Cycling shoes can be an important part of your performance on the bike. Besides the physical properties of the road bike shoe, the fit is very important when choosing the right cycling shoe. Some fall very wide, others very narrow. With one brand, it is wise to choose a size smaller than you would normally take and with others brands of road bike shoes it is wise to choose a size larger than normal.
Better to have too much than too little space
In any case, as a general rule we would like to give you that it is better to leave too much room at the front than to have the shoe too tight, which is a real problem. Some therefore recommend ordering one size bigger than you normally would. Our advice is to really test this. Your local bike shop usually has several sizes in stock and online you can often return them for free. We are happy to help you choose your new road bike shoes.
Fit per brand of road bike shoe
Looking at the different brands of road bike shoes, there are some popular brands that are widely sold. We have listed them below with their features, whether they fall big or small and some advice for when you go to buy them. A size bigger? Smaller? Or is your regular size fine?
SIDI road bike shoes
Sidi is a very popular brand of cycling shoes. They are perfect shoes for both recreational and sportive cyclists. Looking at the fit, this is a brand where that is very close listens, as Sidi shoes generally fall small and are quite narrow. For people with wide feet, Sidi has introduced a special line.
Our advice: buy one size bigger than you normally would. If you have a wide sole look at the special shoe line Sidi produces for this.
Shimano road bike shoes
Shimano's road bike shoes are for many the brand to cycle with. The fit is generally very good, although most shoes are quite small. As with Sidi, Shimano road bike shoes are very narrow, so keep this in mind when buying.
Our advice: A size up will not be a luxury with Shimano shoes
Fur road bike shoes
Fur racing shoes are quite exclusive and are made by hand. This ensures that you get unique shoes, but these shoes do come with a pretty big price tag. If you are up for it, this is a very interesting brand. They fall extremely small, so keep this in mind when buying these shoes.
Our advice: buy Bont road bike shoes only if you are sure you want them. Also, order them in two sizes larger than you normally would.
Mavic road bike shoes
Mavic is a brand that has been found in the peloton for years. Best known for their wheels, but less well known for their range of shoes. The quality of the cycling shoes is fine, they just fall very narrow, which is why for some types they also have a maxi variant in the range with a wider sole.
Our advice: buy shoes from this brand in at least one size up. Maybe even two sizes bigger
Lake road bike shoes
Lake is a brand that positions itself at the upper end of the market. As a result, the prices of the shoes are relatively high, but the quality of the shoes is above average and with these shoes you really have a unique product in your hands. The fit is normal, with most people having the same size as their shoe size. With Lake, you can also choose the right last for your foot, which sets LAKE apart from other brands. Also for protruding toes, high instep, etc.
Our opinion: Lake is a brand with a cool look and a relatively high price tag. The fit is perfect and the shoes are very suitable if you have big and/or difficult feet
Spiuk road bike shoes
If you are looking for road bike shoes that you are unlikely to come across in the wild with anyone else anytime soon, the Spiuk brand is definitely a good option. The brand is relatively unknown, but has been producing accessories for the active (road) cyclist for years, which means shoes.
Our recommendation: road bike shoes from the Spiuk brand are for riders who want a unique shoe. Because the shoes fall a bit small for most people, it is wise to choose a size larger than you would normally take.
Fizik road bike shoes
Fizik's road bike shoes are one of the most stylish shoes on the market. With their retro look, they stand out tremendously. Some shoes in the line even feature laces for the extra pro look. These looks do come at a price; the brand does not come cheap.
Our advice: If you want to look pro, Fizik shoes are a very good choice. You just have to take the price tag for granted. The shoe size is normal, you can take the same size as your regular shoes.
Northwave road bike shoes
Nortwave road bike shoes are just about the most solid cycling shoes you can buy. Although they come in a variety of colours, they never stand out very much. They are ideal shoes for people with wide feet, as they fall quite wide. The sizing is also normal.
Our advice: The most average cycling shoes are made by Northwave. You really can't go wrong with these and are perfect for the average person. Both in terms of looks and pricing.
Giro road bike shoes
The chicest cycling shoes are made by Giro. Known for all kinds of cycling accessories and thus also for their high-quality shoes. Giro combines looks with performance, which is something we can enjoy immensely ourselves.
Our opinion: Giro shoes have been very solid looking shoes for years and should be in every cycling enthusiast's closet as Sunday shoes.
Ekoi road bike shoes
French brand Ekoi has racing bike shoes for many different cyclists. For instance, there are extra-fast racing shoes and shoes more for the recreational cyclist. The last of the shoes is relatively normal and sizes run up to size 47! This is handy also for the taller/larger man. Women's sizes also come in larger lengths.
Buy these shoes if you want value for money and if you have a 'normal' foot. They also fall normal
Even more
Of course, there are many more shoe brands, but we have made a selection from the most popular models. Are you really missing a brand? Then let us know via a comment below this article
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