Narrow Shoes

[Larry Parker]

It is about time for new cycling shoes. I have seen a LOT of discussion over the years from people with wide feet, but I have the opposite problem. I usually have my shoes pulled about as closed as possible, and they still tend to be a bit loose.  Anybody have a solution? 

 My old shoes have Velcro, which is nice compared to laces because they can be adjusted easily on the go, but they wear out way before the shoe does.  I am considering BOA closures. They look easy, convenient, adjustable; are they truly durable?

Also, I do NOT want “racing” shoes.   I like to walk around stores, I like to be stable when messing with the tandem and grandkids on the back, and I like to be able to hop on any of my bikes without worrying which shoe/cleat I have on.  

Summing up, NARROW last, touring or MTB style sole, two bolt (Crank Bros.) cleats, and BOA or Velcro closure.  Oh,  and not TOO expensive  😊

Thanks for any leads you can provide.

Larry Parker

1328

[Pam Wright]

+1 with Larry!

Larry, 

FYI, I'm in the same boat.  Been buying my Shimanos used on eBay because I love my velcro closure and I have a low profile foot with a high arch.  Since I prefer to stick with the devil I know, I've only tried Shimano boas, but haven't found one to close enough for me,  I'll be watching with interest :)

In the meantime, I have this shoe coming in 2 sizes and it's the closest I've seen in a long time to my existing R151 shoe.  FYI, Backcountry.com has a 20% any one item right now.

https://www.backcountry.com/shimano-rc102-cycling-shoe-mens

Pamela Wright 3205

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[Russ Loomis]

Larry, have you tried sandals? I have been riding with sandals for four yrs now. Sandals are what I wore in 2022 for my tour across the country both ways. I have Crank Bros cleats mounted to them, they are recessed so walking or hiking is easy and comfortable. If you get rained on they dry quickly.

Russ   RUSA 38
The not yet ready for prime time cyclist

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[Bill Gobie]

Have a look at Specialized's mountain and gravel shoes. (Apparently Gravel is a shoe category now.) Some of their models have BOA closures. I've had no trouble with BOA closures. I think the closures are replaceable; I am uncertain because I've not had any break. I think I got my current shoes before the pandemic.

I can't speak to the width of Specialized's shoes. I have to buy oversized to fit my orthotics, which makes the width a bit sloppy. 

Specializeds are built with a 2° outward tilt (varus angle). If your knees tend to brush the top tube this will get your knees aligned better. I was able to remove the cants I used in previous shoes.

Bill

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[Jeff]

Shimano redesigned their SD50 sandal (2021?) and rumor is the SD501A is not as stiff as the original.

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