hot spots, numb toes, foot cramp: is there a solution?
crimsondynamo
Posts: 246
I wear 2003 sidis (ratchet buckle + two "techno" plastic string winders), with wafer thin insoles, which produce the above symptoms beyond 40 miles - fewer on v. hot days.
I thought I'd experiment with Specialized BG insoles (from my mtb shoes) in my sidis, which gained my maybe 10 miles before the pain began.
Today I tried my Specialized mtb shoes and insoles (which required me to ride with spds), and again, beyond 50 miles I had to massage my feet every 10/15 miles. I did 100 miles, so my feet were in bits by the end.
Q1. Is it reasonable to hope to ride that sort of distance with no pain?
Q2. If yes, must I conclude that my feet are not Sidi or specialized shaped (i.e is there a difference between 2003 an 2010 sidis, and/or between new Spesh mtb and road shoes)?
Q3. My sidis and sspecializeds feel perfectly fine sitting at home or for the first 40 odd miles, how can I tell what other brands will fit the bill?
The foregoing has been thrown into sharp contrast by my new assos uno shorts, which throw all my attention away from the pain in my backside to the pain in my feet.
Any advice gratefully appreciated.
I thought I'd experiment with Specialized BG insoles (from my mtb shoes) in my sidis, which gained my maybe 10 miles before the pain began.
Today I tried my Specialized mtb shoes and insoles (which required me to ride with spds), and again, beyond 50 miles I had to massage my feet every 10/15 miles. I did 100 miles, so my feet were in bits by the end.
Q1. Is it reasonable to hope to ride that sort of distance with no pain?
Q2. If yes, must I conclude that my feet are not Sidi or specialized shaped (i.e is there a difference between 2003 an 2010 sidis, and/or between new Spesh mtb and road shoes)?
Q3. My sidis and sspecializeds feel perfectly fine sitting at home or for the first 40 odd miles, how can I tell what other brands will fit the bill?
The foregoing has been thrown into sharp contrast by my new assos uno shorts, which throw all my attention away from the pain in my backside to the pain in my feet.
Any advice gratefully appreciated.
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1. Shoes are wrong size/shape for your foot
2. You have the shoes fastened too tight
3. Cleats set up wrong
In theory you should be able to ride all day without your foot issues.
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If you do it sitting down, try standing. Your feet 'spread' slightly when your weight is on them, which will effectively reduce the tension you put on your straps. If you fasten your shoes when sitting down, they are probably already too tight as soon as you stand up.....
Double check the sizing of your shoes. Always try them on with the thickest socks you are likely to wear. I use Endura winter ones.. and then Endura summer ones (in the summer) when your feet sweel, this compensates.
With the shoes too tight section. I assume you take your shoes off to massage them? Try leaving them on. Taking them off will only increase the swelling making it harder to get your feet back in. Maybe after 10-15 miles, loosen off the straps just a touch.
With the cleat fitting, this is hugely important. Performance Cycles offer a Keo fitting service, well worth the money!
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Sidis shouldn't move even when done up loosely. I find that i can ratchet them up until all the blood is out of my feet, but it is entirely unnecessary and that they stay in place when done up lightly so they just start to grip my shoes.
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My cleats (until today Look pp396s) are perfectly positioned having succesfully adjusted them to eliminate knee pain.
I assume then that it's a question of foot shape. What's the broadest "last" at the forefoot, where I suffer? I have pretty high arches too.
Asking advise from a shop is futile, as no-one in Edinburgh stocks all the brands and will advise impartially which is best tailored for me.,
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Well it sounds like good advice to me.
I've had four or five different pairs of road shoes and put very simply if the sole is stiff I'm fine but if I can flex the sole with my hands then I get major hot spot problems.
Don't know why, but it works out to be quite expensive.
That's really spookey, the only time I've had a problem with foot pain was on the Dragon Ride last year. I was convinced the cleats had penetrated the soles and were cutting into my feet
Also, is this experienced in both feet? Outside of foot, inside etc etc Possible leg length discrepancy? Check my past posts, I know exactly how you're feeling!
Most importantly, in my experience, most changes should be mm at a time and ONE thing at a time. Which may seem like common sense but took me a while to realise.
Hope that you can resolve this; keep us posted
70 miles today in reasonably hot weather with cleats full astern - dramatic improvement in comfort. Not perfect, but emminently bearable.
I'll continue to monitor the situation, but it's looking good. Thanks all for the good advice.