In many ways, a properly fit cycling shoe should fit much like a properly fit daily shoe. And also it should fit your cycling bibs.

A well fit cycling shoe should be snug in the heel with even pressure on the instep. And you should not be pressed against the end.  You should have a little toe room at the end of a well fit cycling shoe and the shoe should hold your forefoot stable without pinching or restricting.

You should not have large areas of gapping or folds in the material in a well fit cycling shoe.

The ball of your foot should lie at the widest portion of the shoe to allow for proper cleat positioning within the shoe’s adjustment range in a well fit cycling shoe.

Your foot should be stable and neutral in a well fit cycling shoe.  This is a little different than a daily shoe for many riders, but a custom cycling footbed is often required to achieve proper alignment, ideal power transmission, and support in a cycling shoe for most riders.

Do cycling shoes come in widths? Yes. One reason we carry brands like Sidi and D2 are because they are committed to making distinct widths and lasts (narrow, standard and wide) in some or all of their models to fit all shapes of feet. Don’t suffer by being in the wrong last for your foot shape thinking that there are not options in cycling shoes! There are options and very good ones at that.

What about foot support? Just like in a ski boot, proper foot support in a cycling shoe is crucial to maximizing performance, comfort and injury prevention through improved alignment and more even contact between the foot and the shoe.    Most cycling shoes are fairly flat on the bottom and have stock insoles that offer little to no support. Learn more about custom cycling footbeds and consider having a pair made before you choose your new shoes as they can drastically improve a shoes performance and feel.