Can cycle shoes be widened? 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.

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.