Bike Shoes for Newbie w/ short, WIDE Feet

[christine]

Hi: I'm new here and totally new to biking. I'm thinking of getting bike shoes to increase my inseam length and help with my standover height issues.

I wasn't planning on getting bike shoes because I'm a bit intimidated with the idea of hooking my feet into the pedals. Mostly though, I didn't look into them because money's tight and I have short (5 to 5-1/2), but very WIDE feet and figured I'd never find my size at an affordable price.

I don't know anything about bike shoes. Is it "cleats" that click into the clipless pedal? Do non-cleat bike shoes also give you xtra height compared to regular tennis shoes? Can you wear those with toe-clip pedals?

Can anyone recommend some good, affordable brands with a good range of sizes? It is so hard for me to find regular tennis shoes, I wonder if I need bike shoes custom made. If so, do you know how much custom shoes would be?

Thank you so much,
Christine

[aka_kim]

Hi Christine,

I've never heard of using road shoes and cleats to increase standover height -- did the LBS guys tell you that? Road shoes with cleats, while providing a very stable platform when clipped in, are anything but stable on the ground. Unless you get expert advice that road shoes will really help in your situation, I'd be kinda sceptical.

I have an awful time finding shoes that fit too, and am hoping someone comes along with an answer. My feet are wide (but big) and over a size different between left and right. I've had moderately good luck with Diadora's, which are also reasonably priced. Other good brands are Shimano, Nike, Lake, Pearl Izumi, Sidi. Really nice shoes will set you back almost $200 dollars, though, so I'd have to assume custom shoes would be astronomical. REI, Performance, and your local bike shops should have shoes to try on.

Now I have to climb on my soapbox for a moment. I really think road shoes and cleats are inappropriate for beginning riders unless they plan to race. Actually, I think that for most "enthusiast" riders who want to tour, walk into bathrooms, or walk into convenience stores, all without falling, mountain shoes with recessed cleats are the best solution. Okay, I'll step down from the soapbox now.

[christine]

Hi aka_kim:

Thanks so much for the info. No, it wasn't the LBS, but a couple of other riders who said I might be a little taller with the cleats. A couple others like you, however, also said it wouldn't help and that it might not be so good for a new rider.

Thanks for getting on the soap box because I don't think I've ever heard the message so definitively. I'm really grateful for the advice. Usually, I've just read about how wonderful it is to ride w/ clipless pedals, but I hadn't really heard that a new rider should wait before trying. I'd actually suspected it since i was a bit initimidated by them, although I was also afraid of trying the pedal clips which turned out okay for me. My husband was also wary of me trying clipless so soon.

Anyway, I've decided I will wait to try clipless. Thanks also for the advice on using MTB cleats too. I'd heard some people used them on road bikes but I didn't know why. I've still got so much to learn -- but I've learned a lot already from you and others on these boards.

Thanks for the info on potential wide shoe brands. I definitely need it as I'm gonna start checking out these shoes whenever I'm in a shop since I know it will take a LONG time to find something that fits. I'd also heard from others that Diadora, Lake, Northwave and Specialized might work. Oh, and I've browsed some websites since my last post and realize now how clueless I was about custom shoes! Now I'm hoping I'll be able to find something less than $100!

Again, thank you so much for your message and for taking the time to help educate me.

Christine

[aka_kim]

I've actually never seen any wide cycling shoes for women. Several brands have wide shoes for men, of course, but as everyone knows, all women are built exactly the same . If you find a wide brand please post it here on the TE forums .

[christine]

Will do!!

[klr]

I struggled with shoes too, where in the world could I get just a pair of shoes to do my spinning class - I wanted the "ugliest pair", I didn't care. Got a wonderful gentleman at a bike store in my area who gave me a deal. Two pair (Sidi's - older, and Shimano's) for $80.oo. He still teases me that I "got such a deal." Yeah, I know.

Then, we bought bikes! I didn't put the clipless pedals on at first, I used the cages, because I too was TERRIBLY intimidated by the whole thought of not being able to put my feet on the ground when I wanted to. But, let me tell you this - there is really no other way to go.

Get the shoes, get the clipless pedals, go out and struggle with it for a day or two (you can ride around in your driveway or a dead end street for a bit to "feel it" before you actually go out there.) Then, like me you may fall and wreck up the same knee you have already fallen on TWICE! and get use to those suckers!

The ride, when your feet are clicked into the pedals is much smoother and more accurate. You can use your body as a machine while you connect with your bike and that feeling is...pure.

klr

[christine]

Hi klr:

Thanks for the suggestions. Ok, so I've now been hearing both sides -- start right away on clipless or wait. I guess I won't go wrong either way!

Actually, the whole issue's probably moot for me since the pedals on the bike I ordered are SPD compatible on one side, and platform on the other so I can use toe clips. I'll probably start with the clips since I expect it would be a lot cheaper and faster to find clips than shoes that fit me.

I'm definitely encouraged by your message, though, and will start on clipless asap! I'm definitely gaining courage from your experience.

~Christine

[klr]

No problema, Christine.

Today I went out and didn't fall once! You definately gain more and more confidence each and every time you go out. My husband and I rode around the Rose Bowl again today and there are several "real bikers" that ride around there as well. I actually followed one guy for a good long stretch. It was fun pretending.

[christine]

"I actually followed one guy for a good long stretch. It was fun pretending."

That totally sounds like something I'd do!

I've actually decided now to skip the clips altogether and just ride with regular shoes until I find bike shoes that fit. I know the clips would be inexpensive, but I figure I'll just put that money towards shoes, and I won't have to get used to clips, and then start all over again learning clipless.

So, I'll just practice riding a bike (it HAS been 20 years!!), until I find the shoes. Well, at least that's what I'll be doing once I actually get my bike. Funny how many riding decisions are being made someone who doesn't even own a bike!

[aka_kim]

When I got my first "adult" bike it had been a good 20 years since I'd last ridden. I was afraid to shift, and could barely steer and brake and stay upright -- it required full concentration. Until you feel comfortable on the bike, and it happens pretty quickly really, platform pedals can remove at least one source of anxiety.

klr, you're making me homesick. I'm from Pasadena and moved north about 10 years ago, and then started cycling. But I did learn to drive in the Rose Bowl parking lot! That's a beautiful area to ride in (not the parking lot, but the Arroyo Seco area).

[klr]

Hi,
Nice to meet you too. I have not had a bike since High School, when I had a great Motorbecane - 10 speed! Loved that bike, it took me everywhere. Then I got hit by a car (I was fine) and my bike was not. Couldn't really ride it again. I told my mom it fell over in the bike rack at school so she wouldn't have a fit and fall in it!!

Just in the last week, my husband and I bought Trek 1000's and ever since the Tour de France, we seem to think we're cyclists'. Well, at least I do...no just kidding. I'm a bit wobbly and speed is not my "thing", I like to make sure I feel the road and all that it brings before I start assuming that I'm any good. Maybe next week!! Ha ha.

But...I did tough it out and get Look pedals. I've only fallen twice, both times were from a standstill and I was in too high a gear, couldn't get the wheels spinning fast enough to get going and down I went. Both times were in busy intersections too - "just get up and act like nothing is wrong", I'd say to myself, with a big smile - "I do this all the time!!"

Kim, we do go down to the Rose Bowl for a "workout" and I'm happy to hear that you lived here. Isn't it great? When the parade comes, it's totally crazy. We live close enough to walk to the Bowl too. 10 years is a long time to be away - lots has changed here - you should see Old Town!! Remember how it was a place to avoid? Not anymore!

Thanks for being there, my pal cyclist!
klr

[aka_kim]

ever since the Tour de France, we seem to think we're cyclists'

If you think you're a cyclist then you are a cyclist! It's kinda fun to think you're riding like Lance, even if you're female.

I used to live close to the Colorado/Sierra Madre Blvd intersection, and it was crazy from the day after Xmas thru to New Years - like living in a campground. But fun. Old Town had been redeveloped during the mid to late 80's I think, and I remember it as a great place to eat and go to the movies, but I bet it's even better now. Yeah, 10 years is a long time to be gone.

[klr]

Hey,

You must home alot like me. I check this forum often - actually my e-mail alerts me that I have been responded to. It's kinda cool.

Colorado/Sierra Madre - know it well - : -)

Did you say you didn't have a bike...yet?

klr

[aka_kim]

Actually I'm "between jobs", but I'm sitting at the computer studying Microsoft development manuals today, and my attention is unfortunately easily diverted. Email, phone calls, anything to avoid studying.

No, I have 2 bikes, an Airborne Zeppelin road bike and a Specialized Stumpjumper mountain bike. Christine, who started this thread, is still waiting for her Terry. I can't imagine life without a bike -- I'd go nuts!

Kim

[christine]

I'm dying to start riding. Actually, although it's been 20 years, I got used to riding again pretty quickly when I had the Marin for those few days. The very first time was weird and scary, esp since I didn't know they made more than 10 gears and I was using the toe clips. But, my 10-speed in jr high never fit either (I haven't grown since then! ), so it wasn't THAT much more difficult than then. My balance is still pretty good and I tried to get some speed in the residential area we're in. I think it helps that I rollerblade now and then, which helps with balancing, plus you can't have fear when you're blading!

I'm actually pretty new to the Bay Area (2 years now). I'm originally from the LA area, 15 mins south of Pasadena -- so can I play too?! All my family's still in the area so I visit often, including Old Town and the Rose Bowl flea market!! Oh, and I've been to the Rose Parade twice and even marched in it in college w/ my old high school band (oops, just admitted i'm a band geek). So, do those count too?

I'm also "between" jobs so I'm easily distracted (love the email notices we get). I'm volunteering and taking courses, and would love to get into riding (and getting into shape) before I "have" to start working again.

~Christine