Bike Shoes

dan4923

I'm after some advice on getting some decent bike shoes. I've currently got some Shimano SPDSL (so it says on the side) and have been getting some pain through my left foot. It's gotten to the point that i need to cut short my rides (today i managed only 25k). I've been told that bike shoes tend to be narrow by nature, perhaps due to their european influence. I think I'll just bite the bullet and opt for a new pair but i want to know any good bike stores in melb where the staff actually know about fitting shoes, not just bikes. a couple of places have just asked my size and don't offer much more assistance. Cheers.

gclark8

Here in Perth we have Runners World. They measure and fit running and cycling shoes. There should be a similar shop in Melbourne.

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Cheers,
George.

dan4923

Cheers gclark, I'll have a look into it. Any other suggestions would me most appreciated.

Archibald

i got mine in melbourne at Spoke(n).
it was mentioned about width of shoes, and trying them on was encouraged - none of that "here's your size 42. thankyou, come again" bit...

Rockslayer

Don't be biased towards a particular brand try lots of different models and brands. Brands vary in cut and shape as do feet. Take your proper cycling socks with you. Try them on later in the day as your feet expand during the day. The shoes that fit when you try them should be the right ones. Modern shoes shouldn't stretch.
Until you know what a proper fit is get someone who knows usually a good shop should be able to help you through the process of fitting etc.
It is Melb, I am sure there are plenty of good shops down there that can help you through this.
After all it is one of your main contact points with the bike and you need to get it right.

dan4923

Cheers Archy, think I'll head down there. Did you take your cleats, pedals, bike down with you?

Archibald

got the bike at the same time, so it was a case of "come back tonight (from lunchour) for your fitting" and the shoes n cleats were all together when i returned...

btw they're refurbishing the new shop and are reopening on monday (16th)

thomas_cho

Before you get another pair, have you looked at the cleat position?

My exprience was that small adjustments in cleat positioning made a whole lot of difference. I am talking abt adjustments in mm.

I went through a period where I thot I needed to ride through the pain like any good man ...

The pain did not go away ... until i read somewhere on the internet abt adjusting the cleat position.

I ride with SPDSL shoes as well, and while they are narrower than my walking or running shoes, I have not felt any discomfort after wearing them in, and having the cleats positioned correctly.

mikesbytes

Put the shoes in the pedals by them selves (ie not on your feet). The heals should point directly back. Check that the toe balls are directly accross the axils. This gives you the correct default position. After this its a matter of getting some advise from a local expert to help you customise the position.

As you are only getting the problem on one foot, its likely that you could probably fix it with some adjustments (it could also be due to one leg/foot being a different length or shape). In addition to the cleat postioning, you need to check that your seat position is correct in height and forward/backwards.

Let us know how you went.

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