Trouble Shooting foot hotspots

fidbod

Hi all,

would appreciate your help in resolving the major outstanding issue I have with cycling comfort. After about 40-50 miles I start to suffer with very painful hotspots in my feet.

To a degree it is a chronic issue as multiple days of long training tends to bring the hotspots on sooner and stomping up hills is definitely a contributing factor to the severity of the issue.

I am currently using look keo pedals and some mid-range northwave shoes. I am very happy with the bike fit and leg extension - so to my mind the problem is either the shoes or the pedals/cleats.

So what is the first step in trying to eliminate the hotspots? get the cleats shimmed, custom footbeds or bin the pedals/shoes and try something new?

I am reticent to bin the shoes/pedals until I am sure these are the problem so all advice appreciated.

Stuart

Christophe.cdb

fidbod wrote:

Hi all,

would appreciate your help in resolving the major outstanding issue I have with cycling comfort. After about 40-50 miles I start to suffer with very painful hotspots in my feet.

To a degree it is a chronic issue as multiple days of long training tends to bring the hotspots on sooner and stomping up hills is definitely a contributing factor to the severity of the issue.

I am currently using look keo pedals and some mid-range northwave shoes. I am very happy with the bike fit and leg extension - so to my mind the problem is either the shoes or the pedals/cleats.

So what is the first step in trying to eliminate the hotspots? get the cleats shimmed, custom footbeds or bin the pedals/shoes and try something new?

I am reticent to bin the shoes/pedals until I am sure these are the problem so all advice appreciated.

Stuart

This might sound weird, but in my experience... when i take on electrolites during the ride the hotspots go away...

ut_och_cykla

Try footbeds? If there's not space in your current shoes (when you take the original sole out) the shoes are perhaps too small.

marlin151

Try loosening off the straps on your shoes a bit to improve circulation.

marlin151

Try loosening off the straps on your shoes a bit to improve circulation.

Moontrane

Just where is the pain?

fidbod

Moontrane wrote:

Just where is the pain?

Right in the ball of each foot, combined with what feels cramping in the toes.

Also thanks to everyone else who has offered advice.

Stuart

georgemonkey

I get exactly the symptoms you are describing, but only in my left foot. I am definitely a left footed cyclist. I always unclip on the right, and tend to have my left foot down with more weight on it when freewheeling, thus my left foot gets more punishment.

I found that by unclipping the left foot from time to time, and wiggling my toes, it gives it enough of a rest to ease the pain. My symptoms haven't gone away and it can still be painful on longer rides, but it's certainly manageable. I definitely don't think foot beds are the answer - they will just make your shoes tighter.