PirateJim

Hi all, newbie to the Bike Forums here and just getting into road biking sort of half seriously. To qualify, I’m not a racer and don’t currently intend to be any sort of long distance endurance runner or anything. More an hour or two (or maybe three) rider for the fun and health benefits mostly. I wrote a bit more about myself in the “Bike fit – Art vs. Science” thread nearby.

Here’s the question, I’ve currently got “regular” peddles attached to my road bike (Trek Pilot 5.0) much to the dismay of the nice guy that sold me the bike and have been riding in sneakers. I’m not much of a fan of the idea of clipless peddles or bike shoes with cleats, but I’m thinking of giving it a try. Here’s my problem; I have really wide feet, 10.5 EEE. Anyone else out there with wide feet that can recommend a brand of bike shoe that may fit my flippers… err feet? Also, what sort of peddles/cleats are the best for a newbie? I’d just as soon not eat asphalt learning to use them.

Jim

tsl

I use SPD (mountain bike) pedals and cleats on my road bikes because I use my bikes primarily for transport. I need to walk when I get to my destination. Plus, I seem to be able to clip in and out much easier and faster than ride partners with "road" cleats and pedals.

I'm still experimenting with which SPD pedals I like best and for which purposes. Now that they have a few hundred miles on them, I'm beginning to really like the A520s I put on one bike to try out. They're a road-style pedal but with SPD clips and cleats. They spread the pressure out over more of my foot. My other bike has M520s an MTB type. I like that they're double-sided and require no thought to clip into in five o'clock traffic.

Now for shoes, we wear the same size. Lake makes several models in wide sizes. My first Lakes were their winter cycling boots. They are absolutely the most comfortable shoe I own. I'm currently trying to decide which model to buy for summer.

When you do switch, there's no substitute for lots of practice. My LBS had me ride back and forth in the parking lot, unclip, stop, start, turn around, unclip, stop, start, turn around unclip... for a half hour before they let me ride home. By then, it was already feeling natural. Within a week I was a total convert.

Good luck!

axelfox

Try the Sidi Mega (Dominator model for MTB). They run wide, and I love them.

Red Baron

YEP!!!!!!!

cllvt

+1 on the Lakes. My son has really wide feet, and the Lakes are available wide, and comforttable for him.

aubinmg

Lake MX101 for me. My street shoes are EEE and EEEE and the Lakes are great.

RonH

I'm an 11.5 EEE.
Lake and Sidi both make wide shoes. The Lakes are under $100. The Sidis are $150+ depending on which model you get.
Since you live in Tampa, why not try Lake or Shimano cycling sandals and Eggbeater, or Smarty, or Candy pedals. Very easy to clip in to and out of.
I have Eggbeaters on my commuter bike. In the warmer months I wear my Lake cycling sandals. Awesome. In the cooler months I wear Lake shoes.

dvs cycles

The widest I've found used to be Carnacs but lately they seem to have changed for the narrower foot.
Sidi-megas are anything but.
I have a wide foot with a high instep.
I like the fit of Shimano 44.5 E width. Most shops don't carry the E width but can get them.