Ache/crampiness on outsides of feet...shoes too narrow?

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So I ordered the LG shoes...the 39s were too small, so I went up to the 40s (same size as my Sidis)...what a different fit from the Sidis! Length is about the same, but they are generous through the midfoot and forefoot, narrow through the heels. No pointy toe, a very gentle, rounded toe. The shape of the shoe is also more straight-lasted, while Sidis are curved lasted--I have never been able to wear curve-lasted shoes. These shoes feel like snug, stiff racing flats, instead of tight, pointy-toed women's dress shoes.

The LGs feel great on my feet and are heat moldable, so I heated them up and put them on for 20 minutes while they were soft and flexy. They stretched in just the right spots. Plus the toes are designed to flex for running off the bike...I hope to try cyclocross this Fall.

And I have room for a slim pair of blue Superfeet insoles and forefoot shims. I can't wait to see if this improves my mechanics on the bike...I can now tweak things to adjust for a suspected shorter/functionally shorter left leg. Hoping to do at least 30 miles in them, tomorrow.

[Desert Tortoise]

Zoom-zoom, glad you found some shoes that seem to work. I know how you feel, I too have duck feet.

By the way, just noticed this thread. Thanks for sharing your search. I need to get shoes and I've been putting it off because finding a heel that does not slide out is such a pain.

Curious, what is straight-lasted and what is curve-lasted?

DT

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When you look at a shoe does it go pretty much straight from heel to toes, or does it curve towards the big toe, some? I find that the shoes that work best for me are generally wide and straight...like Dansko clogs, Keens, and New Balance or Nike running shoes. I can't wear Asics...they are almost all too curved for my foot.

First ride in the shoes (46 miles) went reasonably well--no more overlapping and cramping toes. I still had to loosen the toe straps after about 9 miles, since my feet were swelling. They are definitely not too wide. I'm not sure how I rode in women's Sidis for so long.

I still have to tweak a few things. I need to move my cleats back a bit more and I think the combo of Superfeet insoles and forefoot shims was a bit much. I'm leaving the shims out for my next ride to see if I like that better. That will give my feet a bit more room, too.

They seem to absorb road vibration better than my Sidis. Heel fit is better and I felt more airflow around my feet, too--though I will not be happy about this come Winter...but I should be able to wear a heavier sock and can always do full shoe covers.

[Desert Tortoise]

Oh, I never really thought about the curve/straight thing. I'm going to look at that next time, thanks.

These shoes seem to be working out. Good luck with the tweaks and happy riding!