KantoBoy

What's everyone using nowadays?

I'm still using my Bont Vaypor+ that I think I may have to re-bake. I had unbearable hot spots last week on a short 40mi ride and I cursed them as I finished.

Eyeing a pair of Shimano RP9s for a more forgiving ride + long distance shoe. I could easily go for the R321s but I already have a race level shoe in the Bonts

Also looked at a pair of Pearl Izumi Elite Road IV. Chances of my trying to fit in a pair are zero to none.

Finally, some forums recommended NorthWave but I'm not sure what models are for wide feet.

November Dave

Sidi has apparently made their Mega models wider since my last pair 10 years ago. Genius Fit Megas fit like a song on my swim fin feet. Northwave has gotten narrower - they were my go-to for a long time but my most recent pairs fit differently and didn't work at all for me. Lots of suggestions for Shimano for wide feet, too. I use a mid-range (not heat-set) pair of Shimano for CX and they are indeed wide.

GuitarBob

Lake makes several models in wide versions -- I like mine quite a bit.

TimothyH

3E here.

I've heard good things about Lake.

Tried on a pair of size 44 Sidi Fit yesterday. I normally take a Sidi Mega size 43 and the 44's weren't even close. Glad to hear that the Mega is likely wider nowadays.

Yendor72

I just switched to Lake myself. I ride MTB shoes always, but the Lake's have a flat foot bed in the toe box instead of having a lip on it. This allows my feet to spread as much as they want while they still have arch support. Its a win/win. I haven't had foot pain since riding with them.

DoubleTap

I have probably tried eight different shoe models over the last five years for my shoebox* feet, and I finally found the perfect match just a month ago with a pair of Lake CX237 shoes. Seriously, they are very comfortable and available directly from Lake in case you have a hard time finding a dealer. My search is over.


*My dad always teases me that with feet as wide as mine, I should throw away the shoes and just wear the boxes. Actually, my feet are wide and high volume, so shoes are always a challenge for me.

bianchi10

I'm still using a couple pairs of Bont Zero + (Wides) and still loving them. After my initial bake, I ended up baking them again a couple months after riding in them. molded the spot I needed and all has been great since. Thats the great thing about the Bonts is being able to bake infinate times and concentrate on specific areas.

KantoBoy

I bit the bullet on a reg width RP9 today. It was an amazing deal that I couldn't resist. I did size up a bit which is 8mm bigger than my Bonts.

I tried on the RP5s which is a step below and it felt fine. Looking at my feet planted on a ground it would look like these shoes won't have any chance, but let's see when I get them. The toe box felt fine, in which I get most of my hotspots. My only gripe would probably be the missing BOA. I'm not sure why Shimano's being stubborn about having ratchets in 2016.

I'll revisit this thread in 3-4 weeks when I come back from vacation.

hairnet

Love my LAKE shoes. I feel way more room for my toes than I ever have before and they're available in size 50

nesdog

I wear 4E's and use MTB pedals (Frogs) on my roadie.


I've been wearing Sidi Giau's (now discontinued) in Mega width for six years. They have been pretty good, although I've replaced the insoles multiple times as they are thin as cardboard. Rarely any hotspots or problems at all. They never feel too tight.


I'm considering springing for some Dominators.

KantoBoy

Out of curiosity:

I think my "true" Shimano size is a 40 but since I got the 41 (and tried a Shimano 41 regular width yesterday), I'm thinking it's ok

BUT

Does anyone know how wide is the Shimano "Wide" fit? I remember trying on a pair of R321s Wide last year and there wasn't any chance my foot was going to be strapped in. The RP5s I tried on yesterday was more accommodating (the RP series is geared to more the Sportive-type of rider from what I read).

joejack951

3E-4E foot here. For what it's worth, I have a pair of Sidi Giau Megas, too, in a size 42. Not too long ago, I ordered the same size in a Sidi Five Mega from the UK hoping that they'd fit the same. And they did. So at least in my experience, Sidi shoes fit pretty consistently even going from fairly low end to the fairly high end.

My dad has the Dominator Megas and loves them, too.

softreset

Specific measurements, unsure.

But I'm between a 46/47 in Shimano. The width of the 47 is perfect but the length is a bit too much. The wide 46 fit perfectly. So I dare to say, it's the width of the size up, at least in the toe box area. Overall the shoe was still snug in all the right places.

KantoBoy

UPDATE:

I ended up getting my "correct" size which is the same size as my Bonts. There's still some space on the toes but it's only .2 which I think is fine. So far there's been no issues as my feet's been secured. I've logged in about 100mi since I got it earlier this week. The notable difference between these and the Bonts are the uppers which are flexy but it hugs your feet. I intend to get them moulded on Saturday to get a closer fit.

As far as my 5th metatarsal pain: there's none anymore. It's able to expand freely without a carbon sole hitting my bone. The sole has a flatter profile compared to the U profile of the Bonts. I'm still keeping my Bonts and will use them most likely for racing.


In the process I've tried the Sidi Mega and it doesn't feel right. I'm a 2E and while it's roomy all over, I feel that it's too roomy that you have to crank down on the ratchets and the straps. My 5th metatarsal bone is also hitting the sides.

Silvercivic27

I'm using Bont Vaypor+, but I love my Shimanos(R321). I find the Shimanos more comfortable, especially on longer rides, but I love the Boas and the wrap around carbon soles on the Bonts..I can't wait for the new Shimanos...guess what?? Wrap around carbon sole and 2 boas!!! Maybe not as much style as the Bonts, but I'll bet the heat molding of the upper is going to make this the best shoe out there for sure!

jordanair45

Sweet thread. I'm in the market for A wide shoe. If only new balance made cycling shoes

tangerineowl

Some additional info comparing the Lake CX237 to the Shimano RP5/9:-
The Lake has a more open/loose heel fit.

KantoBoy

Does anyone know how to remove the Red plastic inserts on the cleats?



I figured it's preventing me from moving my cleats further back.

EDIT:

it's just plastic inserts. take a small Hex key and pull it out. they will lock in when you place them again.

unionmade

I tried Sidi, Shimano and Lake, and Lake was the widest in my experience. Love my Lakes.

jordanair45

Cool. Just bought a pair of cheap Lake CX 160s. First time trying the brand, so didn't want to drop too much $. Will report back in on the fit, order from Nashbar, hasn't shipped yet. All white nylon, looks like a nurse shoe

Fox Farm

I have used Sidi Mega shoes for about 20 years. I feel that they are not a little bit wider than in the past and thus I will likely get a pair of their standard width when I replace my 5.5 Megas.

inspclouseau

Ugh. This is disappointing. Been researching shoes forever, and never really see this info. My heel to slip but my higher arch and wide toes demand a wider shoe.

Have Shimano now and was hoping to try out Lakes.

Spartacus713

What about the Five Ten Freeriders? They only appear to come in standard "D" widths, but are they good for a "wide" foot?

shoota 

Lake CX217 Wide then.

KantoBoy

Fully recommending Bont.

Your feet will feel "united" with the shoes. No slippage, super light and super stiff. Stack height is very low. Follow the sizing wizard strictly.

My Bonts are now relegated to race/hammerfest duties. I love doing 4-5hr rides and my feet cry with the Bonts. If you need a more forgiving ride then the Riot and the Blitz (I personally have the Vaypor and Vaypor +)

The Lakes to me (in a sense) feel like Sidi Megas. They're wide all over and it doesn't work for me (especially when you've tried Bonts prior). I tried the 237s before and there's too much space inside the shoes. As a wide footer I do need space to accomodate my duck feet but not to the point where there's too much freedom inside. That's not going to be good when you're in a race/hammerfest when you're trying to put some watts to the pedal.