Shoes are killing me

[Crandoggler]

After a year of cycling in my Specialized sport shoes, I've decided that my feet can't take any more of them. I'm riding LEJOG in May, so really don't fancy foot pain for 100 miles a day.

So, any recommendations? The pain I get is on the outside of my feet, I also sometimes suffer from numb toes. I'm reckoning (through years of trial and error with running shoes), that my shoes are too tight and/or my cleat placement is incorrect, or needs wedging. The last point should be addressed in a couple of weeks when I get my bike fit. However, my feet aren't getting any smaller and the shoes aren't going to get bigger.

I'm liking the idea of Bont shoes, as they have a sole which can be moulded. Can't seem to find them in my size or a colourway that I like though.

I guess I want to spend about £100

Thanks!

 

[goody]

I like the idea of Bonts as well. I had an issue with my current shoes (not every ride it only showed up on a very long one) that I think will be resolved using a heat moulded pair of shoes with a super stiff sole. The ones I want are the vaypor plus, they can be had for about £190. Maybe expensive but if there are no comfort issues it's a small price. Probably a good idea to get the shoes before the bike fit. Good luck with LEJOG.

 

[Ian H]

Any shoe with a good, rigid sole and a relaxed fit (for long-distance) should see you through. If you have pronounced uneven wear on walking shoes you might want to look at a shaped instep such as Specialized supply.

 

[Apollonius]

I have a pair of those Specialized £100 shoes and they are truly terrible. Soft soles, pinchy toes and little or no support. Buy some better shoes. I love the FLR range, which are much cheaper, more rigid in the sole and fit better.

 

[mythste]

Ive literally just stopped using Specialised Sport SPD - mostly because theyve been used for every mile ive ridden since this time last year which, given how seldom I've cleaned them, is pretty disgusting

Moved to some Giro Republic LX and the difference in sole stiffness is really quite surprising. I feel like the power is coming from my legs straight to the pedal and the tension I was feeling in the soles of my feet have all but disappeared. I thought it was just part and parcel of cycling really and its been a nice little revelation!

 

[Crandoggler]

Well, I thought sod it and went for some Bont's. However, I went for the cheaper riot version, in black, as they seem to offer some very high end features for little money (comparatively).

We shall see!

 

[Crandoggler]

Well, they weren't as comfortable as I was expecting! The ratchet caused pain on the sides of my feet and the toe box wasn't as roomy as expected.

Any other ideas?

 

[vickster]

Can you go to a well stocked shop and try a few options on?

I have wide awkward feet, tried a load of different options when I was toying with SPD-SL. The best shoes I found were the DHB carbon soled shoes (R2model or similar). Much nicer finish than everything else, more leathery less plasticky. although I decided for practical reasons to stick with SPD, hate single sided pedals not least! Had to go up 2 sizes, 43-45

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-r20c-carbon-road-cycling-shoe-1/

You could try shimano wide fitting options too

 

[Crandoggler]

I'm not much of a fan of dhb stuff to be honest. So I'll probably give them a miss. I hear Northwave offer larger toe boxes, could be an idea?

 

[vickster]

Ok, just try loads. Read what the reviews say if having to buy online

Try Sigma for a good range and free returns

 

[bikeman66]

After a year of cycling in my Specialized sport shoes, I've decided that my feet can't take any more of them. I'm riding LEJOG in May, so really don't fancy foot pain for 100 miles a day.

So, any recommendations? The pain I get is on the outside of my feet, I also sometimes suffer from numb toes. I'm reckoning (through years of trial and error with running shoes), that my shoes are too tight and/or my cleat placement is incorrect, or needs wedging. The last point should be addressed in a couple of weeks when I get my bike fit. However, my feet aren't getting any smaller and the shoes aren't going to get bigger.

I'm liking the idea of Bont shoes, as they have a sole which can be moulded. Can't seem to find them in my size or a colourway that I like though.

I guess I want to spend about £100

Thanks!

I had a pair of Specialized MTB shoes a few years ago and always thought they were a bit on the snug side for the size! I now use a pair of Movec shoes (a Dutch brand) which I purchased in France a couple of years ago for around £90. To say they are comfortable would be an understatement! Can't seem to find a stockist in this country though.

My son has a pair of Spiuk road shoes (Spanish brand) which were good value for money. He has wider feet and loves the fitting of them. They had mouldable soles too. Would definitely recommend the Spiuk brand, although as he has only had them since Christmas I am unable to comment on durability. They look fairly well constructed though!

 

[Oldbloke]

Replaced my old Specialized Sport shoes recently with some Sidi Genius Mega carbon soled jobbies.

I have hugely wide feet and had bought size 46 Specialized to accommodate my width, so they were uncomfortably long. The Sidis are 44.5 and have a large toebox, they are a huge improvement.