With size 12 boots I went to +1" extended shift levers. Plenty of room on the footboard now. I don't worry about wear and tear on the shift linkage because I'm not a "stomp shifter" like some are.

 

Actually the heel shifter will allow you to shift with a minimum amount of force. All shifts are down with just the weight of your foot dropping on the lever. Keep the rubber spacer compressed and you will not have any shifter linkage problems.

 

Do whatever you like best! I alternate there use some days use toe shift; some days use heal shift. But my boots are 9 1/2!

 

Very few of us walk around in size 13 water skis so we haven't shared your experience. Do what works for you.

 

It looks like bikes are set up for size 10 feet.

 

I move my feet all around on the boards. So heel shifters can’t stay. They are something I like far more as a notion than as a reality.

 

Put some board spacers on if you’re looking for some extra room for those 13’s. I put 3/4” on mine, now my boards feel like a dance floor.

 

Personally, I spent my whole riding career with a toe shifter. One of the first things I did was remove my heel shifter. Went to Home Depot and found a nylon spacer/washer that fit the shaft and took the space of the removed shift lever. Never missed it.

 

I tried the heel shifter for one ride..... took it off. Stomping gears is a whole lot more movement than toe shift. I'm lazy.

I chopped the extra material off the shaft so the shifter sits inboard and I don't have a nub in the side of my foot.

I carry an allen wrench just in case I have to adjust for footwear other than my Roper boots.

 

One of the first things I do when I get a bike with the heel-toe shifter is to remove the heel shifter. I prefer it like that, your preference may vary.