SPD shoes

[Gingerbread Man]

I'm look for a pair of cycling shoes for the girlfriend, but in a casual style rather than a rigid road bike design. Female shoes don't seem to have much in the way of choice (I'm looking on Chain Reaction Cycles). I then thought that I'd look at the males section and there are some goodens (661 Filter?) at sale prices. Bingo.

Now, the questions being, how does a female shoe size translate to a male shoe size (UK)?

I've Googled this but come back with many differing answers. Some say a 5.5 female would be a 6 male. Others a 4.5 male and some a 5.5 male. Great, no definite answer.

Does anyone share a shoe size with their other half or know the definite answer to this? Also, buying a male model shouldn't be an issue should it, they're only shoes that go on feet after all.

[castex]

Trust me, nobody knows the answer to this.

[MrsMiggins]

I wear men's cycling shoes because I've got big feet and it's not easy at all to get a comfortable pair. The most common problem is width - mens shoes are generally wider and as a result don't fit well at all. Ì ended up with Sidi shoes which seem to have a narrower fitting than other manufacturers.

Size-wise you can't translate sizes from one maker to another, never mind trying to take gender specifics into account. The only way I got a comfortable pair was buying, trying on, returning; lather, rinse, repeat. Not what you want to pay for over and over again.

[ecsrobin]

As with the other thread width can play a big difference as can company sizing and lasts. In a brooks running shoe I am an 11, in Clarks/Musto I'm an 11 in shimano cycling shoes I'm a 10.5, in loakes I'm a 10 so even if you get the size right each brand can see big differences.

[Moaningroadie]

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-womens-wr35-spd-to...

Wife has these, says they're excellent and easy to walk in with having a recessed cleat.

[Gingerbread Man]

Thanks folks, not looking as easy as I'd hoped then.

[Magic919]

The women in my family wear Shimano or Specialized MTB shoes. I'd look at those and the touring ones above if she doesn't want roadie shoes.

[Roman]

Shimano and Nike are both narrow so you could look for either of these in the 'correct' size.