and need a wider toe box now in my shoes. I went to a half size larger shoe to get the wider toe area. I wear Sidi or Diadora shoes - they seem to be wider than most. And I sometimes put a gel insert in my shoes to keep my heel in them - I cut the front part off and just use the heel part! Sounds crazy, but it works for me! Bekki

[bike4ever]

I know of no cycling shoe company that will sell mismatched. Even very few regular shoe companies sell mismatched (Chaco will). I know about regular companies since my son has a club foot (left is 12D, right 8 4E). He only wears Chaco and New Balance. We have to purchase two pair of the New Balance every 6 months since he blows out the right side of his right foot so fast even with his orthodic. We did get him custom hiking boots (Esatto) but that was a hefty price.

I'd suggest searching eBay for two pair of shoes that fit you best. Sidi women go down in size, but I don't feel they are wide. Sidi mega size only goes to a 40 men's size. I have heard that Specialized fits wide - sorry no experience there.

[solveig]

Hi guys,
Thanks for the responses. I did do some google searching, and I found an online store that sells shoes one at a time - something I've been seeking for a long time! No cycling shoes there, but maybe the money I save on regular shoes can be put towards cycling shoes.

Also found a place where you can offer odd shoes for sale, which I might use to help clean out the closet.

I will definitely look into Sidi & Diadora - probably will have to try some on "in person" at a store.

:)
S