Proper Fit of Bike Shoes

[Crankin]

Ditto for Denise's advice. My first pair of Sidis were 36s since I wear a size 6 or even 5.5 in street shoes. After I started riding longer distances, I had a terrible foot swelling experience on a 40 mile ride in hot weather. I bought my Dominators in a size 38 and they are perfect. My mtb shoes, also Sidis, but not Dominators are 37.5 and are on the edge of too tight. Surly Girl graciously gave me a pair of mtb shoes in another brand that didn't fit her. They are 37s and are almost too big. I will wear them for cold weather riding on the mtb, with wool socks and use my Sidis for spin class. That way, I am not bringing mud into the gym.

[equus123]

to answer the initial question - how should they fit? if we're talking about road shoes then they should be snug to your feet with minimal room to move your foot when you're all strapped in. extra space in any direction will result in a loss of power from your muscles and body - through your foot - into the pedal. extraneous movement is bad. a buddy of mine actually crams his foot into a smaller shoe than he should take just because he's so anal

if you don't care about loss of power then get what's comfortable. that simple.

[indysteel]

I would agree that they shouldn't be loose exactly, but nor should be too snug. It's neither healthy nor comfortable to wear overly tight shoes. For that reason, I'm willing to loose a little bit of power. Not only will your feet become very painful when they swell after a long, hot ride, you'll also have a heck of a time during winter rides when you definitely don't want to cut off circulation with an overly tight shoe. I wear 7 1/2 in street shoes, and I think my SIDIs are size 40. Even with that, I think they feel a little snug in the toe box. I'd like to try Carnacs the next time around (if the SIDIs ever give out that is) because of that.