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

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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.

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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

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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?

I wear sneakers with mine and foot removal is no problem since there are no straps.

I rode for 4 months with sneakers and then went to a platform/clipless option. I finally went to the traditional clipless in January and I only wish I had started there. I worried and fretted so much that I made it a much bigger deal than it actually was in the end. Be sure that the pedal is loosely set and you will have no real trouble clipping in and out. My only problem was that a few times I simply forgot to unclip (not at the beginning but after I had become more used to it). I provided some entertainment for the group when I fell over at a traffic light but they considered me a true cyclist when the first words out of my mouth were, "Is my bike OK?"

I just bought a pair of Shimano MW-60 spd shoes (the women's specific ones)...was a bit of a risk, but they were on ebay almost half price and I had read good reviews about them, so I ordered a pair without being able to try them. Never had Shimano shoes before and I've not actually stuck the cleats on yet, but the fit and comfort of the shoes themselves is amazing! I thought my Nike's were comfy, but these...they could almost be custom made - really impressed!!!! :)

Welcome. I live in Miami and usually ride Key Biscayne. As far as shops go, there are a million. I have a great guy with Bike tech but also use other stores for different things. I have a narrow and long womens foot, and usually wear Sidi road shoes. I have actually bought them on ebay for the best price. But I know they fit. For womens shoes (and great sales on clothes), Specialized, LG and I think even Sidi, try Macks cycle and fitness off of sunset and US1. They have a good selection. Let me know when you are up and running. We will hit the Key.

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Originally Posted by Jiffer

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.

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Specialized women's shoes will probably not be narrow enough. While the women's are narrower than the men's, on the whole, Sidis are narrower, particularly in the heel.

I kind of like the extra room in the toe box of Specialized. But with the way the last is on Sidi's, I'd have to go up a size to get the ball of my foot in the right part of the shoe. And then they are a bit too long in the toe. If only a Sidi heel cup came on a Specialized shoe ;).

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Originally Posted by aicabsolut

Specialized women's shoes will probably not be narrow enough. While the women's are narrower than the men's, on the whole, Sidis are narrower, particularly in the heel.

I kind of like the extra room in the toe box of Specialized. But with the way the last is on Sidi's, I'd have to go up a size to get the ball of my foot in the right part of the shoe. And then they are a bit too long in the toe. If only a Sidi heel cup came on a Specialized shoe ;).

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Yeah, I agree, Sidis are narrower but something about the arch on them drove me crazy, but I've got a fallen arch, so it's very particular. I have my specialized cinched down nearly as far as they will go.