Shoes for wide feet (not boa)
#1
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,782
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6839 Post(s)
Liked 725 Times
in
459 Posts
Shoes for wide feet (not boa)
Were talking EEE here, with high arches. Looking for not BOA.
I've already got an old pair of Sidi Genius Mega not BOA. The fit right but are pretty ratty and need to be replaced. About ready to just replace them but wanted to see if there are alternatives for wide feet and high arches.
I need lots of volume in the toe box and adjustable closure across the top of the arch. That means not BOA.
So what else is out there besides Sidi Genius Mega?
-Tim-
I've already got an old pair of Sidi Genius Mega not BOA. The fit right but are pretty ratty and need to be replaced. About ready to just replace them but wanted to see if there are alternatives for wide feet and high arches.
I need lots of volume in the toe box and adjustable closure across the top of the arch. That means not BOA.
So what else is out there besides Sidi Genius Mega?
-Tim-
#2
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 21
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Were talking EEE here, with high arches. Looking for not BOA.
I've already got an old pair of Sidi Genius Mega not BOA. The fit right but are pretty ratty and need to be replaced. About ready to just replace them but wanted to see if there are alternatives for wide feet and high arches.
I need lots of volume in the toe box and adjustable closure across the top of the arch. That means not BOA.
So what else is out there besides Sidi Genius Mega?
-Tim-
I've already got an old pair of Sidi Genius Mega not BOA. The fit right but are pretty ratty and need to be replaced. About ready to just replace them but wanted to see if there are alternatives for wide feet and high arches.
I need lots of volume in the toe box and adjustable closure across the top of the arch. That means not BOA.
So what else is out there besides Sidi Genius Mega?
-Tim-
RP9 - ROAD - CYCLING FOOTWEAR AND PEDALS - LIFESTYLE GEAR - SHIMANO
#3
Stand and Deliver
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Tampa Bay
Posts: 3,340
Bikes: Cannondale R1000, Giant TCR Advanced, Giant TCR Advanced SL
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I also have duck feet and have been very happy with Shimano's over the years. Last year I bought a high end, heat moldable shoe which has a choice of two arch inserts, depending on how much arch support you need. The RP9 looks like a good choice. They appear to change their models each year.
#4
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,782
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6839 Post(s)
Liked 725 Times
in
459 Posts
Same foot issues for me. I just switched from Sidi to the new Shimano RP-9 shoes and they are great. They are made is wide widths, have a carbon sole, and heat-moldable uppers and insoles.
RP9 - ROAD - CYCLING FOOTWEAR AND PEDALS - LIFESTYLE GEAR - SHIMANO
RP9 - ROAD - CYCLING FOOTWEAR AND PEDALS - LIFESTYLE GEAR - SHIMANO
After fitting the shoes with pre-warmed soles the entire shoe was baked. Once back on the feet a vacuum bag removed all the air and the shoe was ‘sucked’ onto my feet.
First-look review: Shimano RP9 road shoes | CyclingTips
Can this be right? Do they give you vacuum bags and do you bake the shoes in your oven at home? Really not understanding how this process is done.First-look review: Shimano RP9 road shoes | CyclingTips
Edit: Yeah, I guess so. Here are the dealer instructions. Never heard of such a thing. Really can't buy these online I guess.
Last edited by TimothyH; 04-01-16 at 06:53 PM.
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 21
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I molded mine at home in the oven. I just started with the temperature low then raised it by 10 degrees at a time until the uppers became pliable. It worked fine.
#6
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,782
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6839 Post(s)
Liked 725 Times
in
459 Posts
You know what? Nevermind. LoL.
Restating my original question, is there anything out there besides Sidi Genius Mega or shoes that need to be sucked onto your feet by a vacuum?
#7
Member
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 45
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Lake makes great wide cycling shoes. I use the wide CX217 currently, but it uses a single boa. The CX237 also uses boa, but it uses two separate boa closures, so maybe that would work for ya.
#8
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 21
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've used Lake shoes also and they seem well made. I version I tried has a single BOA which didn't work well because it didn't allow different pressures at different places on the shoe -- it just distributed the same pressure to all locations.
I think the Lake shoe that has two BOAs may be better.
Good luck!
#9
Stand and Deliver
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Tampa Bay
Posts: 3,340
Bikes: Cannondale R1000, Giant TCR Advanced, Giant TCR Advanced SL
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Just because the shoes can be heat molded doesn't mean they need to be. I never needed to do the heat molding since mine fit so well. If I was having any issues, I'd do it without worry. Heat molding is much more common with speed skate boots since fit is very critical. It's common to have hot spots on the foot and ankle where there's too much pressure and heat molding will help to solve these issues. If you google "speed skates heat molding" you can watch several videos to see how it's done if needed.
#10
Life is good
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Posts: 18,210
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 522 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
9 Posts
I wear 11 EEE. I have a pair of Sidi Genius 5.0 mega width and a pair of Specialized Pro Road wide width. Both size 45 and they have lots of room.

__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#11
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,782
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6839 Post(s)
Liked 725 Times
in
459 Posts
No problem. By the way, I didn't use a vacuum on the Shimano shoes, I just tightened the shoe and let it mold to my foot as it cooled. Pretty simple.
I've used Lake shoes also and they seem well made. I version I tried has a single BOA which didn't work well because it didn't allow different pressures at different places on the shoe -- it just distributed the same pressure to all locations.
I think the Lake shoe that has two BOAs may be better.
Good luck!
I've used Lake shoes also and they seem well made. I version I tried has a single BOA which didn't work well because it didn't allow different pressures at different places on the shoe -- it just distributed the same pressure to all locations.
I think the Lake shoe that has two BOAs may be better.
Good luck!
@Everyone, I'm going to look into Lake and Specialized. Trying to save for the new "best car for cyclists" and need to keep cost down.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 505
Bikes: Litespeed M1, Jamis Sputnik
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I have EEE wide feet and found Lakes to be wider than either Sidi mega or Shimano wide. Just my 2 cents.
#14
Kit doesn't match
I have a pair of Lakes in wide with a single BOA -- love both the shoes and the BOA. Certainly, models with two BOAs would be better though.
Red/Bold is exactly what I'm talking about. You understand perfectly.
@Everyone, I'm going to look into Lake and Specialized. Trying to save for the new "best car for cyclists" and need to keep cost down.
@Everyone, I'm going to look into Lake and Specialized. Trying to save for the new "best car for cyclists" and need to keep cost down.
#15
your god hates me
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,345
Bikes: 2018 Cannondale CAADX 105 SE, 2016 Richard Sachs, 2010 Carl Strong, 2006 Cannondale Synapse
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 905 Post(s)
Liked 777 Times
in
423 Posts
Wide foot w/ high arch here, have never been able to find a Sidi that's comfortable. Specialized has been my go-to for cycling shoes, for some reasons nearly all of their models seem roomier than the equivalently sized Sidi. I've also got a pair of Gaerne shoes that are wonderful.
#16
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,782
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6839 Post(s)
Liked 725 Times
in
459 Posts
Interesting about specialized. thanks!
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,201
Bikes: Colnago, Van Dessel, Factor, Cervelo, Ritchey
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2728 Post(s)
Liked 4,801 Times
in
1,926 Posts
Were talking EEE here, with high arches. Looking for not BOA.
I've already got an old pair of Sidi Genius Mega not BOA. The fit right but are pretty ratty and need to be replaced. About ready to just replace them but wanted to see if there are alternatives for wide feet and high arches.
I need lots of volume in the toe box and adjustable closure across the top of the arch. That means not BOA.
So what else is out there besides Sidi Genius Mega?
-Tim-
I've already got an old pair of Sidi Genius Mega not BOA. The fit right but are pretty ratty and need to be replaced. About ready to just replace them but wanted to see if there are alternatives for wide feet and high arches.
I need lots of volume in the toe box and adjustable closure across the top of the arch. That means not BOA.
So what else is out there besides Sidi Genius Mega?
-Tim-
#18
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,782
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6839 Post(s)
Liked 725 Times
in
459 Posts
BOA is a company.
They make one-wire quick close/open systems for sports shoes, medical devices, etc.
https://vimeo.com/5600228
Some cyclists love it. I can't wear it.
I generally skip a loop on running shoes to alleviate the pressure on my high arch and leave the middle velcro strap a bit loose on my Sidi cycling shoes. BOA does not allow you to do this kind of thing. BOA clamps indiscriminately and was painful for me just trying on the show in the store.
They make one-wire quick close/open systems for sports shoes, medical devices, etc.
https://vimeo.com/5600228
Some cyclists love it. I can't wear it.
I generally skip a loop on running shoes to alleviate the pressure on my high arch and leave the middle velcro strap a bit loose on my Sidi cycling shoes. BOA does not allow you to do this kind of thing. BOA clamps indiscriminately and was painful for me just trying on the show in the store.
Last edited by TimothyH; 04-04-16 at 09:32 PM.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,201
Bikes: Colnago, Van Dessel, Factor, Cervelo, Ritchey
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2728 Post(s)
Liked 4,801 Times
in
1,926 Posts
BOA is a company. They make one-wire quick close/open systems for sports shoes, medical devices, etc.
https://vimeo.com/5600228
Some cyclists love it. I can't wear it.
I generally skip a loop on running shoes to alleviate the pressure on my high arch and leave the middle velcro strap a bit loose on my Sidi cycling shoes. BOA does not allow you to do this kind of thing.
Those of us with wide feet and/or high arches find that it distributes pressure evenly without the ability to adjust looser or tighter in any given spot. We value the comfort that comes from being able to adjust the shoe this way.
https://vimeo.com/5600228
Some cyclists love it. I can't wear it.
I generally skip a loop on running shoes to alleviate the pressure on my high arch and leave the middle velcro strap a bit loose on my Sidi cycling shoes. BOA does not allow you to do this kind of thing.
Those of us with wide feet and/or high arches find that it distributes pressure evenly without the ability to adjust looser or tighter in any given spot. We value the comfort that comes from being able to adjust the shoe this way.
Is BOA the same system used on SIDI "wire" shoes, or are they just similar?
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 2,435
Bikes: Colnago, Cervelo, Scott
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 191 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
BOA is a company. They make one-wire quick close/open systems for sports shoes, medical devices, etc.
https://vimeo.com/5600228
Some cyclists love it. I can't wear it.
I generally skip a loop on running shoes to alleviate the pressure on my high arch and leave the middle velcro strap a bit loose on my Sidi cycling shoes. BOA does not allow you to do this kind of thing. BOA clamps indiscriminately and was painful for me just trying on the show in the store.
https://vimeo.com/5600228
Some cyclists love it. I can't wear it.
I generally skip a loop on running shoes to alleviate the pressure on my high arch and leave the middle velcro strap a bit loose on my Sidi cycling shoes. BOA does not allow you to do this kind of thing. BOA clamps indiscriminately and was painful for me just trying on the show in the store.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 192
Bikes: Spooky Mulholland
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 52 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times
in
12 Posts
Bont makes some wider shoes, you can get the vaypors like I have with no Boa system, Although I prefer the Boa system I am fine with the closure system on my Bonts. Plus they fit my wider feet. They are one of the most custom cycling shoes out there from a fitment setting.
#22
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,782
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6839 Post(s)
Liked 725 Times
in
459 Posts
Thats a problem with individual shoe design, not with the BOA system. On shoes with multiple BOA closure devices, you can loosen or tighten them as needed. My favorite shoes for my wide feet that do not have BOA are definitely Shimano R320, Heat molded. My favorite shoe period currently are my Bont Vaypor S+ which have 2 BOA dials and have not been heat molded because they don't need it. I have 3 pairs of Sidis sitting in a box behind my couch.
I should have been clearer. Single BOA shoes are no good for me. Others with high arches and/or wide feet have said the same.
This is really besides the point of the thread however. I'm looking for shoes to fit wide feet and high arches which use traditional closure. That's what I'm asking.