Bike shoes for short wide feet

[Scubamom]

I've finally decided it's time to upgrade to a better shoe, followed by new pedals. I've been riding in a fairly inexpensive Shimano touring shoe and using SPD pedals, neither of which I've been in love with, but they've been adequate.

I have a short (size 6) foot. The ball of my foot and toe area are wide, and my heal is quite narrow. I can't wear wide width street shoes, as the heel is too wide, so my normal street shoes are medium width, but I can't wear styles that run narrow in the forefoot area. I'm looking for recommendations for a good quality shoe that will work for my foot. I don't live near a large city so dealing with a LBS to try on several is not an option. I'll have to order. I ride a road bike, and while I would prefer a road shoe, I am not opposed to a mountain bike shoe if the fit, quality, and comfort are there.

I'm really hoping for some suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

[HipGnosis6]

The ball of my foot and toe area are wide, and my heal is quite narrow. I can't wear wide width street shoes, as the heel is too wide, so my normal street shoes are medium width, but I can't wear styles that run narrow in the forefoot area.

This is VERY typical of women's feet and most shoes for women are not made on a women's-specific last. The ones that are would probably fit you better.

Unfortunately, the shoe company I used to work for didn't carry any cycling shoes, so I don't know what brands use women's-specific lasts. You might have OK luck with using a heel cup to reduce the width in just the heel of any shoe, though.

There are LOADS of shoes and if you're OK with parting ways with a good chunk of change, you can probably get something built custom.

[cusepack]

I have a wide foot and have found these shoes to be the most comfortable. The ventilation is great, nice room in the toe box, and you can tighten them to your preference. I had to purchase them in the men's edition as the women's did not have my size.

But anyway, here they are . . .

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=16321

[Bad JuJu]

I've had a couple of pairs of Diadora shoes--both touring and mtb--and they fit my short/wide feet pretty well. I do have to cinch the heels pretty well, but the toesies are nice and comfy.

[pyxichick]

I have Specialized shoes for women, and they fit my wide feet really well.:D I think they were around $70 or so?

They are mesh on the upper part, which I think helps so my feet can sort of spread out.

I'd tried a few other brands, but these just fit my feet the best.

Good luck shoe shopping!

[tattiefritter]

I have a pair of Pearl Izumi womens MTB shoes and they fit my wide feet very well without being too sloppy in the heel. Their MTb/road shoes seem to be identical apart from shoe tread. If I hadn't have picked up the PI ones cheap I would have gone for some Specialized.

I have had a pair of Cannondale shoes that were quite wide at the toe end, unfortunately too wide at the heel.

[Geonz]

Have you tried men's (or boy's) shoes? (Or is that what you're talking about already) ... my feet run wide, and if it's casual at all, I just buy mens... though my feet are big enough to be a size 8 in men's. ("I'm a perfect size 8 ... in combat boots :) :))

[GirlWonder]

I have somewhat small feet but also have pretty big bunions on each foot. Thus, my foot is wide at the bunion site but narrower just about everywhere else. What worked for me is to buy the shoes a little big to give more room for the "wide'" parts of my feet. Since I have a smaller foot…there was no way I could fit into the smallest "men's" sizes that came in wides. I could not find any "wides" in woman sizes.

It might also help to get a pair of shoes with three straps as opposed to two so that you can adjust each strap according to the wideness of the foot in various areas.

I got a pair of each of these below, which are basically the same shoe with different soles, one for MTB and one for Road.

Zeta Mesh Women's Road Cycling Shoes
http://www.sidiusa.com/contents/media/Zeta-Mesh-Women_Silver.jpg
And
Bullet 2 Mesh Women's Mountain Bike Shoes
http://www.sidiusa.com/contents/media/Bullet-2-Wom-Mesh_BlueAnt.jpg

[DeniseGoldberg]

Short feet? I also wear a size 6, but I've always thought of my feet as small rather than short. Your description made me smile!

I also have a high arch, so I have problems finding shoes. I have been very happy with Sidi Dominator shoes (MTB, although I only ride on the road). They have 3 straps (2 velcro, one ratchet) so I have plenty of space for adjusments. One word of caution though - the Sidis run small. So if you want to try them, you may need to size up from your normal shoe size.

--- Denise

[Surlygirl]

I wear a 6.5 shoe and D width. The specialized shoes fit me great and the Riatas have three velcro straps so I can adjust them. They are mountain bike shoes and I use them on my road bike with crank brothers pedals and cleats.
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=15740

Click on the "enlarge" to see the pic of them.

[Crankin]

I have small (5.5-6.0) feet, which are medium width, with a narrow heel. But I have a bunion on my left foot and both feet swell when it gets hot (when i am riding). I wear Sidi Dominators (like Denise), but they do come in 'mega" width. So, normally i would wear a 36 in regular shoes and I bought 38 megas for my road shoes. The rachet makes a difference, so you can losen as you ride. This is also good for winter riding, when I wear woolie bullies. My mountain shoes are also Sidis, but they don't have a rachet and are 37s. (regular). They are fine for spin class, but if it's hot and I'm mountain biking, it can get uncomfortable.

[Dogmama]

[QUOTE=GirlWonder]Zeta Mesh Women's Road Cycling Shoes
http://www.sidiusa.com/contents/media/Zeta-Mesh-Women_Silver.jpg
/QUOTE]

Those are my shoes too. Both road and MTB. I have duck feet like yours. I'll never tip over.

[Fitmiss]

... Another vote for Sidi Dominators. I have a medium + with foot. I wear a US 6.5 and needed a Women's 38.5. In most of the other shoes, I fit into a 38. The Sidis appear to be a little "shorter" than some of the other shoes. I did not find them too narrow. One of the differences you will find beween the women's and men's versions is that the heel is narrower in the women's shoe.

I really love my shoes. They are great! I have the black but would love a pair of the rose/red color as well.