Originally Posted by Raleighroader
I went to a Look pedal system last winter to solve a hot feet problem I used to have on long distance rides. I combined that with purchasing a new shoe with a stiffer sole.
Unfortunately I am still having a problem. It doesn't come up until mile 60 or 70 of a long ride, sooner if I am doing a lot of hard climbing.
I have tried moving the cleats back, so that more of my foot is centered over the pedal. My feet have a fair amount of sideways movement inside my shoes, but I don't know if tightening the shoes is the answer or if leaving them even looser is.
I am interested in hearing from some of you about how you solved this problem.
In most cases of "hot foot", it is not actual temperature that is causing the sensation, but compression of a nerve that runs along the bottom of the foot. It happens on longer rides because your feet tend to swell over the course of a ride, increasing the pressure.
As such, you might find that loosening the toe-box section of your shoes will help. I also find that focusing on pulling up the pedals (instead of pushing down) and wiggling my toes can relieve it. In very bad cases, stopping the bike, taking my shoes off and quickly massaging, walking around, & wiggling the toes helps a lot. I also use SuperFeet footbed inserts which seem to stave it off longer though that may be psychological
Things that generally
don't work include dousing your feet with water, tightening the straps, different pedals, etc.