SPD shoes & aching feet

chrisw333
chrisw333 Posts: 695
edited April 2013 in MTB buying advice
I'm noticing my feet are starting to ache when I stand up on descents, even if only for a minute or so. Not sure why. Any obvious ideas / similar problems out there?

My current shoes are xc style Shimano MO76 which have fairly stiff soles (which I think is a good thing). The fit is quite snug, particularly with thicker socks on. I use the xt trail pedals. The shoes are getting a bit tatty so I may consider changing them as I can't think of anything else to try to relive the issue. Any suggestions for good spd shoes?

Comments

  • jairaj
    jairaj Posts: 3,009
    Where about on your foot do you feel the pain?

    ball of your foot directly over the cleat or on the arch or .. ?
  • chrisw333
    chrisw333 Posts: 695
    That's a good question. Unfortunately it is difficult to pin down. It doesn't seem to be isolated in a single small area, it almost feels like my whole foot is cramping up. My guess having thought about it is maybe more arch related, but I'm not 100% sure. I may need to go on a ride and try and concentrate on it a bit more. Weather looks nice too. May try to get back to you this afternoon!
  • styxd
    styxd Posts: 3,234
    Get some decent insoles with adjustable arch support.
  • chrisw333
    chrisw333 Posts: 695
    styxd wrote:
    Get some decent insoles with adjustable arch support.

    I was wondering about this (I am a bit flat footed). Any recommendations? Was thinking possibly Specialized BG stuff.
  • jairaj
    jairaj Posts: 3,009
    My initial thoughts are either the shoe is too snug and cutting of circulation. Try a thinner sock or less force on the straps.

    If the arches need more support then they'll be the first thing to start hurting and then spread to the rest of the foot if you continue. Next time you're on the bike try and feel exactly when the pain starts and where from.
  • jairaj
    jairaj Posts: 3,009
    You can usually get custom foot beds made up from a ski shop for about £50 - £70. Which might work out cheaper than going to a specialist.

    I got some made up when buying new ski boots and was told they would be fine to use in any stiff or rigid soled shoe like a cycling shoe.
  • chrisw333
    chrisw333 Posts: 695
    Thanks for your advice. I do get numb feet sometimes which I think is probably down to tightening my shoes to much, but I think this ache is a different issue. (I get cold feet so prob need slightly bigger shoe to accommodate my Woollie Boollies)

    I may have a play with my cleat position and look into shoe inserts too.
  • jairaj
    jairaj Posts: 3,009
    Try looser straps or thinner socks now the the weather is warmer. Some times the lack of circulation caused by tight shoes can trick you into thinking its colder than it is.

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