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Flat pedal shoes that have a wider toe box, are there any good options to try? I’m wearing Brooks Cascadia because flat pedal shoes feel too narrow.

Basil Wetherington

User Name Location

Posted in Choosing the Right Outdoor Gear
  • Basil Wetherington

    Basil Wetherington
    Member Since 2022
    0 Verified Score
    High Springs, United States

    Thanks everyone! I did a few things. I ordered a pair of Pedaling Innovations pedals for my Esker Hayduke and I went through several pairs of shoes. The only pair that I couldn’t try was the Stomplox, but I may put that on my Christmas list. The pedals were a huge upgrade for me, and one that I will keep. Thank you for that recommendation. These pedals allowed me to keep wearing my Brooks Cascadia shoes, but I also found the Giro Tracker shoes to be the most comfortable besides my Brooks. I’m between a regular and a wide shoe, but I prefer my feet to spread out some, but the mid foot volume is important as well. The Giro Tracker gave me good room in both areas as well as locking in my heel without all the extra stuff that sometimes makes a flat pedal shoe a little uncomfortable. Other shoes I tried were the 510’s and 2FOs. I’m a party pace type rider that wants to get off the path and I don’t mind hike-a-bike. The plus with the Brooks is I can wear them to the truck, train, plane, and on the bike. I don’t have to worry about bringing another pair of shoes for trips. If I can find a flat pedal shoe that can do those same things and fit my odd foot comfortably, then our community is on to something. I love the pedals, and I’m keeping the Giro Tracker, but I still enjoy riding with my Brooks Cascadia because they’re still the most comfortable shoe in my kit. I’m always open to new things especially if they make my ride more enjoyable and they check more boxes.

  • Danielle Coffman

    Danielle Coffman
    Member Since 2020
    0 Verified Score
    Kalispell, United States

    I have wide feet and have had success with the La Sportiva TX approach shoes.

  • Tim Roberts

    Tim Roberts
    Member Since 2023
    0 Verified Score
    Fort Benton, United States

    As someone who wore heavy work boots for years I have a distain for heavy shoes, even in the Montana winters. For bike riding nothing beats a pair of Teva Omnium sandals. They have the needed support, plus they give your feet a chance to breathe.

  • Don Neifert

    Don Neifert
    Member Since 2024
    0 Verified Score
    WOODINVILLE, United States

    Altras are great for the toes. Love them for running and casual wear. The problem for me for cycling is that the soles are very soft and flexible and therefore can be uncomfortable on pedals.

  • Krzysztof Jeziorny

    Krzysztof Jeziorny
    Member Since 2023
    0 Verified Score
    Wien, Austria

    I wear Five Ten Hellcat Pro, and these are SPD, but there are also flat version of them. Quite wide and comfy. I also have Shimano GE700 that I can recommend, but am not sure if there is an option without clips.

  • Michael Byerley

    Michael Byerley
    Member Since 2023
    0 Verified Score
    Canmore, Canada

    I echo the Altra endorsements. The Lone Peak mid comes in a waterproof / breathable style, that’s nice for wet and snowy riding, and not very hot in mild / warm weather. They’re surprising decent for running. The other LP styles are also a decent pedalling / walking quiver of one bikepacking shoes. 5-10s are built on a narrow last (as pointed out earlier), I also had to size up to find a comfy fit. As a result, those shoes aren’t great for walking any distance for me.

  • Austin Osborne

    Austin Osborne
    Member Since 2021
    0 Verified Score
    Rutland, United States

    Its been difficult for me. I have high arches and wide feet. Keen boots in wide seem to work, I wear them for riding in the spring/fall. I wear chacos all summer long for riding and bikepacking.

  • Ray Michalak

    Ray Michalak
    Member Since 2023
    0 Verified Score
    Collingswood, United States

    I have wide feet and the 510 Freeriders have been amazing for me, I wear them nearly year round.

  • Bob Hollister

    Bob Hollister
    Member Since 2020
    0 Verified Score
    Bend, United States

    Why not run a bigger pedal and use a shoe that works for your foot better? I enjoy the pedaling innovation catalyst pedals.

  • Mark Rathbun

    Mark Rathbun
    Member Since 2021
    0 Verified Score
    Elk River, United States

    +1 for 5-10 Freerider pro, I did have to size up from my normal size.

  • Ryan Chaffin

    Ryan Chaffin
    Member Since 2018
    0 Verified Score
    Gurley, United States

    5Ten Trailcross and Altra Lone Peak when I know there will be a lot of hike-a-bike.

  • Peter Kirk

    Peter Kirk
    Member Since 2022
    0 Verified Score
    Portland, United States

    Five Ten Trailcross have been solid for my wide feet. Not as wide as an Altra, but still roomy

  • Shaun McLaughlin

    Shaun McLaughlin
    Member Since 2022
    0 Verified Score
    Paris, France

    I used Altra Lone Peak Trail Running shoe on a trip in South America last year, light comfortable and with a very wide toe box, zero drop too. It's a trail shoe so good for running and hikes too.

  • Jason Deyo

    Jason Deyo
    Member Since 2022
    0 Verified Score
    Oshawa, Canada

    Bontrager Flatlines have been great for my wide feet

  • Joel Hill

    Joel Hill
    Member Since 2024
    0 Verified Score
    Sisters, United States

    Lake cycling is one of the few purposely built wide toe box cycling shoes I've been able to find. I've had a pair after switching to wide toe box hiking shoes and they work pretty good. They are heavy though. https://www.lakecycling.com/collections/mtb/products/mx-169

  • Logan Mumma

    Logan Mumma
    Member Since 2020
    0 Verified Score
    Bloomington, United States

    I have enjoyed most of Chrome Industries commuter shoes. They are wider in the toes, and have a little more flex for walking off the bike. Also agree with Miles assessment of Shimano shoes. I have some clipless commuter shoes from Shimano that has a flat version, but they all seemed to be fairly wide in the toes. The Shimano shoes are stiffer though.

  • Patrick Bacalis

    Patrick Bacalis
    Member Since 2021
    0 Verified Score
    Longmont, United States

    I have had good luck with 5-10 free rider pros. They are comfy, easy to walk in, and have a decently wide toe box.

  • Logan Watts

    Logan Watts
    Member Since 2012
    25 Verified Score

    I have narrow feet, so I can't speak to generally wide flat pedal shoes. However, I've tried a LOT of flat pedal shoes and I'm quite sensitive to a narrow toe box (It destroys my toes, particularly when singlespeed riding—I think from standing a lot). I find that the Specialized 2FO Roost has a very generous toe box and have read where others make the same claims. It also has some of the best rubber compound I've experienced, FWIW. Hands down my favorite flat pedal shoe at the moment.

  • Basil Wetherington

    Basil Wetherington
    Member Since 2022
    0 Verified Score
    High Springs, United States

    Thanks Miles!

  • Miles Arbour

    Miles Arbour
    Member Since 2017
    5 Verified Score

    Hey Basil! Stomp Lox has some of the widest toe boxes I've come across, and they launched the new Trail Worm shoes that are flat, unlike the clipless version I reviewed here on the site. Lake and Shimano both have wide-fitting shoes with larger toe boxes, but it looks like they are mostly clipless.

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