I need a new pair after 2.5 years of some cheap Bontragers. Please give me some recommendations and your preferred online dealers. I'm out in the country a bit so in-store shopping is quite limited. Thanks.

What type of foot do you have? Average(d width)?

D width, size 10 US. Fairly high arch.

I could be a foot model.

I've had a pretty good experience with my Sidi Genius 5 Pro. 5 years of averaging 150km/wk and still going strong.

Sidi's fit is for a "normal" D width, but also comes in "wide" EE width (the Mega version). Lots of online retailers (Performance, Rei, Amazon, etc.) carry Sidi in stock.

Specialized.

Buying online can be frustrating.

While shopping for my Shimano shoes I learned that they vary (large or small for a given #) by model, so if a 46 of one style fit it was no guarantee that any other style would fit.

Unless you are replacing your existing shoes it really makes sense to try them on before buying...

I agree. Cycling shoes are best bought at the store.

I have some Specialized with the two round things. Love 'em
I also have some Vittoria 1976 lace ups. Love 'em even more.

I just had my LBS order in a pair of Shimano RP9 road shoes. They got the standard and wide for me to try on. The standard width fit great. Just have to go back and try the wides on tomorrow since they got them for me. My foot is 10.5 D. The 45's are spot on. At least for me. I was going to order online but their price was pretty good. I did try some Bontrager RXL's but they were to narrow. As far as online retailers I've had good luck with Merlin. Good prices and quick delivery.

+2 to specialized with boa closures.

Boa. That's what I meant.

I love my Lakes, I love them even more because I got them for free. Seriously for shoes go try some on.

Giro Empire SLX.

Seriously the best shoes I've ever owned.

Zappos sell bike shoes. You can just order all the sizes in your range, and then return (for free) the ones you don't want.

I have these shoes and they are like sofas for my feet. The best I've ever had. I did a 100K a couple of weeks ago and my feet didn't even cross my mind. I think they fit like a D. if your arch is super high they sell arch supports. I may buy a second pair since they're on clearance.

Apeckx Cycling Shoe | Road | Giro

I know the best shoes to get but im done giving advice here ...

Sidi - nuff said!

Bont. best shoes EVAR.

If cost is no object and you want the best.... Specialized S-Works

The expert level is the old S-Works shoe and is half the price. The only real difference is 1 vs 2 boas

Or buy a shoe just as comfortable for a fraction of the price, and one that isn't from a bicycle brand that's different than the bicycle you ride. I wouldn't wear a Specialized shoe if I didn't ride one.

For the first time EVER in a BF thread, pics are NOT needed.

Then you are doing yourself a disservice if you have not at least tried one. What does the brand of bike you own have anything to do with the shoe you wear? The S-Works shoe is the best fitting most comfortable shoe that I and a lot of people have ever tried. The varus wedge built into the shoe is also a huge improvement for most cyclists. Sure you can add a Varus wedge later but at the cost of toe box and fore foot room. My pair of S-Works shoes are going on 5 years now and still look and operate like new. They have been a sound investment and one of the best cycling purchases I have ever made.

The Expert level shoe is a great option to save a few bucks for sure.

First MTB shoes I used were Specialized and I was quite happy with them...

I like the SIDI's but without the wire.