LuckySailor

I'm mad as hell again. Can anyone explain to me why a custom made pair of cycling shoes has to cost $1200-$1800? I have one leg 3/4" shorter than the other. Typically I ride with street shoes. I do have mtb SPD compatible shoes that I do wear from time to time, but it can throw my back and hip out of whack if I go out more than a couple hours. i would really like to get the proper cycling shoes as I am going on tour for 3 months next summer, but I cannot afford a half months wages for a pair of shoes. Any suggestions? Anyone make make shoes want to give me a break? Not talking free, just realistic.

treadtread

I'm just theorizing here, but how about an alternate solution? Use off the shelf shoes and det these:

Amazon.com : Shimano PD-M324 Clipless/Clip Pedals : Bike Pedals : Sports & Outdoors

Use the platform side for the longer leg and the clip side for the shorter one, using something like this for the shorter one: Amazon.com : Shimano SPD platform+reflector set, SM-PD22* pr : Bike Pedals : Sports & Outdoors

Or maybe just use different length crank arms.

I don't know if these are bad ideas though, in terms of fit - hopefully more knowledgeable folks will chip in here. Check on the fitting subforum as well.

Homebrew01

That's what I was thinking

demoncyclist

Ask at a REALLY good shop that has expert fitters about a solution. Lemond used to make wedges that went between shie and cleat for just this purpose. There may be other solutions as well- a good cobbler may be of use as well.

Looigi

FWIW: Typical non-custom shoe solution is to shim half the distance, 3/8" in your case, move the cleat forward on the short leg side ~1cm compared the long leg, and rotate the nose of the saddle a few degrees toward the long leg.

Whizzer283

Get a prof'l bike fit, not an LBS bike fit.

fietsbob

because they are made to a custom last , made from your feet. and are Uniquely made just for you, and not in a factory by the thousands .


Sounds like you need to find someone that can Modify a existing pair of shoes and make the sole on one thicker than the other ,
and relocate that SPuD cleat hardware out onto the new thicker sole ..

not make the whole Upper entirely around a abnormally shaped foot.

Wilfred Laurier

maybe get a shorter crank for the shorter leg

although I don't know if this will be ergonomically correct

maybe post your question in the adaptive and disabled rider subforum
they discuss all manner of health related riding issues there

LuckySailor

I've ordered up a new pair of pearl izumi mtb shoes. I think that a cobbler can slice off the treads, add the 17mm deficiency, and then glue the treads back on. That is how my street shoes are done. Works well. Then I will fabricate a shim for the cleat at the proper thickness and get some longer screws.