Shoe Sizing
 

I found a pair of shoes with a 44.5 sizing, which looks like it comes to a 10.5 US. I wear a 10.5 running shoe and a 10 dress shoe, the dress shoe is more snug. How do you size riding shoes? Would it be better to get the 44.5 or look for a 44?

My (limited) experience sizing cycling shoes is that sizes really don't translate. I ended up with a Pearl Izumi shoe size 45; at the same time, a size 44 Nike was too big and a size 45 Sidi was way too small. Unless I have them backwards.

All of this, and when I'm not on the bike, I wear a size 42 Birkenstock!

Try on a bunch. Get what fits and makes your foot feel good.

I dont have any bike shops even close to my place so I am ordering online. Making it all a bit more risky. If the shoe is a little big for my feet will an insert help it fit? the last set of shoes I bought in when in lived in NoVa and shops were everywhere so they fit perfectly.

I wear a 10 1/2 normally and I went with a 45. Mine are Answer brand and they fit well. If anything, I'd err on the side of slightly too big and try to make up for it with some socks.

These are Shimano SH-R120C, I think I am going to go ahead and get them sell them if they dont fit

I've said this before. The only shoes that I know that translate into real sizes are Diadora and Adidas. My Adidas 42 2/3 [US 9] was an exact size 9. My lakes are a size 9, but they're 42.

When you get shoes, keep in mind some of the stretch. My Sidis did, I could use a 1/2 size or so smaller.

If they are too lose and I do not want to sell them are there any methods to make them fit better, like inserts or something. I would think if I just layered socks it would be lose in too many places and would not be as effective.

Socks can help - you can also add padded inserts such as those by Thom McAn (one of the few brands of these not made in China).

My Specialized shoes are a 43, my Carnacs are 45. You really have to try them on and see.

--A

If you buy too small, you send them back and swap them for a bigger pair.

If you buy too big, you send them back and swap them for a smaller pair.

I find Shimano fit small and narrow -- I take a 42 normally, and the 43-44 Shimano sandals are almost too small.

Birkenstock sizing is definitely different. I wear 46 Birenstock, but 48 bike shoes. I have also tried on euro sized "business casual shoes" and needed 48.