Cycling shoes should be snug, supportive and rigid through the arch. Unfortunately, they simply aren't available in as wide a variety of widths as other sport shoes, but some makers still offer widths and others find different ways around the issue. It's better for a shoe to be slightly too wide than too narrow --- custom insoles can provide a snug fit, but Italian and French designers offer your best chance at a narrow shoe.
Specialized BG Torch Road Shoe
Instead of offering different widths, BG instead offers a different approach to the problem: removable foot beds. Sold separately, each insole provides a different level of support, cushioning and stability to bring the shoe as close to a custom fit as possible. The buckle closure keeps the shoe securely on your foot and allows even narrow feet to avoid slippage. The Torch retails for $140 as of 2011.
Bont Cycling A-One Road Shoe
Bont also has a unique approach to the fit issue: do-it-yourself custom shoes. The company's A-One Road Shoe is made with a heat-moldable carbon resin sole. You put the shoes in a warm oven for 20 minutes, then put them on your feet. As the resin cools, it molds itself to your foot for a custom fit. The uppers are available in eight colors in microfiber or black and white in leather, and the entire shoe is made by hand. The Bont A-One retails for $399 as of 2011.
Diadora Speed Racer Carbon Shoes
Featured in the "Bicycling" 2010 Buyer's Guide, the Speed Racer fits to narrow feet by way of the closure mechanism. The buckle system includes three straps instead of two, each of which passes through two loops for extra security and a tighter tug. The shoe is comfortable despite the stiffness of the carbon sole, but it is not recommended if your foot is small all around, not just narrow. The Speed Racer sells for $219 as of 2011.
Specialized Trivent
"Fitness" magazine's narrow-footed reviewer claims that the Trivent fit perfectly. The shoe uses a Velcro closure system, but the extra-wide top strap wraps all the way to the sole on the outside of the foot for extra security. The carbon sole accommodates even flat feet, and the mesh upper helps keeps your feet clean and dry. The shoe is designed to be ultralight, which is a plus on long or difficult rides. The Trivent cost $170 as of 2011.
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