It could be a width issue, but I'm inclined to think not. My feet are wider at the front due to bunions (had them all my life), but my heel is really narrow and this is why the Sidis seemed to fit well. I sized up a 1/2 size to gain the extra room in the front, and I don't feel any pressure in the toebox area when I ride. I had been wearing Specialized Riata mountain shoes (which I loved) but needed something new when I switched to Speedplays. I guess maybe I should have stuck with Specialized, but my husband is so in love with his Sidis that I thought I'd give them a chance (and like I said, they felt great in the store...just not after I've been on the bike for awhile).