Always shop at a shoe that specializes in spinning shoes or biking shoes where employees are trained in getting you proper shoes. You will log 1000’s of minutes eventually in your spinning shoes and it is imperative they fit properly.
Like any purchase of shoes, you might have to try on several pairs of spinning shoes before you find a pair that works best for you. You’ll find some wide, some are narrow, some run large, etc.
Wear socks that you would normally wear when spinning when you are trying on spinning shoes. This is very important. Just like a runner would wear socks that he/she runs in, a spinner should wear their usual spinning socks when they are trying on spinning shoes. Remember, most people sweat quite a bit while spinning so I would suggest a high quality moisture wicking sock when spinning.
I would also strongly suggest getting spinning shoes with Velcro fasteners rather than shoe strings. Shoe strings getting wrapped around pedals can be very dangerous. Almost all spinning shoes have a choice between Velcro and strings. Choose Velcro.
Because spinning shoes have a rigid sole near the pads of your feet, you’ll find they don’t feel as comfy as wearing a pair of tennis shoes. They feel great while you are not moving, but as you walk, they’ll have a bit of an awkward stiff feel. This is normal. Again, spinning shoes are not meant to run in. They are meant to spin or bike. They’ll do just fine on most weight machines. No worries there.
Double check the bikes where you’ll be spinning. Chances are the appropriate spinning shoes with have cleats that will clip in to SPD fittings. Do double check however as your spinning shoes WILL have to be compatible.
Spinning shoes should fit snugly. You don’t want slippage on the heel of any type. Slippage in spinning shoes can lead to an unstable connection with the pedal and can lead to injury.
Don’t buy a spinning shoe that does not have a rigid toe area. Some very specialized biking shoes don’t necessarily have a rigid toe. It is unusual, but they are out there. You want a spinning shoe with a rigid toe.
An appropriate pair of spinning shoes is quite easy to find. Just make sure you use a little caution and your experience will be just fine.