Foot pain question

[GreenKLR]

I did not get in to riding like I had hoped earlier in the year due to a few things but the major issue is my left foot right behind my toes was freaking killing me after I rode.
I wear Nike cycling shoes and bought the Specilized inserts but I finally just stopped riding for the last 6 weeks or so. Once you stop it is pretty easy to ignore the bike sitting there.
Anyways, I did 1/2 hour on the trainer this morning and my foot started hurting. I am guessing but, it almost seems as if i have to much of the side of my foot off the pedal causing strain on the ball of my foot. Does that make sense? there is no more room to slide the clip around. If I dont get that figgured out I wont be riding. I am going to try tomorrow with a regular shoe and see what happens.
Any input??
Lee

[Rosie8]

Many people suggest a very rigid bottomed shoe (inserts help too). I ride with regular cross trainer athletic shoes (Avia 175) that have an 1 1/8" sole at the forefoot area - very thick & stable. It took me a while to find this pair after my feet started bothering me in the same area. My regular walking shoes didn't cut it. Hiking shoes were okay but not cushiony enough. Good luck in your quest for good shoes.

[Dogbait]

Lee,
This is a common problem and there is no one best solution. Here is what has worked for me:

1, Shoes must be large and wide enough for your feet. Tight shoes will impede blood circulation and squeeze the nerves.
2, Straps or laces over the front part of the shoe are kept loose.
3, I moved the cleats all the way to the rear.
4, I use the Specialized insole. Get the one that is best for your arch height... there are three of them.
5, If my feet start to hurt, feel numb or get hot spots, I concentrate on pulling up on the pedals and wiggle my toes. This seems to help a lot.

There are several discussions of this topic in the training and nutrition (http://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=4054109) forum.

After you make changes to your shoes, insoles or cleat position, give it a few rides for your feet to become accustomed to the new position.

Competent medical advice might be in order to eliminate any serious conditions.

[SEARHC GUY]

Do a Google search for cycling shoes and wide widths, I wear a 10 1/2 EEEE shoe and found a couple of possibilities by Sidi and Lake that might fit me. As I was reading a couple of the forums I found in my Google search, I saw a couple of people mention a couple of styles of pedals (BMX was one) that are a bit wider and might be more comfortable for you. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=hG9&q=cycling+shoes%2C+wide+widths&btnG=Search

[GreenKLR]

Do a Google search for cycling shoes and wide widths, I wear a 10 1/2 EEEE shoe and found a couple of possibilities by Sidi and Lake that might fit me. As I was reading a couple of the forums I found in my Google search, I saw a couple of people mention a couple of styles of pedals (BMX was one) that are a bit wider and might be more comfortable for you. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=hG9&q=cycling+shoes%2C+wide+widths&btnG=Search


I am going to go to the LBS this week to see what they say. I will be a bit pissed if I need to buy new shoes..the Nikes where 90 and the pedels where 50...
I may just go with old style toe clips and old style pedles, I never had that probelm before.

I did move the cleat back but that put the pedel shaft between the ball and my arch and my toes went to sleep after 1/2 hour on the bike.
Lee

[Tom Stormcrowe]

I did not get in to riding like I had hoped earlier in the year due to a few things but the major issue is my left foot right behind my toes was freaking killing me after I rode.
I wear Nike cycling shoes and bought the Specilized inserts but I finally just stopped riding for the last 6 weeks or so. Once you stop it is pretty easy to ignore the bike sitting there.
Anyways, I did 1/2 hour on the trainer this morning and my foot started hurting. I am guessing but, it almost seems as if i have to much of the side of my foot off the pedal causing strain on the ball of my foot. Does that make sense? there is no more room to slide the clip around. If I dont get that figgured out I wont be riding. I am going to try tomorrow with a regular shoe and see what happens.
Any input??
Lee

Have you added the extenders called Knee Savers (http://www.bikescor.com/product/knee.htm)? They move the pedals out a bit and help with both knee issues that they were originally designed for as well as providing a little more room for wide feet. Sometimes the Q factor (Width across from pedal to pedal) of the crank/pedal width stance causes issues with people with really wide feet.

[GreenKLR]

I never heard of the Knee Savers. Thanks for the tip.
I did get my cleats set up but have had no time to try them out. It wont be till next week. I did look at fdifferent pedals, wider pedals that will distribute more weight/force over a larger area but I dont want to run out and just drop another 75 to 100 bucks.