Speedplays + Achilles Tendonitis???

Cubic

Hi, I hope someone can help me out.

I've been considering changing from Look Keo to Speedplay Zero pedals, mainly for their apparent ease of use plus their knee saving qualities. However, on some other websites I've read some users reporting Achilles tendon problems when using Speedplays. They say that this is due to the foot and the pedal not being connected firmly enough, which means that the foot is able to 'roll' inwards when pedalling (overpronating), with this causing stress to the Achilles.

This is worrying for me as I have long term Achilles tendonitis from running, which is gradually improving, and I don't want to make it worse.

I was wondering if any Speedplay users here have heard of/experienced anything like this? Or if they have noticed that their feet can roll inwards when clipped in?

Thanks for your help.

P.s. here are links to the sites I mentioned:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/Slowtwitch_Forums_C1/Triathlon_Forum_F1/Speedplay_on_TT_bike_P2144047
http://www.byrn.org/gtips/triAT.htm

synchronicity

I have a set of X2s and X1s which are fast approaching 10 years old. Also got a set of newer X5s.

Interesting... I have noticed that the pedal bodies do wear out a bit, so instead of a truly flat lolly-pop shape, they end up like a chupa chup. Yes this causes your/my feet to roll in... Probably more down to cleat/spring wear come to think of it. But anyway, my feet are able to rock from side to side as well as swivel/float around the pedal axis. Especially with the left foot, the one with significantly more over-pronation and coincidently the one I unclip more often.

I suffer from extreme overpronation [like I can't run more than 2km without severe pain... even standing hurts]
I'm using custom asymmetric wedges to help that condition. Far less pain experienced after making + installing the wedges.

Anyway, you've made me think whether they are doing the right thing for my feet now...

Note this doesn't happen with new pedals/cleats and I am sure my dodgey feet with no wedges have accelerated the cleat wear.

I can't say I've noticed any achilles pain using speedplay pedals, but I'll look out for it in future...

alien

I have no issues with my achilles tendons with Speedplay frogs (over 1000 miles, hill climbing, urban riding)

the float is sideways and with a good fitting shoe I don't pronate with them - and I have an anti-pronation podiatry sole for my running shoes - so I will pronate if I can.
I use Specialized BG shoes FYI.
(I was bike fitted today and my knees track very straight btw. http://www.bikewhisperer.co.uk were excellent)

I will be fitting speedplay zeros to my next road bike.