I have been clipless for years both road and mountain pedals, never had any leg, knee, or foot issues. Well, I had some foot issues, but that was due to two things; narrow pedal base and shoes that did not have a stiff enough sole. I found normal SPD pedals were too narrow, so I started riding Time ATACs and found them much more comfortable. Once I got a shoe with a really firm sole, that was the end of my foot problems and that was over 10 years ago.
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Brian | 2023 Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS | 2023 Trek CheckPoint SL 7 AXS | 2016 Trek Emonda ALR | 2022 Trek FX Sport 5
you should learn to embrace change, and mock it's failings every step of the way.