On my ride yesterday, I developed a "hot spot" on the bottom of my left foot around mile 39. "Hot" to the point that I was pulling up on my cleats to relieve pressure. Hot enough I stopped and looked for folded sock or foreign object inside shoe. I had my friend examine the sole - nothing looked or felt odd. I put the sock and shoe back on, no more discomfort for the remaining 13 miles.

• My shoes are SIDI's, they've been my exclusive cycling shoe for over 1,000 miles, they are slightly small but that's atop my big toe in my right shoe
• The ultra-short socks are the same cotton brand/model I wear almost every ride
• The ride was my longest since I started riding 2 months ago, but my average ride last month was 30 miles, my long 38 - i.e., it doesn't seem as though the extra time would have been an issue
• No special heat or dampness or anything

Sometimes you guys have ideas and experience that surprises me, so I ask:

Is there anything that's not obvious that I should check?

Thanks

Google "hot foot."

Move your cleats back.


It's a nerve thing. By moving your cleats back, you put less pressure on that nerve. But note that you might have to make other adjustments to your setup. Pay attention to other twinges of pain on subsequent rides.



BTW - cyclists are not the only ones to experience "hot spots" on their feet. Ladies who wear high heels do too. There's a type of stocking that has a pad at the ball of the foot to help prevent hot spots when wearing high heels. That might help you too.

Specialized has insoles that help relieve the problem. Is there a possibility that your shoes are allowing your foot to move around?

To add to all that has been mentioned above, avoid cotton socks as they don't wick the moisture away very well and could lead to chafing if there is movement in your shoe. Arch position, sole width and cleat placement are probably the big culprits though

Agree with Machka, the first thing to do is move your cleats back.