Current setup are Shimano RT-80 shoes on some low-end Shimano SPD pedals. This works okay for me but have been looking to upgrade to an actual road setup. Let the frustration begin!

Tried the Bontrager RXL. Guy at the LBS highly recommended Look pedals, so got a pair of those, too. Shoes felt great . . . until I got on the bike with them. Lots of pressure on the bottom of my foot along the outside edge. Tried all kinds of stuff and finally took them back. The LBS spent plenty of time trying to get them right for me, but no go. So I trade in and get . . .

Sidi Genius 5 Pro Carbon (mega?). The shoe guy at the LBS suggested a wide shoe. These things feel like flippers. I have to crank them down almost to the point of discomfort in order to keep my feet in place. And I still have the same problem. I even tried some wedges under the cleat, but no luck.

What gives? Am I stuck using SPD's for the rest of my life? The pressure point feels like it is right at the outside bolt on both pair of shoes. Could it be something with Look cleats?

Help!!!

Hmm have you tried the Sidi's regular shoes, not the Mega's?
I would check around at some other lbs' before "settling" on something as important as shoes.

If you're getting pain on only one side of the bottom of your foot, you may need a different arch support or wedges/shims to smooth out your pedal stroke. Take a look at the Specialized footbeds or LeMond wedges.

Get a pair of higher end Shimanos. Shimano have a wide toe box and a narrow'ish heel. Sidi's have a narrow toe box. To get them to fit you, dealer put you in mega's which, as you've noted, are too wide for the rest of your foot.

Also Northwave has a large (wide) toe area. Specialized are pretty wide toe, and LouisGarneau are kinda medium.

You may also need aftermarket insoles.

Good luck.

I am wide across the front of my foot too. I prefer Specialized and Shimano shoes. Good luck!

As I have a width problem myself, I find the Specialized brand works well for me. Shimano shoes tend to be a bit narrow for me in a size that actually fits my foot. Not really sure what to do about your issue, may want to try Speedplay pedals.

If your current Shimano shoes fit, you should look into getting another pair.

Thanks for the replies. Current shoes are okay, just develop some hot spots after a while. Was hoping to get something more road-specific.

Not sure it is a width issue since I tried the meg Sidis w/o much luck.