Well, after 1000s of miles my 13 year old Specialized Sport BGs are about to die – perfect fit for my slightly wider feet and amazing longevity.

I need a pair to replace them (£90-140), any recommendations? I mainly use them for an occasional singlespeed ride up here on the Clwydians or at Llandegla, road riding on my old Uncle John and Zwift training. I’m nowhere near good enough to have a quiver (!) of specialist shoes, so one pair needs to cover all bases.

PS after nearly a couple of years working from home in bare feet, slippers and flip flops, has anyone notice their feet getting bigger?!

My 15 year old Shimano SPD shoes are on the verge of being condemned, bought https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/dhb-dorica-mtb-shoe-2020/rp-prod198418 as replacements in waiting, after being happy with the road Dorica Carbons for a few years.

I’ve got on really well with specialized shoes. Have tried a few other brands but have never been as happy as I have been with specialized. I kind of wish my current Giros would die so I could replace them with specialized.

Been very happy with my Specialised Recon. The only thing I’ve found is that they’re very much 3 seasons only shoes though, you’ll need something else for very wet/cold rides.

Just got some Northwave Rebel 3 from Merlin to wear to work when my Spesh shoes are caked in mud (most of the time now). They are a very similar fit, and seem pretty good so far.

I’m looking at the Recon 2 when my old Specialized Rime shoes die 👍

Another vote for Recon 2s. Very roomy toe box and some bend at the toe for walking or running. Not the stiffest but comfy.

Following, my old specialized are also on the way out. Any thoughts on the Shimano ME7?

I’ve got ME7s. They’re “OK”. I find them fine on the bike but I wouldn’t say they are OK for winter as they let in a fair bit of chill and wet. OK up to late Autumn though. The sole us nowhere near as grippy as they put out there. A bit like a slightly slippery vibration outsole if you know what I mean.

Plenty wide enough for most feet I would say.

Vibram that is.

https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/product/apparel-accessories/shimano/SH-XC500.html

I bought a pair of these a couple of years ago and they have not missed a beat through Dirty Reivers, GT7 and general abuse. My BIL has the same ones and has also had a great experience with them. Laces are still in great condition impressively.

Watching with interest as my 15 year old Specialized BG shoes used for the commute are looking a bit tired now…

Wider /bigger feet due to lockdown: it is a thing apparently. Can’t say I’ve noticed mine, but definitely read about it somewhere.

Do Specialized still have the BG insole? If so you may find other makes don’t support your arches as well. That’s supposing that your current – very worn – shoes still have any arch support left.

The BG insole (ime) also has an effect on knee alignment when pedalling, so probably best to stay with Specialized or budget for a pair of BG insoles if you go for another brand.

My feet have got bigger over the last 10 years but I put that mostly down to me being over 10kg heavier now.

If you have an issues getting shoes wide enough then try Bont as they’re apparently very wide.