Bicycle Mechanics - Hot spot on foot :p

I am getting a hot spot on the ball of my left foot (bike side) above the cleat on the longer rides that I am doing. any suggestions?

Brendon
:beer:

If you can adjust the straps on your shoes that would help assuming you have straps, that is. Also, every so often try taking your foot out and wiggling it some. This should take pressure off of the ball of the foot and also helps loosen up your legs. Finally, try a different pair of socks. Perhaps a thinner or thicker pair would help.

Zack

Lowering the saddle 1/2 centimeter may alleviate some pressure and stimulate blood flow to the feet.

I'm betting that you're using SPD type pedals. That's a fairly common complaint with those pedals.

Common solutions are to change to a shoe that has a stiffer, more rigid sole or to change to a Look style pedal that uses a cleat that has more surface area.

I am using Wellgo LOOK pedals....so largish surface area. Saddle Height is actually a bit low as it is.....i've grown since I set the bike up :p

The shoe (SiDi) has adjustable velcro straps.

Brendon
:beer:

I really doubt that its the pedal, my sidi shoes do the same thing after awhile.....there just is hardly any padding in them or anything. Your just going to have to live with it...

Originally posted by KleinMp99
I really doubt that its the pedal, my sidi shoes do the same thing after awhile.....there just is hardly any padding in them or anything. Your just going to have to live with it...

What if he is gradually doing long-term nerve or circulatory damage to his foot?

Can you wear two pairs of socks and/or try a different brand of shoes?

I would try a different brand of shoes, like a regular shoe with clipless capabilities. The sole will be softer and you will be able to put more padding in them due to more room for your foot. You wont be able to wear thicker socks with sidi's because if the shoes were the right size it would be super tight. My sidi's are super tight, and can hurt pretty bad at times but I still wear them. They are made to be tight, because you dont really want a clipless shoe to be loose because it wont feel right. I havent done any damage to my feet yet. You could always try to put more padding in them, I just havent tried because the toe box being super tight already. When I first put my shoes on they are really tight, but after riding, sweating and getting them wet they loosen up quite a bit. Good luck.

just went for a 63km ride.... no problems.....hmm weird...problems certainly arrised in my 100k century though......

Brendon
:beer:

Originally posted by NZLcyclist
I am getting a hot spot on the ball of my left foot (bike side) above the cleat on the longer rides that I am doing. any suggestions?
Have you tried taking out the original insole and putting in some Dr. Scholl's? I did that with my Sidi Bullets and they're pretty comfortable... maybe that will help you?

A common complaint. Try shifting your cleat all the way aft. Also, if you are getting "hot foot" all over, try a slightly bigger shoe. Feet swell on long rides.

Dave