# Sidi shoe alternatives - Narrow foot and ankle - Heel retention system works what else is out there?

**URL:** <https://community.escapecollective.com/t/sidi-shoe-alternatives-narrow-foot-and-ankle-heel-retention-system-works-what-else-is-out-there/6009>\
**Category:** What to Buy\
**Created:** [October 6, 2026, 12:44pm UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/sidi-shoe-alternatives-narrow-foot-and-ankle-heel-retention-system-works-what-else-is-out-there/6009 "2026-10-06T12:44:42Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Adam\_Stone](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/adam_stone/32/7409_2.png) [@Adam\_Stone](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Adam_Stone)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2026, 12:44pm UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/sidi-shoe-alternatives-narrow-foot-and-ankle-heel-retention-system-works-what-else-is-out-there/6009/1 "2026-10-06T12:44:43Z")

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Have used Sidi ever since I started riding pretty much, with the odd pair of Fizik and Gaerne thrown in. I’m looking for alternatives. I have a narrow foot with a medium/average arch I’d guess. The reason the Sidi have always been my go to is the “Heel Retention System” , with other brands it really does feel like my foot slips at the heel. Any other narrow ankle riders with recommendations?

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**Author:** ![Peter\_Mintchev](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/peter_mintchev/32/13451_2.png) [@Peter\_Mintchev](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Peter_Mintchev)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2026, 2:42pm UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/sidi-shoe-alternatives-narrow-foot-and-ankle-heel-retention-system-works-what-else-is-out-there/6009/2 "2026-10-06T14:42:00Z")

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I am in a similar situation as you and the shimano sphere have been a great fit. I had gone with fully custom molded insoles to help with the extremely tall arch I have.

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**Author:** ![Adam\_Stone](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/adam_stone/32/7409_2.png) [@Adam\_Stone](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Adam_Stone)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2026, 4:12pm UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/sidi-shoe-alternatives-narrow-foot-and-ankle-heel-retention-system-works-what-else-is-out-there/6009/3 "2026-10-06T16:12:36Z")

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Thanks Peter. Will take a look

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**Author:** ![Jon\_Dunsdon](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/jon_dunsdon/32/13455_2.png) [@Jon\_Dunsdon](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Jon_Dunsdon)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2026, 5:04pm UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/sidi-shoe-alternatives-narrow-foot-and-ankle-heel-retention-system-works-what-else-is-out-there/6009/4 "2026-10-06T17:04:17Z")

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I went to Backcountry a few years ago and tried on almost every road shoe they have … in the end the only ones that worked for my narrow ankles were the Giro Empire SLX lace-ups and that generation of Fizik high end race shoes.

I love the Giro’s for TT’s but too much faff for everyday. I now have 3 pairs of the Fizik Infinito’s - regular, mesh and the weird arch strap one. They are perfect for no heal lift for my weird feet.

Good luck with your search!

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**Author:** ![Jesse\_Thompson](https://community.escapecollective.com/user_avatar/community.escapecollective.com/jesse_thompson/32/6845_2.png) [@Jesse\_Thompson](https://community.escapecollective.com/u/Jesse_Thompson)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2026, 8:07pm UTC](https://community.escapecollective.com/t/sidi-shoe-alternatives-narrow-foot-and-ankle-heel-retention-system-works-what-else-is-out-there/6009/5 "2026-10-06T20:07:44Z")

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I also have narrow feet and the S-Works Torch Lace have been excellent shoes for me!