The bike shoes and pedals have been traditionally narrow, Italian style. After 50 years of pounding those narrow pedals my right foot began to hurt so bad I had to pull it off the pedal. Accordingly I cut the shoe leather to modify the width, helped just a little 25 miles. On advice I used bike sandals, SPD style. Foot was OK for only the first 40 miles. Switched to a wide and flat, platform pedal, + Power Grip straps and.... Crocks. Yes, I said Crocks. After 3500 miles this year, including 300K brevets, no foot pain. Plus I can move my feet around on the pedals depending on the circumstances. Here is a site about flat pedals and shoes: http://www.bikejames.com/strength/th...h-flat-pedals/

Now I'll try using the SPD sandals, once, on a 1/2 century, (and carry the Crocks on the rear rack) to see if I like them better than soft Crocks, and if the pain comes back. My pedals are flat on one side and SPD on the other.