road shoe with recessed cleats for narrow foot...suggestions?

[Citycyclegal]

I have set aside a pair of Specialized Riata for possible purchase at LBS. I liked that it had recessed cleats for going on organized bike tours and doing sightseeing off the bike. I do have to pull the straps way way over, and they are a possibility. Does anyone else have another suggestion for a new rider? I'm finally realizing I should not purchase everything at 1 store, and should do more research. Thanks!

[Crankin]

By definition, road shoes do not have recessed cleats. You are looking for mountain bike shoes to use on a road bike.
Sidis are known for being narrow, but they are expensive.
Yes, research the heck out it, try on lots of shoes, and buy the best fit for your price point.

[ny biker]

Specialized were recommended to me when I wanted a wider shoe. If Sidis are out of your price range, maybe Pearl Izumi? I honestly don't know how they fit, but I know that the manager of my LBS suggested I try Bontrager and Shimano for a wider shoe, and he sells PI also so I assume they are not on the wide side.

[OakLeaf]

I'm pretty sure Nike are narrow, too. Most (but not all!) of their running shoes are.

[Owlie]

Sidi or Mavic (I have a narrow foot, and the men's fit me pretty well, save a slightly-too-wide heel). Pricey, though.

[Miranda]

My foot is like a scuba diver's flipper fin. If you can picture that lol. I wear Mavic's because they are not big in the heel, but have a rectangular shaped toe box. Sidi's are for people who have a toe box shaped like a spoon....and as stated are narrow overall, and Nike as well...those brands I can not wear.

Just something to think about, you are getting biking shoes to ride your bike...not to walk in. Biking shoes that clip in are meant to take the place of a platform style pedal...which is STIFF and SUPPORTIVE. Shoes that you can *walk in* are not so stiff, so you can flex and roll your foot when you strike the ground.

IF you are truly going to be walking an extended period of time off the bike, like for some sight-seeing, you might want to find a way to transport walking shoes. I know some people who use thin flip flops to do shops etc.

I am sharing this as you said you are newer to cycling, and getting your gear? Well, take it from a person who owns some expensive more flexible bike shoes that it will cause you some pain and unhappiness once you are riding longer distances...say 20mi plus...if the shoe is not more like the pedal situation I describe above.

OK, best of luck shopping!