Shoe Fit: toe room?

[Miranda]

I'm probably like you. My toes are long and my feet need a lot of support, so a shoe that fits my actual feet usually severely cramps my toes. Like you, I couldn't even really tell what fit. In the last year I've completely revised my idea of what fits and what doesn't. My last pair of running shoes was a size and a half bigger than I'd been wearing (plus they're wide width), and my new hiking boots are even bigger than that (plus they're men's boots) and my feet are happy!

BUT, I don't think it matters as much with cycling shoes... my next pair of cycling shoes will probably be one size bigger, that's all. Even when I was riding lots of miles, there were definitely ways that my shoes had to fit in terms of arch support and not compressing the top of my instep, but cramped toes didn't give me problems on the bici.

Thx Oakleaf... I do not think I really have any shoes that "fit right" in my closet. I do like the insole that comes standard in the Bontragers. Pretty supportive for a stock. The new hiking boots I bought were mens too like yours. Funny though, I tried on the mens Bontragers and I didn't really notice a width diff from womens. That's too bad. Not sure if they make a wide. It's just the ball of the foot that needs it. It's about the closest I've tried so far though.

[Karmabike]

Just make sure that the shoes are snug and use some sort of insole. Most cycling shoe related issues are from lack of support under the foot or the shoes are too big. Check out this you tube video on shoe fit. Yes thats me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8X1sfbQSGA

Hope this helps.