WIDE, walkable, casual, SPD shoes
#1
Thread Starter
Infamous Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
WIDE, walkable, casual, SPD shoes
I was quite content wearing my Shimano sandals for most of my riding, using my old Diadora mid-tops or Sidi Dominator Megas when shoes were more appropriate. But since my arches started acting up again last year, I've had to go back to shoes with inserts. My Sidi's are too racy for day-to-day use and my Diadoras are getting pretty worn. So I've been looking for a new pair of SPD capable shoes, walkable, low-key, casual, preferably mid tops to serve the same functions as my old Diadoras. Thing is, I wear size 13 and need at least a EE width. My search has been a big fail so far.
Lake MX 156s come in a wide size and would be perfect...but nobody, even Lake has them in stock, nor any idea if they will ever be in stock. They supposedly had old reliable MX101s in stock...until I ordered them and got an email 3 days later telling me that the stock status on their web site is not "real time" and that they had canceled the order and refunded my card. None of their other shoes that come in a wide size fit my criteria.
Specialized only offers their high-end racing shoes in wide sizes.
Diadora has gone racy and narrow.
Shimano doesn't have wide sizes.
Any other ideas?
Lake MX 156s come in a wide size and would be perfect...but nobody, even Lake has them in stock, nor any idea if they will ever be in stock. They supposedly had old reliable MX101s in stock...until I ordered them and got an email 3 days later telling me that the stock status on their web site is not "real time" and that they had canceled the order and refunded my card. None of their other shoes that come in a wide size fit my criteria.
Specialized only offers their high-end racing shoes in wide sizes.
Diadora has gone racy and narrow.
Shimano doesn't have wide sizes.
Any other ideas?
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#2
Singlespeed Baby!
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Redding Ca
Bikes: SE Stout 29er Singlespeed, Diamondback XSL Squishy, SR Racing Singlespeed Road Bike
I use Pearl Izumi X-Alps. The mid top ones. Very comfortable to walk in. I have wide feet too, and they fit me great.
#4
Thread Starter
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From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Are you saying they offer these in wide widths? I can't seem to find any reference to wide widths on their site.
It also looks like the mid-top version is history.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
Last edited by chipcom; 03-18-10 at 11:38 AM.
#5
Full Member

Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Seattle, WA
Bikes: Giant OCR1
I don't think they offer the EE width specifically, but Keens are known for being wide and they have a pretty nice looking casual SPD shoe:
https://www.keenfootwear.com/product/...0pedal/****ake
https://www.keenfootwear.com/product/...0pedal/****ake
#6
Thread Starter
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From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
I don't think they offer the EE width specifically, but Keens are known for being wide and they have a pretty nice looking casual SPD shoe:
https://www.keenfootwear.com/product/...0pedal/****ake
https://www.keenfootwear.com/product/...0pedal/****ake
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#8
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
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From: Boston, MA
Maybe the Keen Austin Pedal ? My feet are not wide, so I don't know, but I read a review on their sandals written by a wide-footed guy.
#9
Thread Starter
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From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Maybe the Keen Austin Pedal ? My feet are not wide, so I don't know, but I read a review on their sandals written by a wide-footed guy.
So what's not to like? Uh.
Well, there's a big one here: the width! The Keen folks make the same crappy assumption that all cyclists have narrow feet. This foot bed is super narrow and they only come in one width. Errg!
Well, there's a big one here: the width! The Keen folks make the same crappy assumption that all cyclists have narrow feet. This foot bed is super narrow and they only come in one width. Errg!

I'd like to try on an Austin tho.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#11
Enjoy

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,165
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From: Seattle metro
Bikes: Trek 5200
My husband just bought the Pearl Izumi Vagabond M4 Mountain Bike Shoe...it's pretty good. The PI men's 48 fits size 13...is nice and wide but you'll need to add a bootie.
REI stores sell them...but it appears that the catalog is out of stock.
https://www.rei.com/product/748629
REI stores sell them...but it appears that the catalog is out of stock.
https://www.rei.com/product/748629
#12
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
My husband just bought the Pearl Izumi Vagabond M4 Mountain Bike Shoe...it's pretty good. The PI men's 48 fits size 13...is nice and wide but you'll need to add a bootie.
REI stores sell them...but it appears that the catalog is out of stock.
https://www.rei.com/product/748629
REI stores sell them...but it appears that the catalog is out of stock.
https://www.rei.com/product/748629

Am I like impossible to shop for, or what?
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#13
Really? I wear a size larger than normal in those and they were still narrow(took the inserts out). Maybe the half sizes are wider? They do have better arch support though.
#14
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Waco Texas
Bikes: Cannondale F2000, Co-Motion Periscope Torpedo, and many more
I have the same problem. I normally wear a 10.5 or 11 EE. I tried on every shoe in 4 stores while in Austin and finally settled on the Pearl Izumi X-Alp which I picked up at REI in a size 46. It was the widest shoe I could find of all the non-EE shoes out there. The upper isn't as supportive as I'd like. Almost like biking in sandals or running shoes. But OK for general commuting. I think the X-Alp is made on a wider last than the regular Pearls. If you haven't tried that specific model, at least try it on.
#16
I love my Keens- use 'em pretty much every day for commuting and use them on tours as well- as the only shoe I take along with me. I have the Spring waters but I'm liking the look of the Austin's.
Granted my foot's not real wide but I'm a 12-13 size and don't like a tight fit and they're good. The downside of the Keen's is weight- they are by no means a "light" shoe. And the Spring waters are still a little stiff soled for a lot of walking. I'm hoping the Austin's have a little more flexible sole.
I'd be curious what you think of the Austin's after you try them for sizing- I'm thinking of getting some when my present Keen's wear out- if they ever do.
Granted my foot's not real wide but I'm a 12-13 size and don't like a tight fit and they're good. The downside of the Keen's is weight- they are by no means a "light" shoe. And the Spring waters are still a little stiff soled for a lot of walking. I'm hoping the Austin's have a little more flexible sole.
I'd be curious what you think of the Austin's after you try them for sizing- I'm thinking of getting some when my present Keen's wear out- if they ever do.
#17
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From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Yeah, I already have Sidi's for my fancy racer-boy shoes.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#18
Conquer Cancer rider
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Toronto
Bikes: Fun bike, city bike, touring bike, swish new ebike, Bike Friday
Any reason you can't wear your fancy racer-boy shoes, and take a pair to change into when you get wherever you are going?
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#19
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From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#20
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Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Trek 830 Mountain Track Drop bar conversion

Seriously, though, this is a good question. I still ride on platforms, and this size question is one of the main thing that's kept me from looking more into clipless (finances being the other). I'm an 11 or 11-1/2 EEEE, and seeing so many people complain about a lack of wide options in SPD-compatible casual shoes maks me think any search would be fruitless. Seems there's gotta be a way to impart upon the manufacturers that there's a real demand for this kind of product...
#21
SERENITY NOW!!!

Joined: Aug 2005
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From: In the 212
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
661 Filters. They're SPD compatible.
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#22
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From: Minneapolis, MN
Bikes: 05 Trek 5200, 07 Trek 520, 99 GT Karakoram, 08 Surly 1X1
No advice. In the same boat, using wonderfully comfortable Sidi's and sandals in the summer.
My 7.5 EEE feet (thanks alot dad) are following this thread closely.....
My 7.5 EEE feet (thanks alot dad) are following this thread closely.....
#24
#25
I also have wide feet. I gave up on cycling shoes. I found that I was far more comfortable using flat pedals and regular shoes that fit, then riding in ill fitting shoes and using clipless pedals. My favorite flat pedals are the MKS Grip Kings that Rivendell sells.






