Crank Turner

I've never owned any kind of pedals other than platform and I'd like to switch to clipless. I'm thinking along the lines of the Crank Bros. Smarty.

The problem isn't ordering the pedals, it's the shoes. Only one local shop carries shoes and the only ones they stock in my size are the $100+ road types. I'm interested in an MTB type. I'm also looking for better value.

The problem lies in sizing. I wear size 13(US) shoes and my options are more limited. There is also the difficulty of ordering a shoe that should fit and finding out it doesn't. What is my best option and what site do you recommend I order from and what size for the brand/model?

Thanks.

ETA: Sorry for the double post. My first post and I already screwed up.

RonH

If you have regular width feet then ordering online is not a problem. You run into problems if you have wide feet like me (11EEE).
Size 13 is a size 48 in European sizing, which is how most shoes are listed.
What shoes are you looking at?

Crank Turner

I'm currently wearing a pair of size 14 Saucony running shoes. It also says 49 EUR on it. My previous shoes were 13s. I don't wear wides. I pretty much straddle the two sizes(13 and 14), so it's tough to tell.

Unfortunately, I might just have to do some traveling. It might not be such a great idea to order online after all.

Thanks for helping me come to that conclusion. You probably saved me some serious frustration.

AndrewP

Travel to a shop that has a large stock of cycling shoes, and try on all makes they have, because there is a lot of variation in fitting for width and at the heel. Buy your fiist pair from that shop, make a note of the makes and models that feel good. Then you will be able to buy your next pair on-line.

RonH

Either one will work with Smarty pedals. Again, if you don't have wide feet then you should be ok. If you're not happy with the shoes, Performance (and most online retailers) will allow you to return them for a different size or a refund.

bike_boy

Note that your feet can swell a bit from riding, so it's a good idea to buy a shoe that's at least one size
larger than normal shoe size. I've know some to get cycling shoes that are even 2 sizes larger.

Crank Turner

Confirming again that I might actually need to try the shoes out in person. I'll have to call around some more and find a day I'll be free to do some extra driving.

bike_boy

Other notable items: Some shoes come with removable inner soles, and small replaceable outside heel & or toe pieces. If the shoe requires use of an adapter plate for your cleat of choice, the supplied cleat screws may not be long enough. I carry extra
cleat screws as occasionally I have lost one. Those who log a lot of miles usually prefer a stiffer soled shoe. I like a fair amount
of breathable mesh on my shoes; of course, it doesn't help during heavy rain.

Anyway, just about all the above drives up the cost of the shoe.