Best Cycling Shoes for Wide Feet

The best cycling shoes for wide feet have a roomy toe box, are reasonably breathable (comfortable), and feature pedal-system-compatible cleats. Additionally, their outsoles, insoles, upper, closure system, and other components are made from superior quality materials. Depending on your riding style, the right option may be lightweight or a bit beefy and may have smooth or high-traction outsoles. One more thing, the best biking shoes for wider feet aren’t usually waterproof.

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5 Best Wide Width Biking Shoes

They’re not entirely flawless, but they sure are a pretty decent deal for the money.

1.Giro Privateer R HV Mens Wide Biking Shoe

2.Sidi Alba 2 Mega Cycling Shoe(Best Overall)

3.SHIMANO SH-XC5 Wide Biking Shoe

4. Men’s SHIMANO SH-TR9 Cycling Shoe (Best for Triathlon Biking)

5. Men’s Lake MX332 Supercross Cycling Shoe

Wide Biking Shoes for Wide Feet Reviews & Buying Guide

Let’s go!

1.Men’s Giro Privateer R HV Cycling Shoe Review

The Giro Privateer R HV features a wide reinforced toe box with a longevity-increasing toe cap. Grippy molded nylon-rubber with aggressive lugs outsoles make you a sure-footed rider who stays safe the whole time they’re mountain biking, road biking, or downhill riding over rocks and other demanding surfaces. Plus, this Giro allows you to fit a steel toe spike so you can climb loose dirt trails with confidence.

The lightweight breathable microfiber upper boasts many holes and breathes really well. And an antimicrobial-treated molded EVA footbed provides moderate arch support while keeping your feet fresh.

A replaceable N-1 adjustable micro-ratcheting buckle plus 2 good-quality straps make for a perfect, custom fit. But it gets even better. You can swap out this composite closure system and attach a replacement from one of your old Giro biking shoes. I like that.

Most important, Giro molds this shoe on a handmade biking-specific last, giving riders an extra-wide shoe that fits high-volume feet like a pair of hand groves.

Whole and half sizes are available, but make sure to size up for fit. I have wide feet, and I did have to size up for a snug fit. Giro uses European sizing, though. But that’s not a problem at all.  Check Giro’s sizing chart here and decide what bike shoe size would be right for you.

It’s a mtb shoe, but you can use it for road riding and even walking.

2. Sidi Alba 2 Mega Cycling Shoe Review

Bike shoe designers at Sidi use their EEEEE Mega last to make really roomy kicks. A highly breathable multi-layered anti-stretch politex upper translates into a comfy biking shoe that won’t rip after a few uses. These layers include ultra-compacted PVC glued onto a felt fabric and a knitted one. Additionally, a film-dyed anti-fade finish results in a product that retains its original hue for long.

Sidi’s Millennium 4 carbon composite outsole comprising nylon and injected molded carbon fiber is a marvel of innovative composite engineering. Lightweight and extremely stiff, it’s precisely what you need to transform your calves and feet into tons of pedal power while on the road.

A thermo EVA insole and a curved, replaceable reinforced anti-slip heel pad lying over a wide heel cup, and an anatomically designed strap unite into a replaceable and adjustable closure system. Sidi calls it the Soft Instep closure system. The main closure system includes two Velcro straps and the recently invented BOA-type Tecno-3 system.

When this comprehensive closure mechanism comes into play, the rider easily gets the upper to conform to their foot shape. Few options let you customize fit as well.

Admittedly, attaching cleats onto the outsole can be challenging. However, it’s doable with a little patience and skill.

3. SHIMANO SH-XC5 Wide Biking Shoe Review

Shimano makes long-lasting products that fit feet across a broad width continuum. The Shimano SH-XC5 lets you ease into pretty much any riding style — dirt road riding, gravel biking, trail biking, and whatnot.

But if you think you’ll enjoy aggressive mountain biking with the SH-XC5, think again. The synthetic leather-polyurethane upper lasts, but not when you keep hitting rocks or sliding on rugged, rocky outcrops.

Like competing options, the Shimano SH-XC5 comes with an EVA comfort insole. The heel cup accommodates wide heels, and your heels won’t slip around while riding.

The outsoles are a high-traction non-slip affair inspired by Michelin’s innovative rubber manufacturing technology. They’re stiff outsoles with a little flex, providing you with all the grip you’ll ever need while navigating muddy or dirt trails. And lightweight carbon fiber-reinforced midsoles dampen impact while walking.

The closure includes traditional laces working with miniature power straps to help you customize fit. You get an extra pair of laces, too. But if you have a wider forefoot, you may encounter trouble when tucking the lace ends away into their place.

Also, the shoe’s 2-hole cleat design is SPD compatible. The cleats also work well with Time and Crankbrothers. Plus, a reinforced 18-mm spike mount enables you to slog through dirt roads and mud.

Toe box may be wide, but it’s shorter than comparable sizes from competing brands.

4. Men’s SHIMANO SH-TR9 Cyclist Shoe Review

If the Shimano SH-CX5 is good, the Shimano SH-TR9 is great. This recommendation shows much better performance whether you bike for fun or participate in triathlon racing.

This blue shoe offers incredible breathability thanks to its vented synthetic upper combined with perforated a 3-D mesh. You can only buy this option if you like blue bike riding shoes, and who doesn’t? A considerably thick insole further enhances comfort and fit. A toe cap makes the option outlast many comparable products.

The shoe’s light, stiff carbon fiber outsole joins the equally light upper, forming a comfortably breathable construction. But how stiff is the sole? It measures 10 on a 12-point stiffness index from Shimano. If any of your racing guys beat you, it won’t be because the Shimano SH-TR9 failed you when you needed it most — power transfer. With the SH-TR9, transitions feel like the most natural thing you’ve ever done.

Another feature you’ll love about this recommendation is its extremely easy-to-use closure. With shaky sweaty or wet fingers, you can easily and quickly adjust the two-strap hook-and-loop system as you ride.

An asymmetrical heel loop enables you to quickly pull on either side of the high-performance pair during transitions. Finally, the shoe works with a 3-bolt cleat system that’s SPD-SL compatible.

I recommend the SH-TR9 as the best triathlon shoe with a wide toe box.

5.Men’s Lake MX332 Supercross Cycling Shoe

You’ve trained hard, and the race season approaches fast and furious. But have you replaced the kicks you ripped last season? The Lake MX332 Supercross is probably the best deal out there even for the most quality-conscious cross country racers.

The product costs more than twice what many other comparable biking kicks cost. But what bumps up the price point for this bike racing shoe?

The shoe’s peers have uppers crafted from synthetic materials. By comparison, this shoe’s vented upper is made from supposedly more breathable than regular leather K-lite Kangaroo leather coupled with Thermaform carbon fiber. And the Outlast insole further increases the shoe’s comfort levels. Few options can take as much abuse.

Its seriously lightweight and stiff carbon outsole sublimates your tiptop shape into racing victory. No matter how much power your accumulated practice amounts to, this featherweight sole knows how to tap all its potential. With this Lake cross-country shoe, you’ll dominate the cyclocross season.

Replaceable toe spikes and grippy rubber lugs make the product a great choice for off- bike periods. And tightening for fit is easy thanks to the quick-release dual side-mounted IP1 BOA-type closure. Additionally, Thermoform carbon panels make the heel conform to your foot shape, further optimizing fit. Finally, its cleats are compatible with the major 2-bolt pedal systems, and it’s covered by a 2-year warranty compared to just 1 year for most brands.

One reviewer said the shoe’s tongue pinches a bit. Maybe they tightened the dial too much? Also, this Lake shoe comes in EU sizing, but you can easily find the corresponding U.S. sizing. Plus, it’s an expensive product. However, the shoe looks, fits, and performs much better than most cheapo options.

When it comes to biking gear, you most of the time end up with what you pay for. Don’t want to splurge on this product? No worries. Pick up any of the more affordable recommendations.

Wide Cycling Shoes Buying Guide

What causes wider feet? Genetics gives some bikers wider feet, and people with wider feet should buy wide shoes. And did you know wearing smaller shoes can force your feet to grow a little bigger? Some health-related conditions such as edema can also lead to wide than normal feet. No matter what caused your wide feet problem, be sure to buy wide cycling shoes that are also comfortable with a perfect fit.

Good wide width biking shoes offer strong arch support and have strong, durable upper and soles. Additionally, they’re styled appropriately and aren’t too heavy. And of course, a good biking shoe with a wide toe box doesn’t need to wipe out your life savings!

Keep the following considerations in mind as you search around for that one wide fit deal that’ll transform your cycling experience.

Can I use Walking or Running Shoes for Biking?

Why not? You can wear any kind of shoe you want. However, cycling shoes offer a bunch of specialized features that make them much more suitable for biking. First off, they may use a different closure system. And they typically use cleats, a device not found in athletic or casual biking shoes.

Additionally, biking shoe soles generally aren’t as flexible as other soles, meaning they’re not the best option for walking running. But yes, you can use mountain biking shoes for walking as their cleats don’t keep getting in the way.

1.Upper Material Quality

Good cycling shoes for wide feet wide last because they’re produced from high-quality materials. The finest wide shoes for cycling are crafted from high-quality, long-lasting, lightweight plastic or composite materials. However, these lightweight wide fit kicks can be a little pricey. And tight plastic biking shoes are tougher to break in than other shoes. Leather, suede, mesh, and carbon fiber are other good upper materials used on cyclist shoes.

2.Outsole, Insole, and Midsole

The typical shoe for cycling purposes doesn’t need a midsole. Why? Because midsoles help shoes absorb shock from impact, and these shoes naturally don’t keep striking the ground or ledges or rails or whatever.

Whether you’re a mountain biker or road cyclist, thick, comfy insoles that don’t suck at power transfer are best. Most good biking shoes, regardless of width, use cushy EVA insoles built to convert the muscles and tendons of the rider’s feet into raw pedal power.

To make outsoles for their cycle shoes, manufacturers combine plastic, specialized rubber, carbon, and tough nylon in varying proportions. I mostly do road biking, and I prefer stiffer outsoles as they’re super efficient at power transfer.

Noe: The more carbon, the pricier the shoe.

3.Light or Heavier Biking Shoes?

Cyclists, especially racers and those into competitive riding, go all out to make their bike as light as possible. Surely, they should use the lightest cycling shoe on sale at Amazon or wherever, right?

Weight is a critical issue when it comes to racing and competitions. Generally, the lighter the better. For everyone else in the biking fraternity, though, a little heavier biking shoes perform much better than lighter ones.

I regularly do recreational cycling. And I wear relatively heavy shoes. Pedaling feels easier and more comfortable with a beefier biking shoe. But I’m not saying go buy the beefiest wide width shoes you can find.

4.Is Arch Support Important in Cycling Shoes?

Most cycling shoes have a shank to which cleats attach. That means most options provide a certain degree of arch support. Usually made from carbon, plastic, or polycarbonate composite, shanks help transfer power to the pedals. In my experience, the best cycling shoes for whatever discipline have considerably light, stiff shanks.

Arch support may not be super important to all bike riders, though, but it is to me. When I first started biking, I experienced terrible knee pain while riding, and the pain persisted long after my trip.

But I took action. I bought a pair of seriously supportive A-line cushion insoles(orthotics) at Amazon and dropped them into my Nike sneakers that I use as casual riding shoes. Thanks to the biomechanically enhanced construction of the insoles, my knee pain disappeared in a few days.

I experienced greater comfort during rides, and the insoles noticeably boosted power transfer to the pedals. I feel more connected to my bike if that means anything to you. I have a blast every time I do my usual 10-mile ride.

Trying riding without arch support. If it’s comfortable, good for you. But if you experience knee pain, buy a pair of properly designed insoles with a thick heel cup and see if the pain resolves.

5.Wide Cycling Shoe Brands

Do cycling shoes come in wide? Yes, they do, but you have to know where to look. Go with trusted and proven bike shoe brands that offer a wide range of sizes including wide sizes. But who makes wide bike shoes? Lake, Shimano, Sidi, Giro, and a few others have narrow and wide widths offers. Some brands also offer extra wide biking shoes.

My 5 biking shore recommendations in my best cycling shoes for wide feet reviews above are from brands that care about biking men and women with ample feet.

6.Cleat Compatibility and Tread Patterns

Road biking shoes have protruding cleats while mountain biking shoes have recessed cleats. You won’t enjoy walking in shoes with protruding cleats all that much. These are performance cycling shoes, after all.

Cleats are usually bought separately, and they need to match perfectly with the pedal system you have. It’s best to choose a biking shoe model that works with pedals from the major pedal manufacturers including Look and Crankbrothers.

Traction may be more important in downhill biking than in mountain biking and not very important in road cycling. Platforms used for flat-pedal riding need well-tractioned shoes that effortlessly connect the rider to their bike while letting them to get on and off with ease.

I have had shoes that showed great performance in general but proved nearly useless when riding over muddy places. Trail biking kicks normally have high-traction soles, and so do downhill riding options. But shoes with deep, elaborate tread tend to be beefy, sometimes too heavy for the rider’s comfort.

What About Pedals?

Decent kicks work best with equally good bike pedals. Clipless pedals work best for almost everyone, from beginner riders to pro cyclists. They come with float, a mechanism that, in a sense, automatically position your feet correctly, helping you avoid knee discomfort. Most riders also find clipless pedals a little easier use than toe straps and clips.

Also, they’re a minimalist invention, and they look really cool. The best part? Clipless pedals are lighter and safer than other pedal types. They don’t get in the way as you push your bike down a trail. Nor do they get caught by roots or sticks when the pedal gets to the lowest point of its circular motion. I find them more comfortable, and enable me to connect better with my bike. Plus, they give me better cadence (pedaling rate/speed) than others.

6.Bike Shoe Closure Options

Every road cyclist and mountain biker should wear well-fitting shoes if they don’t want blisters. Here are 5 types of closure systems usually found on biking shoes:

• Laces

Traditional laces have seen dwindling popularity over the years. But laces let riders create a super comfortable customized, secure fit, a perfect fit for your cycle shoe. However, lace ends may get entangled on the chain if it lacks a chain guard.

• Hook-and-Loop Closures

Adjusting for an arch-snugging fit is pretty easy with a velcro closure system. I usually can adjust my velcro straps even while riding.

Most options feature 3 hook-and-loop straps while others may have just two straps. I’d say 3-strapped closures work a little better than two-strapped ones. This is the closure type best suited for slogging through muddy stretches of your adventure. Or, when it’s wet outside.

• Ratchet-type Closures

Other cycling shoes use ratchet-type closure systems. Typically, this closure relies on plastic micro-adjusting straps to do the job.

• Dial-operated Closures

How does a BOA closure system work? Just turn a dial, and it closes a system of cable laces. Turn the BOA knob in the other direction, and the cable lace system instantly releases. I haven’t used this type of closure, though, but a friend says it works really well for him aside from saving him a second or two.

• Premium Closures

Ready to splurge on a really good pair of trail biking shoe? The best of the best options feature a closure system comprising of a buckle and notched cam straps. While options like that might set you back a few hundred dollars, no other closure type provides a more secure fit or greater clamping power.

7.Choose an Appropriate Cycling Shoe Style

Mountain biking shoes vs road shoes, what should I buy? Road shoes are built to provide consistent performance and comfort over long distances. They let the rider clip in, helping their body and feet remain in more or less the same position. Road shoes feature a lighter upper and super stiff outsoles. In comparison, mountain biking involves lots of body movement, and the shoes are beefy with rugged, flexible outsoles.

But, mountain bike shoes are more versatile than their road counterpart. You can use mtb shoes as road shoes or for walking and less intense running. Road shoes, on the other hand, suck at walking, jogging, and mountain biking.

The cleats for mountain cycling recess into the outsoles, making walking trails more comfortable and fun. In contrast, cleats for road cycling shoes protrude. These cleats are designed to allow the rider easily hop on their bike or dismount quickly whenever necessary.

For recreational cycling, comfort is the most critical thing. Any comfortable sneaker with a bit of arch support should work just fine. Traction may be important for this riding style, though, and cleats aren’t necessary.

8. Breathable Vs Waterproof biking Shoe

A waterproofed biking shoe rarely offers enough comfort to riders. The materials used to make waterproof options typically aren’t optimized for ventilation.

What happens when there’s excess moisture inside your shoe? You get nasty blisters, your feet smell, and who knows what microscopic creatures may be thriving in that damp, enclosed micro-environment?

I’d choose a breathable biking shoe over a waterproofed one any day as it feels noticeably more comfortable. I’d rather drain my shoe than have to deal with all the disadvantages of riding in a waterproofed but poorly ventilated shoe.

Best Wide Width Shoes for Biking: Verdict

The Sidi Alba 2 Mega seems like the best overall option for riders with high-volume feet. Not only does it offer extra-wide room, but it’s also pretty breathable and durable. Also, it’s lightweight and the outsole really stiff. And, it fits without issues thanks to its BOA closure type aided by two velcro-type powerstraps. Breaking it in can be somewhat challenging, but that’s not a deal-breaker. Best part? It’s super affordable.