Fifty Plus (50+) - foot pain

Hello all. I've had my bike a few months now, and have been gradually increasing my distance and speed. I went on my first group ride yesterday, 36 miles, and had a re-occurance of something that seems to be getting worse the longer I ride: significant pain at the base of littlest toes, most noticeable when I get off the bike. I'm using Shimano PD-M324 pedals, sort of an old-school rat trap pedal with spd cleats, and Keen spd shoes. The cage on the pedals is fairly small and shoe is pretty wide. Should I look a wider pedal, a stiffer shoe, or something else? Thanks in advance.

Loosen your shoelaces/straps. Works for about 95% of folks.

Loosen your shoelaces/straps. Works for about 95% of folks.

+1 on the above. You really need a loose fitting toebox in your shoe. Optimally you should be able to easily wiggle the ball of your foot and your toes in the shoe while on the pedals. Not being to do this is what causes issues.

While on a ride regularly wiggle the ball of your foot and your toes. I typically do this while waiting for a stop light or during an on-bike break. You don't have to wiggle the whole foot, although that can sometimes help too.

When putting on your shoes for a ride make sure the topmost strap is relatively tight while the two lower straps are almost loose. They do not need to be tight. Tight is the enemy for happy feet on a long ride!

Also take regular breaks during a longer ride. Get off the bike and walk around. This change will make a big difference! You're not in a race so take it easy by taking regular breaks!

I had all kinds of misery with my feet when I started riding again. The above are some of the things I've done with keeping my feet quiet and happy!

Your socks may be too thick.......

I don't think it is that my shoes are too tight, though I appreciate the responses. I chose the Keens because of the wide footboy, and my feet have plenty of room with no numbness, etc. I'm used to the issues you describe from my background hiking and backpacking. This is a localized, specific, discomfort at the base of my two littlest toes.

Loosen your shoelaces/straps. Works for about 95% of folks.
Stand with your weight completely on the foot you are putting your shoe on. Tighten the shoe to the point that you don't feel any pressure in your baby toe area. Could be that you need to go to a thinner sock too. Another option is to get some cycling shoes that have a wider toebox. Sidi makes a wide one.

Sounds like Morton's neuroma. Here's a previous post (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/751600-foot-pain-neuroma-pinched-nerve-are-new-shoes-the-answer?highlight=hotfoot) that may be helpful. Specialized Body Geometry blue insoles have helped me a lot.

Loosen your shoelaces/straps. Works for about 95% of folks.

Yep, as you ride your feet swell cutting off circulation to the toes. Perfectly normal for some folk's just allow for it.

Sounds like Morton's neuroma. Here's a previous post (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/751600-foot-pain-neuroma-pinched-nerve-are-new-shoes-the-answer?highlight=hotfoot) that may be helpful. Specialized Body Geometry blue insoles have helped me a lot.

That's what worked for me, although I use the green foot bed.

P2

SPD Cleat (foot) angle might need to be adjusted.

Got a good LBS? Have them take alook at how you are positioned on the pedals.