In Shimano shoes, what is the difference in half sizes? Is it a higher volume upper on the same lower, or is it really a larger shoe?
FWIW: I think the Shimano half sizes are larger than the lower whole size, which is good. Also, Shimano S-Phyre sizing lines up well with Sidi Wire sizes. I doubt many would care, but I’m posting it in the off chance someone finds this via searching.
In that same vein, let me share this experience. I have worn specialized s-works shoes for years, but wanted to experiment with Shimano. I read sizing comparisons online and went with my original specialized size (in wide) to try out an xc-7. First impressions were great, more room in the forefoot, and a great fit. I wore them around the house for a few hours, then wore them on 2 90 minute rides. On ride number three, around the 2 hour mark I suddenly realized that although the shoes are a perfect match for my overall foot length, with the right fit at the big toe, they are too short on the outside, cramping the fronts of my smaller toes. Kind of a strange issue I’ve never had with any footwear before.
Shimano’s sizing chart is not very good (my gold standards are Lake and Bont). However, it implies that the last length does increase with each half size. The chart, like most shoe charts, says nothing about last width or volume.
One version of their size chart is here. If you browse the shoes on their website, it looks like you can access the same chart. Here’s the one for the S-Phyre road shoes.
The Competitive Cyclist sales person had some stats for the S-Phyre wide shoes. In my 44, he noted that wide was 6% wider. So, that’s about 6mm. I compared a 44 and a 44 wide and the wide was way too wide, but I need about a hair more than a regular 44. The regular 44.5 was spot on.
I’m glad it fit because I was starting to lose a lot of money on all of the shipping and return costs.
I do not believe that Shimano actually has specific soles for either half sizes or wide shoes. They use a different last to achieve this. Sole is not longer or wider.