mikeat

Hi.

I'm riding in Specialized shoes (the cheapest road shoe they make) on SPD cletes and I'd say that by mile 30 or so I'm experiencing some foot numbness which gets progressively worse as I go on. I already readjust my shoe straps every once in a while.

While the numbness/pain isn't by any means unbearable, I'm wondering if it's possible to ride without any and if it the type of pedal you're riding on makes any difference.

Thanks.

JPSmee

I've been getting the same thing at about the same distance. I've got a Trek 1000, with all stock parts (toeclips). I dunno if it's the pedal or how you (and I) ride. I'd like to see what others have to offer as well.

TCR

I'd say none is normal and something is not right in your setup - cleat positioning, seat height or fore aft, or even the shoe itself.

alanbikehouston

NO amount of pain or numbness is "normal" when you ride a bike. However, most roadies THINK pain is normal, because they use imitations of the bikes pros ride, imitations of the shoes and pedals pro use, and the use the riding position pros use. And, for many or most non-pros, those goofy habits will lead to pain.

The simple cure, but one few roadies will accept, is to reject pro-style pedals and shoes. Use a BMX pedal, such as the MKS BMX pedal sold at Rivendell.com. It is wide and long, and supports the entire front portion of the foot. Use a comfortable shoe (a shoe that would be comfortable on a fifty mile hike) such as a good skateboard shoe, with a very thick, stiff rubber sole.

Make sure the shoe is roomy, by getting fitting late in the day, and by wearing two socks on each foot when you get fitting. Many guys wear shoes that are long enough, but they are not high enough, and they bind at the top of the foot.

If you must wear pro-style shoes (because that is what the "cool guys" use) buy a pair that is big enough for you to insert a 1/4 inch thick gel pad (like those sold at drug stores) over the "stock" padding. Make sure the shoes are not too tight. Use easy gears that allow you to spin at a high cadence without having to "mash" hard on the pedals. And, accept that there will still be some degree of pain and numbness. You are using pedals that only support about 10% of your foot.

timmhaan

the sole of the shoe may not be stiff enough, allowing for some flex. over a lot of miles that can cause some problems. also, how is the fit of the shoe?

botto 

sounds like you've got cheap or ill fitting shoes. a comfortable shoe is a comfortable shoe: it shouldn't really matter if you're riding 20, 50, or 100 miles.

mikeat

i might try this if i hadn't already. i switched to clipless because my platforms/shoes were unbearable with hot spots. i'd say clipless were a 100% improvement.

mikeat

actually i think it's pretty good. they're not at all uncomfortable until my feet start swelling with the miles. i'd guess they're pretty stiff as well.

TCR

Bullshiite!! Unless you're tooling around town buying slurpees at the corner 7/11 don't listen to this crap about platform pedals. What a crock!