FIt of Cycling Shoes

[Chiefwiggum]

I have a pair of size 10 cycling shoes, currently unused, I wear a size 9 normal shoe. They fit well in terms of width and the heel but have about 15mm of space in front of my big toe, ie they are longer than my foot.
Should I return the shoes for a refund or as they are comftable in the other aspects, does the length matter. Will my foot slip in the shoe and cause discomfort or will it place the cleat in the wrong position and potentially cause damage to me or the shoes. Advice gratefully received

 

[xroads]

Your feet will swell when riding, but 15mm does sound a bit excessive.
Im size 9 in walking shoes, and ride in EUR 43 specialised sonomas which fit me perfectly. I must have less than a cm's toe slack.
I would try the next size down for toe slack. If bought mail order this may be a hindrance.

 

[skwerl]

having room at the front is useful as your toes can slip a bit, especially if you ride with your toes down. If they fit fine then leave them alone

edit:

the cleat position is adjustable so there won't be any issues there

 

[bonj2]

try and find a LBS which has that type of shoes in for you to try - if not the exact model, then some of the same make will probably give you a good idea.

 

[HJ]

What Bonj making sense, yep that good advice follow it...

 

[Steve Austin]

I wear everything from 9 through to 11 size shoes

i wouldn't worry too much about distance in front of your big toe.
do they feel tight on your heel?
are they ok across the front of your foot?

A size 43 cycling shoe would cripple me, a size 45 (which is the wrong size and feels too big) is the right size and feels fine