my feet hurt!

7 replies [Last post]
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous

i tried everything and am still getting hot spots! i moved the cleats .i got the bg inserts..i loosen my straps and still numb the harder i pedal the worse the pain.i mean agony..do i need to upgrade to carbon soles or what? please help

Anonymous's picture
somebody (not verified)
Look here
Anonymous's picture
going (not verified)

try a different model of shoe. cheap velcro pearl izumi or something. I bet it helps.

Anonymous's picture
Rob (not verified)
my feet hurt!

I had a similar problem (numbness) and tried a lot of different shoes and shoe positions but nothing worked, so I rode for a few years and ignored it. Then I went to see a podiatrist on another foot issue and he told me that he makes orthodics for cyclists with these kinds of problems that can be put into any almost cycling shoe. I went for it and they workd out great. They also add to my wattage output by making my pedal stroke more efficient. His name is Rock Positano and his website is http://www.hss.edu/Physicians/Profiles/Positano-Rock

Anonymous's picture
Kay Gunn (not verified)
blase'in feet

Hi Johny,

My Sole custom footbeds work great.

www.yoursole.com

I tried the Specialized footbeds, and they didn't help at all. Before I installed the Soles in my shoes, I had pain starting at about mile 60. Now I can make it thru 130 miles with only minor irritation.

My shoes are a high performance cycling shoe with carbon bottoms and SPD-SL (road) cleats. I loosely attach the velcro at the tops, and snugly latch the shoes at the base of my feet. The cleats were positioned during my bike fit by a highly regarded bike fit specialist. He recommended the sole footbeds.

Anonymous's picture
Sam AA (not verified)

Sole Custom Footbeds have 3 types of soles according to the website. Which type did you get? I get mild numbness after certain mileage but I noticed that it dissipates when I bike standing for a while or after I unclip on intersections.
Thanks.

Anonymous's picture
Kay Gunn (not verified)
Soles

I got several sets of the Soles. 2 of the SOLE Ultra SOFTECs, and 3 of the SOLE Regular SOFTECs. Initially I had planned on using the Ultras in my hiking boots and running shoes, and the Regulars in my mountain (SPD), summer(SPD-SL), and winter (SPD) cycling shoes. The Ultras fit into my summer shoes fine, and since these were the shoes giving me the most problems, I used them there. If your cycling shoes are already snug, the Ultras might not work. The Ultras are 3.2mm thick, and the regulars are 1.6mm.
My shoes had a little play - they were maybe 1/2 size too big, and the Ultras made them fit perfectly.

Anonymous's picture
jc (not verified)
From the 08/03/06 Roadbikerider Newsletter

"7. Try This on Your Next Ride o^o o^o o^o o^o o^o o^o

Stop ""hot foot"" before it starts.

If you're in North America or Europe, we don't need to tell you how hot this summer has been. At RBR's Pennsylvania headquarters we've been suffering through a week of record temperatures -- well over 100F degrees when high humidity is added to the searing heat.

But our feet haven't been any hotter than the rest of us, which isn't the case in cycling when a seriously uncomfortable condition known as ""hot foot"" is allowed to occur.

Hot foot can happen at any time in any temperature but it's most common on long summer rides. You may have experienced it -- a burning sensation in the balls of your feet that can become so painful normal pedaling is impossible. It can have you looking for a nearby stream or backyard kiddie pool in which to douse your sizzling dogs.

Your feet aren't actually hotter, they just feel that way. The problem occurs when feet swell (a normal occurrence on long rides) and make shoes tighter. The pressure pinches nerves and restricts blood flow, causing tingling, numbness and the sensation of heat.

Here are four tips to stop it from stopping you.

---Be sure your shoes fit. If they're snug and made of unstretchable synthetic materials, there's no room for feet to swell. When buying a new pair, do it late in the day when feet are naturally fatter. Wear your regular cycling socks. Particularly if you like long rides, err on buying shoes a tad too large rather than too small. You can always add insoles or wear thicker socks to take up extra space.

---Fine-tune the straps. At the first sign of foot discomfort, loosen the shoe straps (or the toe-clip straps if you're still not using clipless pedals). Even better, start rides with straps adjusted so they prevent the buildup of excessive pressure. If your shoes have three hook-and-loop straps as most do, lay down the first one (nearest toes) without pulling it. Make the middle one slightly snug, then tighten the top strap as firmly as you like. It does the most to make feet feel secure, but because it's up by your ankle it doesn't impact forefoot comfort.

---Pull up on the pedals. If you sense your feet are beginning to smolder, concentrate on the upstroke for a few revolutions. This will lighten your soles on the shoes to restore circulation and depressurize nerves. Or coast for a few seconds and scrunch your toes several times.

---Take a hike. Hot foot cools quickly when you hop off for a short walk, like when visiting the bushes or a convenience store. If you have a couple of minutes, remove your shoes, massage your feet, and strap up again. A slight change in pressure can be all it takes to make the rest of the ride no problem for your pups."

cycling trips