mdohertyjr

I have taken my new road bike out four times for short rides. And each time, my left foot seems to cramp up, right behind my pinkie toe. I read some posts here on BF to loosen the first strap on the shoe, I did that, and it doesn't seem to help. There is no magic mile marker number that it starts to cramp, probably mile 9 or 10.

Is this simply a matter of me getting used to bike shoes, or could it be another issue? The shoes where fitted at a LBS and seem to fit fairly well.

Just so all know, I have Shimano M530 pedals and Bontrager Street shoes.

Thanks!

RacerOne

Since you say the shoes fit I doubt that's the issue so here are others I can think of that 'might' be the issue:

1. Seat too high or low, possibly penching a nerve?

2. Slow cadence putting too much pressure on feet?

3. Misaligned cleat causing an awkward toe in or toe out?

4. No arch support in the shoe?

5. Lack of circulation.. diabetes?

6. Poor fitting seat pinching a nerve?

mvnsnd

How were the cleats fit to the shoe? Did you just put them on, or were they fitted by someone who has done it before? You may need to adjust the cleat position to get a 'better' fit.

mdohertyjr

1. Was a professional fitting, so I am not sure if that is the case.
2. I guess this might be a possibility. I didn't know a slow cadence would do this.
3. Not sure.
4. There is arch support in the shoe.
5. No diabetes.
6. Might be possible. I am used to a brooks on my Trek 7.2, this is my first road bike, so it may be an issue with the seat.

mdohertyjr

It was fitted by the LBS. They are closed today for "Good Health Reasons" LOL, during the winter. I may take a ride back tomorrow and speak with them.

55/Rad

Poorly aligned cleats can cause all kinds of issues in the foot and up into the knee and beyond. Even more so if your pedals have limited or no float.

Looigi

How much have you been riding and have you had this problem before? I resumed riding after a few years off and had cramping and numbness in my feet. Over a month or two of riding it went away and everything is back to normal.

mdohertyjr

These are my first road shoes/pedals. And it has happened on the first four rides I have done. That is why I questioned whether or not it is really an issue of me getting used to the pedals/shoes or potentially another issue with the equipment.

I started riding last year with platform pedals on my hybrid and just purchased the road bike last week.

RacerOne

I hate to say it, but maybe try the Brooks on the Cannondale?

mdohertyjr

I may, I will never race on the Cannondale, I bought it because the wife and I did 4 or 5 metric centuries on the Trek 7.2's last year. The Cannondale should be an easier ride then the Trek, lol. I am not going to count every ounce on the bike, so it really isn't that big of a deal going with another brooks on the bike. Thanks for the suggestion

curiouskid55

You are probably pointing you toes. Causes you to arch your foot inside your shoe creating unecessary tension in your foot and toes. Visualize keeping you feet close to level or even a little heel negative and see if it is more comfortable.

mdohertyjr

This is a distinct possibility, on my ride tomorrow, I will focus on keeping the toes down. Thanks!

back4more

Are you staying hydrated - could be low potasium or electrolytes.

kh6idf

When I first started riding with cleats and clipless pedals, I always felt like my right foot wanted to move more to the outside, at the front. Finally I loosened the cleat bolts and moved the cleat all the way to the inside edge, so the shoe would be farther out on the pedal. Never had this problem with the left foot, only the right. Now both feet feet feel perfect and very comfortable.

curiouskid55

Heels down