Should I keep these shoes?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Should I keep these shoes?
My shoes are generally sized 8.5 or, in rare cases, 9. Based on my home measurements, my feet are wide.
A pair of Pearl Izumi cycling shoes sized at 43 which, according to their website, is a US sizing equivalent between 9 and 9.5. Since these are my first ever cycling shoes, I don't know how tight they ought to be.
When I tried a nice looking, but more expensive pair of Giro shoes sized at 43.5, they felt absolutely fantastic. The shoe was firm on my feet but did not wiggle. I could feel that I was wearing the shoes but I did not feel much pressure from the sides.
With the Pearl Izumi shoes, however, I could very much feel the sides and I can't tell if it's too tight or not. It certainly doesn't hurt but I can definitely feel the sides putting on pressure on my feet. I don't feel any tingling and it's not painful but it was not nearly as comfy as the Giro shoes. The odd thing is that on Amazon, people are saying that the shoe accommodated their wider feet and yet for me, even though size 43 is sizing up compared to the chart, it doesn't feel all that amazing.
I would of got those Giro shoes right then and there but they were much more expensive than the Pearl Izumi shoes which were only $40 for closeout.
Should I keep those Pearl Izumi shoes? Will they fit better over time? Are Giro shoes wider than Pearl Izumi ones?
A pair of Pearl Izumi cycling shoes sized at 43 which, according to their website, is a US sizing equivalent between 9 and 9.5. Since these are my first ever cycling shoes, I don't know how tight they ought to be.
When I tried a nice looking, but more expensive pair of Giro shoes sized at 43.5, they felt absolutely fantastic. The shoe was firm on my feet but did not wiggle. I could feel that I was wearing the shoes but I did not feel much pressure from the sides.
With the Pearl Izumi shoes, however, I could very much feel the sides and I can't tell if it's too tight or not. It certainly doesn't hurt but I can definitely feel the sides putting on pressure on my feet. I don't feel any tingling and it's not painful but it was not nearly as comfy as the Giro shoes. The odd thing is that on Amazon, people are saying that the shoe accommodated their wider feet and yet for me, even though size 43 is sizing up compared to the chart, it doesn't feel all that amazing.
I would of got those Giro shoes right then and there but they were much more expensive than the Pearl Izumi shoes which were only $40 for closeout.
Should I keep those Pearl Izumi shoes? Will they fit better over time? Are Giro shoes wider than Pearl Izumi ones?
#2
We all have our own specific anatomy. When it comes to things like shoes, what someone else says about them really does not matter a whole lot. You will also not be able to get a definitive answer to that question. You are in the best position to judge fit and comfort of those shoes for your feet.
My personal experience with cycling shoes is that I want them to have quite a bit of space. I am not looking for anything that feels tight or snug. Instead, I like it when shoes give my feet quite some space, and you can tighten them down with clamps/velcro to have them tight enough that there is no "wiggle" when in use. I think that it is generally a good idea to go for the shoes that feel right when you try them on.
My personal experience with cycling shoes is that I want them to have quite a bit of space. I am not looking for anything that feels tight or snug. Instead, I like it when shoes give my feet quite some space, and you can tighten them down with clamps/velcro to have them tight enough that there is no "wiggle" when in use. I think that it is generally a good idea to go for the shoes that feel right when you try them on.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Snow Hill NC
Posts: 872
Bikes: Trek Madone 2.1
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I got lucky, i wear a 46 and when i ordered the Diadora they said they had a pretty wide toe box and i am super happy with the fit...If they were too tight i would get rid of them and look for something else..comfort is paramount.
#5
In Real Life
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,151
Bikes: Lots
Liked 600 Times
in
332 Posts
I like my shoes loose so I can wear extra socks in the cool weather, and so that my feet can swell in the hot weather.
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
#6
Climbing: Ropes or Wheels
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Unied States, Maine
Posts: 384
Bikes: 2012 Scott Foil 30, Homebrew Windsor Fens Build, 2015 Fuji Touring, 1980 Univega
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Given that cycling shoes of that caliber are made with a rigid plastic sole and plastic or synthetic leather-type materials, you shouldn't expect the shoes to stretch or change much over time. That only gets more true the more expensive the shoes get. That being said, cycling shoes are bale to be tighter than, say, running shoes, because they don't need to cushion your foot or flex. So, as long as you can wear your shoes comfortably while putting some pressure on your feet, you should be okay.
Personally, after climbing for four years, it's hard to find shoes too tight for me. I like the very snug feeling around my foot; it gives a sense of precision. If they seem like they may be uncomfortable, don't wear the shoe. If they seem snug, they're probably fine.
Personally, after climbing for four years, it's hard to find shoes too tight for me. I like the very snug feeling around my foot; it gives a sense of precision. If they seem like they may be uncomfortable, don't wear the shoe. If they seem snug, they're probably fine.
#7
+1 for shoes with a little room/width in the forefoot. In my experience, it helps prevent hot spots or numbness. It allows for the slight swelling of feet that occurs in hot weather. It allows for better air circulation around the foot. It doesn't restrict blood flow which helps preventing getting cold feet in cooler weather.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Cypress TX
Posts: 1,179
Bikes: Salsa Fargo Ti, Cannondale CAAD9, Carbonello Fixed Gear, Specialized Epic Disc
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times
in
10 Posts
I just recently bought two pairs PI X-Alp series mountain bike shoes for me and my son. I normally wear a 46 but needed a 47 and probably could have worn a 48. My son normally wears a US 9.5 but needed a 45 in the PI shoes. I checked the online reviews and most said to buy a size or two larger than normal.
What model are you referring to? Check online reviews.
What model are you referring to? Check online reviews.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Lincoln Nebraska
Posts: 1,088
Bikes: 99 Klein Quantum, 2012 Cannondale CAAD10 5, Specialized Tarmac Comp, Foundry Thresher, Fuji Sportif
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Many find their feet swell while riding. I'd error on the loose side if you can't find a perfect fit.
#10
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,461
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Liked 882 Times
in
452 Posts
Here's your answer. Don't scrimp on the contact points. You'll reap dividends in comfort, long after you've paid for the shoes.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
#11
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Posts: 21,890
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
Liked 1,009 Times
in
648 Posts
Yes, although good fitting shoes don't have to be expensive. I love my LG Ergo Air shoes that the local shop had on closeout for $100.
__________________
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Boynton Beach, Fl
Posts: 159
Bikes: 2011 Cannondale Synapse , M300 and Specialized Stumpjumper
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I like my shoes snug but like room in the toebox. If you stand and try to walk they should feel very snug remember they are for riding not walking. In my sizing I have a pair of LG's that are size 46 that are perfect and a pair of Giro Privateer (offroad) size 46.5 and just picked up a pair of Giro Trans (road) size 47.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: NJ, USA
Posts: 1,286
Bikes: two blacks, a blue and a white.
Liked 860 Times
in
412 Posts
1. unlikely that fit will change very much. yes, shoes tend to start to bend in the right place, but they don't change much. someone will argue that. whatever.
2. original post says "no pain" "doesn't hurt" "no tingling" ... so not quite sure what needs fixing here, but if it ain't broke, yada yada.
3. "not nearly as comfy." want more comfy? buy the "more comfy," but I think you'll know more after a few hundred miles in the current shoe. my prior shoes were quite adequate until I started doing > 50 milers. now wearing significantly larger ones and happy again. go figure.
2. original post says "no pain" "doesn't hurt" "no tingling" ... so not quite sure what needs fixing here, but if it ain't broke, yada yada.
3. "not nearly as comfy." want more comfy? buy the "more comfy," but I think you'll know more after a few hundred miles in the current shoe. my prior shoes were quite adequate until I started doing > 50 milers. now wearing significantly larger ones and happy again. go figure.