Originally Posted by hawkijohn
I have Nike bike shoes with SPD cleats. On longer rides, I've been getting discomfort in the ball of both feet, not so much when riding as later on. It feels like my socks are wadded up right on the ball of the foot. I've tried thick socks and thin ones but no difference. I've just inserted some inexspensive insoles with the ball area cut out and will try that next. The sensitivity stays with me for days after riding and I fear the longer rides I have planned will only agrevate it more.
Hi Hawkjohn,
What model Nike shoes are these? Are the soles stiff enough? When Linda and I first started using clipless, we went with SPD and a cheaper pair of Specialized shoes. We both were having similar problems to yours - hot spots on the balls of the feet - when our mileage was increasing. Then we switched to shoes with much stiffer soles ("road" shoes I guess you could call them) and things got better.
Later on, we went to Speedplay pedals (a larger platform area) and stiffer shoes yet and have not had any problems since.
But, like others have said, consult a physician if the problem persists without riding!
Take care, and good luck!
Steve