Semi-New Rider...another shoe question

I've been riding for about a year and just completed the MS bike ride in Miami (although I only did 90 miles). I've been riding in running sneakers for the past year and while they have served me well I think it's time to switch to proper cycling shoes.

I've read some of the posts about clipless shoes and, I must say, at first I was confused about clipless vs. toe clips. But now that I've gotten that sorted out I'm ready to start shopping for clipless shoes. Although I am a little worried about being "connected" to the bike and possibly falling over.

Here's my question...my local bike shops don't carry a lot of women's cycling shoes. Maybe they've got a couple pairs to choose from. Anyone have any recommendations on brand or perhaps online resources?

If anyone is in the South Florida area and has a store recommendation that would be helpful too.

Thanks.

just FYI, depending on your shoe size (i.e. if your feet aren't tiny), a men's model will do fine v(have been using one for years now).

Thanks. I guess it depends on what you mean by "tiny" feet. I wear a 6 or 6 1/2 women's shoe.

I really like specialized shoes- their insoles are the best. I wear their womens shoe because although I'm a 9.5-10, I have slender feet and the mens wouldn't cinch down over my arch snugly. But you of course have to find what's comfy for your foot. Too bad Zappos doesn't do cycling shoes. ;)

My feet aren't tiny, but men's shoes won't do - I have a very narrow foot.

6 or 6 1/2 in a womens shoe is something like a 4 to a 4 and a half in men's, probably not very easy to find.

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Originally Posted by mayanorange

I really like specialized shoes- their insoles are the best. I wear their womens shoe because although I'm a 9.5-10, I have slender feet and the mens wouldn't cinch down over my arch snugly. But you of course have to find what's comfy for your foot. Too bad Zappos doesn't do cycling shoes. ;)

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zappos does

you can get sidi shoes & pearl izumi

Once again I'm going to put in a recommendation for these.
Before you invest all that money give them a try.
$13 plus shipping

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mayanorange

I really like specialized shoes- their insoles are the best. I wear their womens shoe because although I'm a 9.5-10, I have slender feet and the mens wouldn't cinch down over my arch snugly. But you of course have to find what's comfy for your foot. Too bad Zappos doesn't do cycling shoes. ;)

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I'm a women's 10 shoe size, but also have a VERY narrow foot. I went with Sidi's because dh uses them and they fit snugly around your foot. However, they don't make my length in women's sizing, so I ended up with a men's narrow. I have determined that they could still be narrower ... and shorter (I got a slightly bigger size than I should have). I'll have to look into the Specialized for women ... when funds are available. Why do you mention Zappos? I'm not familiar with those.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jiffer

Why do you mention Zappos? I'm not familiar with those.

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Zappos.com

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zen

Once again I'm going to put in a recommendation for these.
Before you invest all that money give them a try.
$13 plus shipping

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Thanks, good stuff.:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zen

Once again I'm going to put in a recommendation for these.
Before you invest all that money give them a try.
$13 plus shipping

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Ok, if I had small feet I *might* give those a whirl. But since I don't, I'll stick to my shin eater platform pedals. :p

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Originally Posted by sundial

shin eater platform pedals. :p

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Glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks of them that way! I had forgotten how much I hate getting bit pedals until I got Fern. She's keeping her original pedals tho, so I'll have to learn to dodge better! :eek:

I have been wearing Louis garneau shoes for several years now. They offer great customer service and have many models to choose from. LouisGarneau.com

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Originally Posted by ridebikeme

I have been wearing Louis garneau shoes for several years now. They offer great customer service and have many models to choose from. LouisGarneau.com

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Thanks. I really like the look of these and they are reasonably priced.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zen

Once again I'm going to put in a recommendation for these.
Before you invest all that money give them a try.
$13 plus shipping

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Is it hard getting your foot in and out? Do you wear sneakers with these or still a cycling shoe, but not the kind that clips to pedals?