Shoe suggestions: wider forefoot, better padding

[Ana]

Beth - definitely get road shoes!

I started out with Specialized MTN shoes because my LBS said that they would be fine and "lots of people ride on the road with MTB shoes". When I went back complaining of hot spots, numbness, aches, etc...and told him I wanted road shoes, he kind of poo-poo'd me. I mentioned that after about 30 miles, the pain would be unbearable. He said "30 miles?" "You are riding 30 miles at a time already?" Grrr.

Anyway, I have wide, flat feet AND I have special orthodics for my athletic shoes because of ball of foot pain due to fallen arches. I use Specialized road shoes because they are designed for people who pronate slighlty (which I do). The stiffer sole has really helped with my feet. I also only buy the men's shoes because they have a wider toe box than the womens. They come in smaller sizes (down to a 37, maybe even a 36) in mens...unlike many other brands. Once I switched to road shoes with a stiffer sole, I never had another foot problem again. Plus, there is another advantage to having small, wide feet. When I see GREAT deals on previous year's models at the Specialized site, they still have my size because there aren't too many men who wear a size 5.5 or 6 shoe. I now ride fancy carbon soled shoes that I bought directly from Specialized for less than my original MTB shoes cost me at the LBS 4 years ago!

Just recently, my commute has changed to 19 miles. My commuter is the bike on which I still use those old mountain shoes. I'm starting to notice pain again, so I'm about to re-evaluate my pedal choice on this bike.

I have small, flat, wide feet too! Just curious: What kind/model of shoe works for you now? I'm currently wearing Men's Sidi Genius 4 in 38.5 but they are becoming a little loose and I have hot spots on the ball of my foot...

Do you have the superfeet in your shoes?