General Cycling Discussion - Bike shoes that fit.

I am currently on my first set of clipless shoes, Shimano M87. I use them on a Trek Fx hybrid and a Masi Partenza road bike. I prefer MTB shoes because I commute, and do a fair amount of walking in them.

The problem is that I have never been totally happy with the fit. I had to get the "W" because I have wide feet. They fit snug at the ball of the foot, but are really loose at the heel. Does anyone have experience with the fit of different shoes? I need suggestion because I am about to embark on a shopping adventure, and suggestion on where to star would be appreciated. I am not someone who would ever buy shoes over the internet because fit is very important to me, especially with shoes.

Also, I have decided that I am not a big fan of the ratchet tension strap, but if the shoe fits, I'll use it.

Look into SiDi Mega it is the wide last series from the Italian shoe company.
many shoe models from them are in regular and Mega.

of course shimano's Sandals are adjustable in width, given upcoming Summer
a good choice onto the shoe closet.

Lake makes wide cycling shoes. Their website is less than wonderful, but I've also found them through on-line cycling shops.
http://www.lakecycling.com

Specialized shoes are designed for what some call the American foot. They have a wider toe box. I don't remember the site I looked at but it had discriptions and pictures of different foot types. Anyway it seems that many Americans need a wider toe box than our cousins in europe. when I was looking for new shoes I tried SiDi and even the Mega was a bit tight in the toe. I didn't save any money because I got Specialized S works pros but the toe box felt better. I have found some Italian shoes that work as well but I tend to get them one size bigger than my Specialized shoes.

As a last ditch effort Shimano makes a shoe they form to your foot. I believe they are the R300 thermo fit shoes that are designed to fit the shape of your foot.

Specialized shoes are designed for what some call the American foot. They have a wider toe box. I don't remember the site I looked at but it had discriptions and pictures of different foot types. Anyway it seems that many Americans need a wider toe box than our cousins in europe.
That makes sense. My foot is right on the borderline of regular and wide. I have a pair of Specialized Sport MTB shoes that fit me wonderfully, but I may wear them out this year. The Performance Traverse shoes are fitting me reasonably after a couple hundred miles of breaking in, and some Shimano shoes I bought for cheap from a CL ad are so narrow in the toe box that they hurt.