Bike shoes are some of the most sport-specific shoes that you can purchase. Made for optimal power transfer between your foot and the pedal on the down stroke, cycling shoes are stiffer and fit tighter than your usual street shoes, which can make them difficult to fit. They make take some getting used to at first, but ensuring that your cycling shoes fit properly from the moment you purchase them can increase your comfort, speed and power transfer while cycling.
Step 1
Convert your shoe size using a European conversion chart. Cycling shoes are often sized using the metric system, and beginning your search with your street shoe size is ideal. For instance, an American size 10 is a size 42 using the European system. If possible, have your feet measured by an experienced retail associate so you know what size you should be wearing.
Step 2
Try on various cycling shoes at the same time of day that you cycle most frequently. Your feet fluctuate in size during the day. If you bike at night, your feet will be slightly larger than if you bike in the morning, due to daily swelling.
Step 3
Wear the socks that you'll wear when you're cycling. If you go barefoot, obviously you can try on shoes barefoot. Wearing socks, even thin ones, can alter the way your cycling shoes fit.
Step 4
Wiggle your toes in the shoe. Your feet and toes should stay firmly in place in the shoe. If you can wiggle your toes freely, your cycling shoes are too large and you should try a size smaller or try fastening the shoes tighter.
Step 5
Stand in the shoes and lift your heel from the ground. Cycling uses the same foot motion over and over again. Even a small gap between your heel and the shoe can create an uncomfortable rubbing sensation. While it may seem like a small annoyance in the sporting goods store, it can become a big problem on a long ride. Because cycling shoes are so rigid, they likely won't wear in over time. Purchase shoes that fit snugly and comfortably the first time.
Things You'll Need
- Conversion chart
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