Can cycle shoes be widened?

Question

I have new cycling shoes.
They fit fairly well -- I've worn them for an hour -- but I'd like them a bit wider at the toe (I have wide feet).
Can they be widened? They uppers are not made of leather. I think that when a shoe-shop widens leather shoes, they do that using some product which softens the leather, and which doesn't work with a synthetic upper.
I tried one shoe-shop, who told me they couldn't do it, because they only have the product for leather.
Can it be done at all? Does it need a special product (for synthetics), or perhaps some heat, or only patience? I realise that widening might not be as effective as it is with leather, but if it can be done at all then even a little might help.

ChrisW · Accepted Answer

Yes.
I took them to a shop whose website says they work with (help to fit) walking boots and ski boots (as well as with leather town shoes).
The man there said that he'd use heat when widening them, but wasn't specific about his equipment and technique.
It didn't make a big difference -- not big enough if the shoes were the wrong size to begin with -- but enough to be welcome/noticeable.

ChrisW · Answer

According to this manufacturer's web site, some shoes can be "heat-molded":

Heat Molding
This cycling shoe is the most heat moldable shoe on the market today. Bont's resin is developed in house and has been perfected over 36 years to be an extremely stiff resin that becomes pliable at relatively low temperatures. The base of the shoe is moldable which means all stiff areas of the shoe can be molded in a standard oven. You do not need to mold your shoes if they fit you straight out of the box. To mold your shoes, remove any cleats, laces or cleat mounting screws and innersole before molding. Failure to remove the innersole can result in it becoming deformed by the heat. Pre heat the oven to 70°C/160°F. Place the shoe in the oven for 20 minutes. Higher temperatures will void your warranty and may damage your boot. Caution: Do not place your feet in the hot shoes or you may burn your feet. Let them cool a little and test the shoe temperature with your hand before placing your feet in the shoes. Tighten the straps and allow to cool. If you have any lumps or bunions on your feet or if there are any areas causing discomfort, while the shoe is hot you can use the round end of a screwdriver to press out any part of the boot. You can heat mold the shoes as many times as you like.

I read some people recommend a hair-dryer, but this suggestion of an oven seems to me more measured, a more accurate temperature.

Criggie · Answer

Some googling returns sprays that can either condition Synthetic Leather (also known as Faux Leather) or "relax"  the material to encourage stretching using an adjustable form (some pieces of wood roughly foot shaped)
Another option is to apply the conditioner in a nugget or wax, while you are wearing the shoes.  You can also choose to wear an extra layer of socks to help enlarge the shoes where you need it.
As a kid I remember wearing new real leather school shoes in a paddling pool and then wearing them around outside for a couple hours as they dried.  This helped a lot but being real leather, might not apply to your artificial shoes.
Regardless - it comes down to your risk tolerance.  If the leather tears while stretching, you've ruined some expensive shoes.  Though in that case a repair patch could cover a gap and be a perfect fit for your foot.

Can cycle shoes be widened?

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