ballistic

I have big feet, US size 14. I'm still using (mountain bike) platform pedals and some Adidas running shoes, and the backs of them sometimes hit my chainstays. They're a little clunky like that. I haven't gone clipless yet, but for others with big feet, what shoes or brand do you like? Do you ever hit the chainstays using the correct cleat position on your shoes, or do you have to adjust them back a little?

Also, please list your shoe sizes for normal shoes and cycling shoes. According to Shimano, I would need a size 50 Shimano cycling shoe for US size 14.

vdek

I'm using Shimano size 48 right now and my US size is 12.5, they're alright. Clipless is really nice though, makes climbing much easier.

I have no problems hitting the chain stays though.

Treefox

On my commuter (formerly racing) bike, I've got a pair of Shimano's commuter SPD shoe. The sole on the heel of those sort of flares out a bit, and does hit the chainstay sometimes. That's with just a 44. Never had that problem with road shoes on that bike.

Plausibly, if you had a pedal with less float, this might happen less, but of course there are lots of variables in play (frame geometry, crank length, pedal style, shoe width, etc., etc., etc.)

Carbon Unit

I have Shimano "E" width shoes in size 48. They weren't the best shoes that I tried but they were the best in their price range. The only shoes that I tried that I liked better were Sidis but they were double the price. Sidi makes a mega shoe.

I hear that Lake shoes are wide and I have tried Specialized shoes on and they feel fine. Where I need a wide shoe is in the toe box. No problem with the heals.

I do not hit the chain stays. Clipless pedals may help you here. They keep my feet tracking straight.

ballistic

I'm hitting them with the bulk of my running shoes. Actually I think they're cross-trainers, so they have a small rubber flap added to the sole. But they're definitely clunky for a bike, but I don't have the money to get different pedals and then cycling shoes.

And I'm nervous about adjusting to clipless on my new bike. Wish I had a junker to practice on. Is it common to maybe spend a couple hours on grass or somewhere safe practicing your balance when stopped and clipping in/out?

96WX3

If you get adjustable pedals you can set the tension very low. I was a little iffy about doing it as well but I got the hang of it real quick. Having said that, I am still new enough with them that after a long ride without stopping I have nearly forgotten that I was clipped in. Had to do a quick stop last week and started to go over but got lucky and made it. Someone else here suggested riding a loop around that has a lot of stop signs. Practice stopping at each one and clipping out/in over and over.

BiggSlic

Try Specialized shoes. In my experience they fit a little bit larger (or normal) to standard US sizes. I wear a size 12.5 in regular street shoes and their size 48 is a little too big for me.

You need to nut up and go clipless. The proper positioning will prevent you from making contact with your chain stays and it is just much better. You'll get used to it quickly.

andrewluke

I have some 48 specialized shoes I ended up with somehow... they're lightly used but I'll send them for shipping costs because I wear a 46

ballistic

The Specialized chart lists 47 for size 14. Do you think a 48 would fit? What model are they?

andrewluke

Just the basic road shoe with three velcro straps and a plastic sole. It really depends on what size feet you have. My normal shoes are something like PF Flyers in 12 but there are most other brands like Vans and Nike where I need a 13 so size charts can be a little off. a 46 is perfectly snug for me so 48 will probably work perfectly for you. I have a box and I'll ship shoes and 105 pedals with new cleats to you for like $65. If you can find a shop, just try on some 48s and see how they feel.

Also note that cycling shoes differ too. The chart says a 13 (and in no case have I ever worn larger than a 13 in any brand) is a 46 and for Specialized, I had to wear them in a couple weeks before they were completely comfortable. I think they run small compared to others.

ballistic

Sounds like a decent deal, but I really can't spend money right now. In school and currently unemployed. Hopefully within the next few months I can pick up at least a part-time job.

vdek

I have some experience with this... I just went to clipless 3 days ago when I purchased my new road bike. It took me a while to get used to them though, dismounting and mounting. I had the bike throw me to the ground twice because I wasn't used to dismounting yet.