Today while I was riding I noticed something. I can fully cross my big toe and the one next to it, so they are on top of eachother, comfortably, in both shoes. In the entire front third of my shoe, there is some room for my foot to go up. So I crossed my toes to take up the extra room, and noticed in the pedal stroke, it felt much more powerful when bringing my foot up and around (pulling up). Then I uncrossed them so that there was the extra room, and it just felt like I lost so much power in that part of the pedal stroke. With the extra room taken up, it just seemed so much more like the power was being transferred more efficiently and directly.

Is this a big deal, should I try some shoes on to get more tight fitting ones? It was unbelievable how much more solid the entire pedal stroke felt.

So could this be robbing me of power, or is it no big deal?

BTW: I have narrow feet. I get narrow sized shoes from nike because they run smaller than other brands. Are there narrow sized cycling shoes?

Thanks.

Are you sure you weren't able to turn your whole foot around in the shoe?

Just kidding.

I rode with toe-clips and double leather straps for many years, so I absolutely hate any upward movement at all, therefore I go for a very firm shoe. I also recommend a ratchet

I also have narrow feet. I have tried Shimano shoes and they fit ok but just bought a pair of Louis Garneau ERGO AIR REVO and they fit my feet even better.

They have a rachet strap and 2 velcro straps to make the shoes nice and tight

Will ride them tomorrow and see how they compare. The fit feels great.