Why Finding the Right Cycling Shoe Is So Hard—Especially for Wide Feet
If you’re coming from a running background, finding the perfect shoe may seem simple: measure your feet for length, width, and volume, then pick the right size. But cycling shoes are a whole different story.
Roughly 98% of cycling shoes on the market are designed for narrow feet, which means riders with wider feet often end up dealing with numbness, hotspots, and general discomfort. Making matters worse, most bike shops still don’t measure foot width or volume before recommending a shoe.
Take Shimano, for example. While they offer some models in an “E” width, the label has become increasingly meaningless over time. Years ago, their wide fit had decent volume and width. In 2025? That same E-width is now only marginally wider than a standard shoe.
Specialized’s S-Works Wide models only add about 4mm of width—not always enough to solve pressure issues. Fizik’s Overcurve Wide does a better job for square-shaped feet, especially if your pinky toe tends to get squashed. Their toe box is more generous, making them a potential option for certain foot shapes. Sidi’s wide fit options (like those in the Millennium range) are also popular, though widths vary between models.
If you’re looking for a proper wide fit, Lake is on another level. They use a millimetre-based sizing system and offer different shoe lasts (Sport, Competition, and Race) tailored for varying foot shapes and volumes. In our 20+ years of fitting experience, no brand comes close to Lake for riders needing high-volume, extra wide-fitting shoes. Their build quality and comfort are unmatched, making them our go-to recommendation for riders with truly wide feet.
Foot pain and numbness from ill-fitting shoes is one of the most common issues we see. That’s why it’s so important to go beyond simple sizing and consider volume, toe box shape, and overall fit.
To make it easier, we’ve built a one-of-a-kind online shoe fit calculator designed to help you find the perfect cycling shoe for your unique foot shape. It’s free to use and generates a downloadable PDF report with tailored shoe suggestions across multiple brands.
👉 Find your best cycling shoe match here
And here’s a quick fit check tip: try the “tap test”—tap around the toe box and sides of your current shoe. If there’s no give or movement in the material, chances are the shoe is too tight and will cause problems on longer rides.
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling to find a cycling shoe that fits properly, don’t settle for discomfort. Explore brands like Lake, Fizik Wide and Sidi Wide that cater to wider feet, and take your time testing different models. The right shoe can transform your ride—better comfort, better performance, and no more numb toes.