Shimano  XC5 Wide MTN Bike Shoes - Men's

The 46 wide is not wide enough. For comparison, a Sidi Dominator 46 mega (wide) fits perfectly with a thin OTC orthotic and a wool sock. The length of the shimano shoes is a little shorter in comparison, and the shape of the shoe cuts across my toes, and it is nowhere near as wide. I typically don’t need wide shoes (dress shoes, hiking shoes, running shoes, etc., are all regular width), but cycling shoes tend to be cut very narrow so the wider versions work better.. Cycling shoes should be snug, but with enough room to wiggle your toes, otherwise you’re setting yourself up for “hot foot” and other issues.

I am humbled and amazed at the level of complete discomfort and even pain wearing these shoes. The fit is correct its just that the uppers are SO stiff, by the end of a 1:30 to 2 hour ride, my feet are screaming. I'm going to have to go back to my 3-4 year old Sidi's until I'm able to afford another pair - of Sidi's. I don't like writing bad reviews but I can easily say that over the 35+ years I've been cycling, I don't remember ever coming across a shoe so uncomfortable. I guess that's the difference between a $160 shoe an a $260 shoe.

These might say wide, but they are not. No real width difference between these and the Shimano ME5's. REI very kindly took both these and the ME5's back though, so at least I'm not stuck with them. Still wearing my old Shimano M8088's (plenty wide) despite the fabric tears. Would love another pair of those. Change is not always good.

I selected this particular shoe because it is called "Wide", and I selected the size to match my 10-year-old Shimano mountain bike shoe (which were not even marketed as a Wide shoe). However, there is nothing whatsoever WIDE about this shoe other than the name.

I have 4 other Shimano wide cycling shoes and this one has a very narrow toe box. My four prior Shimano road shoes are much roomier. Looks like a great shoe, but fit is troublesome.