Cycling shoe size

 Cycling shoe size

Wearing cycling shoes that adapt perfectly to the feet is essential when riding a bicycle. To do this, the first thing is to know our cycling shoe size, which is not always an easy task since the sizes do not usually coincide exactly with street shoes.

Next we will try to give you all the keys so that you learn the most correct way to take your own measurements.

- Cycling shoe size and products

Foot discomfort and injury
It is of great importance that the force exerted by the cyclist reaches the pedals with maximum effectiveness. On the other hand, it is convenient at the same time to eliminate pain and discomfort to the feet as much as possible, which implies the use of comfortable and effective shoes. And if you want to dress elegant at the same time, it's not easy.

If, in addition to effectiveness, comfort and elegance, we want footwear that allows us to avoid injuries, it is important to wear cycling shoes suitable for each type of foot and each cycling specialty.

The most important thing is that the shoes adapt perfectly to the runner's foot.

Sleeping fingers
We often hear cyclists, their toes go numb. The most likely cause is usually due to the use of narrow or too tight shoes.

It should also be taken into account that very tight shoes can cause irritation in the extensors (instep). Some cyclists suffer from cramps, probably caused by a claw-like position of the fingers.

Adequate templates improve plantar pressure, however, to improve performance it is important to get a good position.

Know the length and width of your feet
Similarly, to determine the correct size for our shoes, we need to know the length and width of our feet. In addition, with this we will be able to know in centimeters, the size of the footwear we need.

It is also important to check the size of the shoes we need, for this it is necessary to measure their interior, and compare it with the length of our feet. Although each manufacturer already has some tables that give us this data and also the different widths available.

Finally, it is important to note that identical sizes in general may differ in length and width between different manufacturers.

How to take our own measurements
Step 1: Measure foot length
First of all, take a sheet of Din A4 paper and place it on the floor against the wall.
Next, place a sock foot on the paper, the heel should be completely against the wall.
Next, draw a cross line at the end of your foot that usually coincides with the big toe.

Also, remove your foot and measure the distance and you will know the length of your foot in centimeters.
 Finally, you need to measure both feet, although very slightly they often differ in length.
The measure of which foot to use
Always use the larger of the two measurements when choosing your new cycling shoes and since the foot needs to have a little space to breathe inside the shoe, add about 5 millimeters to this measurement.
The 5mm you add to the measured foot length can vary from person to person, as some people may prefer a slightly tighter fit than others, but make sure the new shoe fits like a glove.
Now that you know the length of your feet + the additional space required inside the shoes, you have the number in centimeters that should match the size of the shoe you are going to buy.
Finally, measure the shoe until you find the one that best matches that measurement or use the table provided by the manufacturer. Usually it is a number more than our street shoes.

Step 2: check the width of the foot
When choosing new cycling shoes, the width of our feet also has a great influence, which can also be different between feet of the same length.

To determine the width of the shoe you want to buy, measure the circumference of the foot at the widest part of the foot. Measure both feet, they could vary, if so, use the widest measurement. Also, make sure that your feet are not somewhat swollen that day.



In the size tables that the different brands have, check in the measurement corresponding to your shoe size if your foot width corresponds in turn, with a narrow, medium or wide foot, taking into account the measurement you made to the width your foot.

Another consideration to take into account is that the shoe fits perfectly to your instep, otherwise the new shoe could cause you significant discomfort.

Custom cycling shoes
In general, most of us have our feet within a normal standard, but sometimes, some people go out of that normality.

Also, when you have significant calluses, ridged toes, or some other abnormality, you can assume that the right footwear is not found.

It is also important to indicate that those cyclists who have delicate feet currently have the possibility of ordering made-to-measure shoes.

To do this, in the first place the exact measurement of the feet must be taken with a special sock that after being moistened, molds perfectly to the foot, when drying, said special sock, hardens by the components of which it is made, is cut lengthwise to remove it and with this mold, the manufacturer will build a last and from it will make custom footwear.



The result will likely be very expensive shoes, but sometimes, it is this or not being able to ride a bike. There are also some models of thermo-formable shoes on the market that can be molded to a certain extent to the foot, but they are usually high-end and therefore quite expensive as well.

Now, you can start looking for the right shoes for you!

Cycling sneakers
As is well known, there are shoes on the market designed for different cycling specialties.

There are two types of cycling shoes

• Shoes designed for the road, it is difficult to walk with them because they have the outer cleats.
• Mountain shoes, which have recessed cleats and are also designed to be able to walk with them.

Comfortable and perfect fit
First, the heel must fit snugly to keep it supported throughout the pedal rotation.
When the shoe is buckled, there should be even pressure on the instep.
At the end of the shoe, there should be a small camera for the toes
Also, the shoe should keep the instep stable without pinching it.
There should also be no large gaps or creases in the material.
Finally, the ball of the foot must be in the widest part of the shoe to allow the correct positioning of the cleat.

Women's shoe fit
When buying cycling shoes, the first thing to consider is the anatomical difference between the male and female foot.
The female foot does not differ from the male only because of its size.
In addition to that, the female foot usually has a higher arch than the male, a narrower heel and a shallower first toe.
The circumference of the instep of the female foot is also smaller.
In addition, women have shorter instep and ankle lengths than men.
The anatomy of the female foot requires shoes specifically designed to fit women.
Step 3: find the corresponding shoe size
The first thing is to choose the shoe size that corresponds to your feet (they do not always coincide from one brand to another).
Also check the table of each brand and to be sure, check the width of the shoes before buying.
Also, do not buy cycling shoes for the most beautiful design, if not for adapting better to your feet.
Finally, it does not matter if your shoes are not the most beautiful, especially if you are going to use them in competition.
After you have taken all the necessary measurements and checked everything twice, try on your new footwear until you find the one that best suits your foot. How many times after buying new shoes, they have not ended up cornered in the closet because they are too large or too small and either they hurt us, or we did not feel comfortable with them



 

You may also be interested in viewing a video to help you choose your cycling shoes

Buy cycling shoes
If you need to buy new cycling shoes, here are some of our recommendations:

MTB shoes

Step 4: Don't forget the coves!
Have you already found the most suitable cycling shoes for you?

If so, all that's left for you to do is ride the cleats (not included with the shoes) and jump on your bike to enjoy it!

The importance of cleats in the correct position
The foot is the part of the body that transmits all force to pedaling, so it is vital that the foot-pedal fit through the shoes is perfect.

In addition, the cleats of the shoes are the elements in charge of making the adjustment between the shoes and the pedals. Therefore, poorly adjusted cleats, in addition to making you lose pedaling effectiveness, can be the cause of significant injuries.

In addition to the perfect fit of the cleats, it is important to achieve good pedaling technique, which is also influenced by a good position on the bike. In our article on bike height you will find tips to adjust the saddle and thus achieve a correct position.

Here we will try to give you the most appropriate advice for the correct placement and adjustment of cleats in both road and MTB cycling shoes.

Fitting and adjusting the cleats on the shoes
There are two things to take into account when placing the cleats of the shoes: The angle of the cleat of the shoe in relation to the pedal axis and the forward / reverse position.

Locate metatarsals 1 and 5

1. First put on the shoes with the cycling socks that you usually wear, fasten them normally.
2. Then locate the first metatarsal (joint of the big toe and the outermost and bulging part) by pressing with your finger on the shoe.
3. Then also locate the fifth metatarsal (bulging part on the side of the little finger).
4. Mark the metatarsal line
5. First, put a piece of duct tape on the shoe and make a mark in the exact center of the bulge area and then extend the mark to the sole.

First metatarsal lateral mark

Then do the same on the other side of the shoe, locating and marking the fifth metatarsal.
Next, draw a transverse line between these marks on the sole, this is the metatarsal line.

Metatarsal line

Mark the longitudinal line
Now draw a longitudinal line on the shoe from the center of the toe of the shoe and passing through the central screw, the intersection with the transverse stripe must coincide just above the pedal axis.

Longitudinal intersection line


From the intersection of the two lines (crossing), mark another transversal line, this time perpendicular to the shoe, using the rear holes for the cleat as a guide.
This line must coincide with the central mark that the cleat has, while the longitudinal center of the cleat must coincide with the longitudinal mark that you marked on the sole of the shoe.
If, unfortunately, the marks on the sole are not visible, stick pieces of tape and mark on them.

Mark the centers in the cove
In the event that the cleat does not have the central mark, place it on the pedal and on the sides of the cleat, make marks on the adhesive tape that you will have previously pasted. In addition, these marks must coincide with the exact center of the pedal axis.

Longitudinal and transversal lines of the cove

Mount the cleat on the shoe using the marks made, tighten the screws but not completely (don't forget the washers).
Also, try to make sure that the cleat coincides with the longitudinal line that you marked on the shoe (approximately).
Finally, place the shoe with its cleat on the pedal in the absence of one last tightening.
Align the shoe on the pedal and crank
First, you should carefully rotate it over the cleat until the heel is 0.5-1cm from the crank. If you cannot maintain that heel-to-crank distance of 0.5-1 cm, try to make the shoe perfectly parallel longitudinally to the frame and to the shoe of the other foot. Watch yourself pedaling and correct as many times as necessary.
Lateral cleat adjustment

Lateral adjustment of the cleats

If before mounting the new cleats, your pedaling was far from this norm, you should not make the entire transition at once. You see approaching the position of your shoe to the norm little by little, take all the necessary time and thus avoid injuries.
Also, make sure the cleat and shoe markings still match.

Final tightening
You can then give the cleat bolts final tightening with force.
Finally, if you feel discomfort, modify the angle of the foot with respect to the crank a little (move the heel apart or closer to the crank). Quality cleats allow a bit of play (therefore you should not economize on cleats, it could be a cause of injury).
Although all these settings seem complex, I am sure that with patience you will get a good job done. Nobody like you is going to notice all the sensations that they will appreciate with the different adjustments and modifications.

Cleat mounting and adjustment on MTB shoes
The cleats for MTB shoes go inside a recess in the sole for their protection, since in MTB there are many sections walking and therefore, if it were not so, they would suffer excessive damage.

MTB cleat mount

Otherwise, the positioning and mounting of the MTB cleats is the same as that of the road, although the anchors differ somewhat. Also make sure to mount all the anchors provided by the manufacturer following their instructions.