Cycling shoes for wide feet?

[Eric Marth]

I noticed some discussion from other widefoot cyclists over in another thread about a pair of Dromarti shoes that are for sale. At the risk of further drifting a simple For Sale post I thought I'd start a new thread. 

I wear an 11.5 EEE and just assumed I could never squeeze my foot into one of those fine Dromarti road slippers. Their sizing page says they aren't designed for wide or "high volume" feet! Are there any proper cycling shoes out there that accommodate serious width? 

The Stomp Lox shoes seem to be vaguely styled after Birkenstocks though I don't have any first-hand experience. A Birkenstock size 45 fits me well. According to the sizing chart it seems that both and 11 and 12 size Stomp Lox will accommodate my foot which measures 26.5cm in circumference. 

The Stomp Lox made for Ron's Bikes are all made in Japan. Stomp Lox available anywhere else are made in China. 

Stop Lox official

Stop Lox at Ron's Bikes

William Lennon in Derbyshire offers classic leather cycling shoes, but they're designed with flat soles for traditional toe clips. I don't see any wide offerings. 

Steel Vintage Bikes in Berlin offers a few nice leather options with flat soles. Doesn't seem they're for wide feet, either. 

If you have any recs or tips let's hear them! 

[Eric Daume]

 Not at all classic, but 5-10s fit my wide feet with room to spare. 

Eric. 

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[Kurt Henry]

Eric, I've recently been on a similar search. My feet are wide, though not overly so.  The bigger issue for me is that after a few years of wearing exclusively foot-shaped shoes, such as Birkenstocks, Lems, and Altras, and wearing Correct Toes to help with Morton's Neuroma, my feet won't tolerate shoes that bunch up my toes.  My big toes are the worst offenders and cycling shoes commonly go for a pointy look.  As a result, even 'wide' cycling shoes that can accommodate high volume feet aren't generally comfortable for me.  So, please take my thoughts here with a grain of salt.

Bont has a wide fitting that has a decent amount of room but the shape at the front didn't work for me.  Many models (all?) are heat moldable, making minor tweaks for comfort a possibility.  I just posted a pair of those on i-BOB after deciding that a minor adjustment wasn't going to cut it for me.  

I also recently tried a series of Lakes on different lasts.  Lake's Sport and Competition lasts in wide fittings offer a good bit of room but still come to a bit of a point.  You might find they work for you, though.  The Race lasts are available in an extra wide that has a good bit of volume through the body of the shoe but similarly did not work for me.  Lake has also introduced a Comfort Plus last (Lake Cycling Shoes – The Comfort Plus Last).  They might win an award for 'least attractive cycling shoe' and the mountain version I ordered won't win any weight weenie competitions, but the fit is really good.  The picture of the sole is not far off from some of the 'foot shape' shoes.  If you're considering the Stomp Lox, they might be an option.

Specialized has a new last for their high-end shoes that they have modified based on their in-house fittings.  It showed up recently in the S-Works Recon model (S-Works Recon | Specialized.com).  I ordered a pair last week that I'm pretty certain are going back.  I can confirm that they have more volume than I expected.  I pulled the insole out and used a half-length insert with metatarsal pad to free up toe room and it's a...pretty good... fit.  But I don't want to pay that price for a shoe if the fit is not just right.

Shimano has a tour last (LAST TECHNOLOGY | SHIMANO GEAR) that is supposed to be roomier as well.  I have a pair of SH-EX700s that should land tomorrow.  I'll follow up if those turn out to be a winner.

Finally, you already found the Stomp Lox.  I would have ordered a pair of those earlier in this misadventure had Ron not been sold out.

Good luck!

Kurt Henry
Lancaster, PA

[Ted Durant]

On Sunday, August 20, 2023 at 3:30:12 PM UTC-5 eric...@gmail.com wrote:

Are there any proper cycling shoes out there that accommodate serious width? 

Thanks for jumping to a new thread ... I probably should have done that, myself. 

Should we start with a definition of "proper cycling shoes" ?  :-)

I have found the proliferation of pedals with large platforms to help me rethink what I am looking for in a cycling shoe. Of course, that also corresponds with retirement and never doing rides on which I feel the need to have my feet securely attached to the pedals. On the contrary, I am finding that being able to shift my feet around is significantly improving foot comfort on longer rides. It also has been helping me subtly alter the pedaling dynamics which is recruiting different muscles, which also reduces fatigue on longer rides. I did a 200km ride Saturday and being able to change my foot position was very helpful. I think that it's not just having a wider toe box, but also a more flexible sole that's important to foot health on long outings. My "theory" is that stiff soles, which are great for shorter rides with higher power output, are more damaging in the long run because they don't require the muscles (and attachments) in your feet and ankles to perform their usual stabilization and support functions. I'm not a PT/OT/MD, though, so take that for what it's worth. 

Still, I appreciate the advantages of stiff soles and secure pedal connections. Unfortunately, I have yet to find cycling shoes that allow my forefoot to spread as much as it wants to, and the result has been painful bunionettes. My Lake MX-1 shoes, on their MX competition last, sadly discontinued, have been the best I've found. It also helps that they are tradition lace-up shoes. Well, helped ... apparently there's no market for that feature anymore.

Top tip for checking shoe fit. Pull out the insoles and stand on them. You'll immediately see the difference between the shoe shape and your foot shape. It's kind of scary, though ... fair warning!

Ted Durant

Milwaukee, WI USA

[Eric Marth]

Thanks for the notes, everyone. 

Ted: By proper cycling shoes I mean something that takes a cleat and lets you fit your big old EEE in there comfortably. I haven't tried any clipless pedals but I've been curious. Part of my research has been seeking out an appropriate shoe. Watching your foot spill over and obscure the insole is really something. That's a great tip for a check of the true size of the shoe. 

Definitely see the advantages of flat pedals for longer rides and general practicality. Regarding regular shoes for bikes, I've found that a plain old Samba in size 11.5 works well enough for me with flat pedals. Maybe the Velo Samba would suit me. I also like the Bedrock cairn sandals with the flat footbed. Sometimes I can dig Blundstones but I usually forget to raise my saddle enough to accommodate them and I'm a little less comfortable riding. While I like Birks I don't find them particularly good for riding, though I've done up to 25 miles in my Londons. 

I love the look of a traditional black or brown leather cycling shoe with minimal adornment. But my foot isn't slender and doesn't come to a fine point at the end. 

Kurt: Sounds like your explorations have been wide-ranging! Thanks for the links, these are all new to me. Not sure when Ron's getting more Stomp Lox but I'd wager he has some coming... some day. 

[Ted Fay]

I started with the Lakes, which are very good. But after some trial and error (and a spat of ordering 7 different shoes shipped to home and returning 6), I’ve settled on the Sidi’s. Not the classic leather look by any stretch, but wider than the widest Lake’s by my feet and feel. 

Pluses for Lake…less expensive, easier to buy (US based mfg website and warehouse), great customer service, great shoes. 

Finding the right size and model from Sidi can be interesting at times. Their US distribution seems….challenged.

[J]

I feel like I've been banging my head against a wall with this question for a couple years. I have one regular width foot that can tolerate just about any shoe I put on it and one twice broken foot that can't tolerate anything even slightly constricting in the toe box or pointy. So I normally go with 12EE width equivalent shoes for the forgiving width and volume for everyday use and wear approach shoes and flat pedals for on bike use. I can no longer wear Vans of Converse that made up most of my non work footwear. Any time I'm in a bike shop that has cycling shoes that I like the look of I try them on and haven't yet found something that fits. As ugly I think they are, Stomplox may be the only shoes voluminous enough.

I once tried a friend's pair of very broken in (discontinued) Giro Republic LX and they were a pretty nice fit but I needed a half size bigger. 

I've been stuck on trying a pair of Quoc but they wildly varying opinions on whether they fit wide or narrow always keeps me away from them. Now that Rei is carrying them I may just get a chance to figure out sizing in person the next time I need to make the 2 hour drive to the closest Rei. 

I have a friend with EE high volume feet and loves his Giro Empire VR90 HV (HV discontinued) the HV stands for high volume. I think they look fairly classic as well once you take a black sharpie to the lettering. The non HV pretty classy left alone but I seriously doubt they'd fit. 

The concept of good fit is hamstrung by the fact that brand new leather shoes aren't going to fit the same after breaking in. For the last 10+ years I've immediately soaked a new pair of leather work boots until the leather was saturated then wore them around wet for a few hours to get the leather started breaking in, then letting them dry before ever wearing them to work. Same goes for Brooks saddles, contrary to popular opinion. 

On Monday, August 21, 2023 at 10:14:13 AM UTC-4 Ted Durant wrote:

[Kurt Henry]

Ted, maybe I should reconsider Sidis?  I had a pair 15+ years ago that I never gelled with.  My feet have changed since, so I should be open minded.  The great part is that availability is about to become less of an issue.  QBP has picked up distribution:  QBP takes over US distribution of Sidi shoes | Bicycle Retailer and Industry News
Kurt Henry

Lancaster, PA

[Drew Saunders]

I have 10.5 EEEE feet. Ducks follow me around as if I'm their leader. Birkenstocks fit me well, but otherwise, I have to seek out wide-specific shoes. I can also stand on one foot until I'm tired or bored, so super wide feet do have their advantages!

I'm in the process of getting the last few hundred miles out of my Shimano SPD-compatible "walkable" shoes. Can't remember the model, but they would be sold as "mountain bike" shoes, in that there are lugs and stuff to get grip. I have Ritchey SPD pedals on my Riv and Ibis, so I guess my 28mm-tired Riv is a "mountain" bike! ;)

Anyway, when these give up the ghost and/or REI has a sale, I'll try whatever cheapest Shimano shoes they have that come in wide. The Stomp Lox look intriguing, but they don't make the longer sizes in wide too, which is too bad.

[Michael Morrissey]

Hi,

I have wide feet too. I have the Adidas Five Ten Freerider Pros for bike-riding and they are the best cycling sneaker I have ever had.

Wide shoes are still surprisingly hard to find. I also really love my Danner boots and Rancourt shoes, both in wide sizes and made in the USA. 

Michael

[J]

I'll 2nd the Five Ten Freeriders as being pretty wide for a standard width shoe but they are not " proper cycling shoes I mean something that takes a cleat " as Eric specified. There are plenty of wide fitting flat pedal shoes that one could wear on a bike. We're looking for something different. 

I can't imagine how Danner boots work you if you have wide feet, if you are talking about their Made in USA line. The Danner EE width is the same as a D width from most any other boot maker. I've bought 5 different Made in USA Danner boots in the last 10 years and all were incredibly uncomfortable, mostly due to the dumb reinforced narrow toe box that the upper must break in around and the volume reducing goretex lining. I tried the goretex free, leather lined Danner light Cascade but the same ol toe box ruined the concept. Rant end. Apologies. I love they way they look though. 

[Ted Fay]

I ordered a batch from Competitive Cyclist. Shipped all but 1 back. Easier than ordering/returning and repeating, but it was an interesting credit card bill. 

Ted

On Aug 21, 2023, at 11:18 AM, 'Kurt Henry' via RBW Owners Bunch <rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

Ted, maybe I should reconsider Sidis?  I had a pair 15+ years ago that I never gelled with.  My feet have changed since, so I should be open minded.  The great part is that availability is about to become less of an issue.  QBP has picked up distribution:  QBP takes over US distribution of Sidi shoes | Bicycle Retailer and Industry News

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[Samuel Hopewell]

Try on a pair of specialized recon 1.0. I have similarly wide feet and my recons feel great. 

https://www.backcountry.com/b/specialized-recon-1.0-mountain-bike-shoe?CMP_SKU=SCQ0085&MER=0406&skid=SCQ0085-BLA-S440&mr:trackingCode=5276C7CA-1EC1-EA11-8114-005056944E17&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=m&mr:adType=plaonline&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla&utm_campaign=213415717__p:G%7cs:BC%7cct:Shopping%7cct2:xx%7cg:xx%7cc1:Bike%7cc2:Apparel+Footwear%7cb:xx%7cmt:xx__145647854861__mt:xx+%7c+c1:Bike+%7c+c2:Apparel+Footwear+%7c+s:xx+%7c+b:specialized&utm_term=pla-2077693539340__SCQ0085-BLA-S440&utm_content=657561884570__pla&utm_id=go_cmp-213415717_adg-145647854861_ad-657561884570_pla-2077693539340_dev-m_ext-_prd-SCQ0085-BLA-S440_mca-7811_sig-Cj0KCQjw84anBhCtARIsAISI-xdtwrk3Oh8ZqQUXGWbnBI8Wdd0wZGEVeAvJARYFNyhw_qZfzQKSsA0aAp5qEALw_wcB&gclid=Cj0KCQjw84anBhCtARIsAISI-xdtwrk3Oh8ZqQUXGWbnBI8Wdd0wZGEVeAvJARYFNyhw_qZfzQKSsA0aAp5qEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

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[J]

Alright Specialized, this is more like it. This is a more forgiving shaped toebox and a plain enough to be acceptably ignored

[J]

Forgot the profile. Specialized Recon ADV

[Pat Smith]

I've really been enjoying my Specialized 2FO shoes for around town. Fit is forgiving and the insole supports well.

Smitty in DC

[Kurt Henry]

I'm sure folks are already screaming at their laptops, "Let the big foot thing drop already, Kurt!", but I had one more update I wanted to include.  I previously mentioned having ordered some Shimano touring shoes.  The Shimano touring last does have some pretty significant volume but is not likely to work if you like room for your toes to spread out.  I ordered two sizes to test.  They lean a little small, FWIW.  I'm a 10.5-11, depending on maker, and the 45 was a hard no, while the 46 had enough length.  Both went back because of the toe box size.

I also wanted to go back to the Lake Comfort Plus last.  These are some seriously large shoes.  Heavy, wide, and they look like sneakers vs. dedicated cycling shoes, if that matters.  But if you need some room for your dogs to breathe, this might be the option.  I have included a couple of pictures for reference.  The first is a pair of 45 Lakes alongside a pair of size 11 Lems  Primal Zen (?).  Lems widest last (which these are) has a HUGE toe box, so keep that in mind.

Next is the same 45 Lakes against a pair of 44 Birkenstock clogs. 

I wish Lake had provided a more MTB-centric option with a lugged sole, but it's either this or the carbon soled, 3-bolt model.  I can't fault the fit, though.  They are about enough to get to me dump all of my flat pedals, switch everything to SPD, and use these for errand running, shopping, etc. where I want to be able to walk around without doing funny dances on hard floors.  The rubber sole and stealth-ish (they don't look much like cycling shoes from the top) looks, aside from the BOA, might not be a bad option.

I hope that helped some of my fellow flapper-footed folks!

Kurt Henry

Lancaster, PA

On Sunday, August 20, 2023 at 4:30:12 PM UTC-4 eric...@gmail.com wrote:

[Ted Durant]

On Monday, August 28, 2023 at 8:08:28 PM UTC-5 Kurt Henry wrote:

 The first is a pair of 45 Lakes alongside a pair of size 11 Lems  Primal Zen (?).  Lems widest last (which these are) has a HUGE toe box, so keep that in mind.

I love my Primal Zen shoes. They're my main biking shoes these days. 

Ted Durant

Milwaukee WI 53217