Wren

Thinking about it, hire centres would be quite a good idea - then people can try out different gear & see what's most comfortable before digging too far in their wallets. As long as nothing got damaged anyway.

Ooh this is brilliant - thanks for all your suggestions Philgale – I’m not sure I can stretch to 300 but the ratchet idea sounds like a good one – is there material between the ratchet & your leg to stop it from pinching? Philgale & bigsisterbiker - Just been having a look at the Oxtar site – is there any particular one you’d recommend or is it all just down to personal preference? Fazerboy – not fussed about them being waterproof but comfort is a big factor – those on ebay may well be ideal – was more than I was planning to pay but if I get this pension refund I may well go for them - thanks for finding them!! Rosie – good point – I didn’t even think to haggle! I wish there was a way I could try on all these different types to see which fit – I may have to take a long lunch break and go find the couple of bike shops in Leeds – I know theres J&S on Regent street and Colin Appleyard on Roseville street, and a couple in Bradford – can anyone recommend any others in West Yorkshire (preferably Leeds)?

Ooh fab - thank you all for your replies!! Boots of all types are a problem unfortunately... Mojobanana - yikes!! The Sidi Vertigo look fab but just seen the price tag!! I'll have a look on ebay though WalneyFrankie - that looks like a good option - Frank Thomas are meant to be quite good yeah? I'll try and find somewhere near me that stocks them and have a trying on session if possible Queen Bodecia - I tend to put my trousers over my boots anyway to be honest, purely out of laziness though! I need to get some new trousers anyway so will have a think about fitting the boots and trousers together... I have the opposite problem with trousers - being munchkin sized, unless I can get short leg, they all have to be turned up. Ruthie - I tried ankle boots one time (also wore my work slipper shoes another time - a whole other story!) - the bike I was on was particularly clunky but every time we went over a bump another layer of skin came off my ankles - not exactly a big injury but it stung like buggary!

Hi there, I am having trouble finding some decent bike boots that fit me – I have quite wide calves (calfs?) & find that the standard boots only barely zip up & the velcro doesn’t hold – at the moment I wear some generic lace up boots but they are such a faff to get on & off. Has anybody got any idea where I can get hold of some (non-expensive) boots with either wide calf fit or that have lacing & a zip please? Cheers Jen