SPDs - wedges

Daz555

I have been a mountain biker for many years and always ridden on flats. A couple of weeks ago I got my first road bike and I chose SPDs as my pedal of choice so I can mix them up with my MTB - plus I like being able to walk like a human....

Now with flats I was basically unaware of my feet but after about 100km in a week of road cycling on my SPDs I have become aware that I ride very slightly on the outside of my right foot and I feel this via minor pins and needles in my little toe - my left foot feels very square by comparison. My shoe wear confirms this and my oldest pair of trainers is also worn slightly more on the outside of my right foot.

Now - solutions. I can "think" my way to applying a more even pressure on my right foot but this makes my knee feel odd - and I'm concerned about causing injury.

Should I be getting some sort of wedge to place under my right foot or not? If so, any recomendations?

danlikesbikes

Short answer is yes that wedge(s) MAY help you. However as its a critical contact point with the bike would not take any internet recommendations on it but rather seek out someone who can do a cleat/pedal set up for you.

Another option maybe to go for a better insole for your shoes to give you a bit better support/cushioning.

forward_loop

1) - check shoes for proper fit & closure - should be glove like
2) - use fit for purpose insoles with SUPPORT - eg specialised bodygeo - it could be a metatarsal issue
3) - check your knee tracking when riding normally
4) - at this point read up on and consider wedges UNDER the shoe (not inside) - and seek advice as necessary

iirc spds leave the slightly more ability to establish its own horizon - as opposed to road platforms, so wedges may not be the answer here.

Also shoes wearing outside heal first aren't necessarily a sign of issues at the widest point of the foot.

let us know how you get on.

Daz555

Cheers for the advice all.

I have been examining my feet a bit more and have more evidence that I do walk slightly on the outside of my right foot - on my oldlest trainers their is slightly more wear on the outside of my right shoe at its widest point as well as the heel and also the skin under the ball of my right foot is very soft wheras on my left foot the ball has hard skin indicating to me that I do not put much presssure on the ball of my right foot when walking.

Either way I'm going to give it a couple of hundred more km of riding before I start meddling too much and I'll keep an eye on my foot position and knee tracking as I ride. I'll post back here when I have something new to add, or ask!

Cheers.

danlikesbikes

Is fairly common for people to have either different leg lengths &/or foot sizes, plus as you have pointed out how you hold your feet when you walk may have an effect too.

Have never had a cleat fit myself as never suffered any issues with that part, but have been riding long enough to tinker with and get the set up comfortable.

Sounds like perhaps an insole change might be better for you then - do your homework as you can spend a couple of £'s up to lots of £'s.

If it makes you feel any better my right foot is similar in pattern but affects my running more than cycling and I cured that by shoe choice, training & insoles.

Plus just rereading your original post & another thought came up. If you think its your foot & the way you push through your shoe that might be causing/adding to your issue perhaps try making that one shoe strap a bit looser? The only reason I say that is my right foot is slightly bigger than my left & I often have my lowest strap (3 on my shoes) for that foot as loose as possible & if has really helped.