For a cyclist, the feet are the nexus of the energy transfer between body and bicycle for forward propulsion. Hence, maintaining good foot health is essential for optimal performance, comfort and enjoyment. To this end, the fit of the cycling shoe is absolutely paramount to achieve these goals.
Cycling shoes are typically very stiff and worn very closely on the foot for optimal power transfer and efficiency. However, this also increases the risk of foot problems. As a podiatrist and cyclist with specialty knowledge in this area, majority of the foot problems that I see revolve around poor fitting cycling shoes that constrict and pinch on the feet and toes due to inadequate space and tightness. This causes common problems such as hotspots, numbness, nerve irritation, toe deformities resulting in poor comfort and performance and even injury.
The most logical solution to this is to use cycling shoes that are well-fitted to your feet, by providing adequate space and width. A well-fitted pair of cycling shoes will accommodate the feet well, allowing the toes to spread and splay. This leads to improved comfort and stability during the pedal stroke. Many cycling shoe brands have wide-fit options but it is still very common that patients still have issues even after using these options (Fig 1). Why is that the case?
Fig 1: Shoes are typically not made to the natural shape of the foot. This results in the foot being squeezed in the shoe.
Last of the shoe
The answer is the true width of the cycling shoe lies in the shape of its last. The last is essentially the shape of the sole of the shoe. It is an important factor in determining the shoe’s shape, size and overall fit. Shoe lasts can be broadly categorised into 3 different shapes: curved, semi-curved, straight (Fig 2)
Fig 2: Different feet fit different lasts
For a shoe to be truly wide and provide adequate width in wider foot types, a straight last is necessary. This results in a wide sole and overall shoe that does not taper and pinch the foot. Conversely, a wide-option cycling shoe with a semi-curved or curved last will still taper at the toe regions, pinching the toes and foot and causing pressure-related issues.
How to identify the shape of the last of the shoe
The easiest way to tell the last of the shoe is to turn the shoe over to look at the outsole. If you are able to trace a straight line from the middle of the heel vertically to the middle of the toe box and splits the shoe into an equal half, the shoe has a straight last (Fig 4). This also results in a shoe with the most natural foot shape.
Fig 4: Straight last shoes are most suitable for wider feet and are the natural shape of the foot
Using the same technique, turn the shoe over and look at the outsole. Imagine the shoe in two halves, the top half and bottom half. Again beginning at the middle of heel, trace a straight vertical line up towards the top of the shoe at the toe box. If the line bisects the top half of the shoe off its centre, it has a semi-curved last (Fig 5). This is the category that most cycling shoes fall under.
Fig 5: Semi-curve lasted shoes fit a higher instep and arch profile but tapers at the forefoot
Finally, with the same technique again, if the straight vertical line bisects the outside of the top half of shoe, it has a curved last (Fig 6). A “C” shape is able to be traced through the centre of the sole. Shoe constructed in this fashion typically result in the narrowest design.
Fig 6: Curve last shoes fit the narrower feet types, with a narrow instep and tapers greatly at the toe box
4 Recommended Cycling Shoes for wide feet – straight last, natural foot shape
If you have fit issues with your cycling shoes resulting in pain and discomfort described above, a wide-fitting straight last cycling shoe is likely the solution for you. In my experience, a wide-fitting straight last cycling shoe which promotes the foot’s natural shape enhances comfort, pedaling stability and performance. Unfortunately, straight last cycling shoes are not the industry standard and are relatively hard to find and identify. I have compiled a list of straight-last cycling shoes that are currently on the market here:
- Specialized Torch (Fig 7) (https://www.specialized.com/sg/en/s-works-torch/p/200598)
Fig 7: Specialized Torch.
2) Specialized Ares 2 (Fig 8) (https://www.specialized.com/sg/en/s-works-ares-2/p/10002279800)
Fig 8: Specialized Ares 2. The brand’s latest model with the most natural foot shape design
3) Lake CX201(Fig 9) (https://www.lakecycling.com/products/cx-201?variant=39980757909658)
Fig 9: Lake CX201. Made on Lake’s proprietary CX Comfort Plus Last
4) Bont (Fig 10) (https://bontcycling.com/products/vaypor-2023)
Fig 10: Bont Vaypor. Note that the Bont’s outsole “bathtub” design, with the carbon walls wrapping around the side of the feet, may not be for everyone.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned racer looking to podium at your next race, you deserve to fully enjoy your cycling pain-free and performing at your very best! If you have any foot pain problems that are hampering you, feel free to reach out and contact us. We’ll be delighted to help you!
