BudFox

I'm having a big problem getting comfortable with my new Sidi Genius 5 road shoes. I'm using my eggbeater pedals and I can't find a cleat position that doesn't cause pain and hot spots. I've become ultra sensitive to the relationship of the ball of my foot to the cleat. In other words, there is no feeling of a platform. Plus the cleats slide, twist, and creak when climbing. These problems are compounded by the fact that I have one femur longer than the other which require a shim under one cleat.

Should I a) switch to speedplays b) get replacement carbon soles or c) some other solution?

mrbubbles

Other pedals

Hocam

Specialized insoles?

shoerhino

I once tried sidi shoes and had the same problem. For some reason, I couldn't even stand in them without experiencing discomfort. They felt really great on the top but I could never get the hotspots and numbness to go away regardless of the cleat position. I switched to Specialized shoes and have had no problems with them. Shoes can be a bit like saddles...

I would assume that you had shoes which worked reasonably well before you bought these and I would try the insoles from your previous shoes with the Sidis. If that does not work, I would look at returning them or selling them on eBay.

Urbanmonk

I have Sidi 5.5 Ht Carbon and the speedplays. Never had a problem, but the occasional hot spot after 30 miles.

DataJunkie

I would try different pedals. I have irritating issues with my eggbeaters and hot spotting on my touring bike. Not so much with my sidis and looks on my tarmac.
Heck the lack of a platform has been bothering me a bit lately. When I stand up out of the saddle it feels like I am perched on top of my eggbeaters while the looks feel more like I am standing on a stable platform.
All in all I am not terribly sure that smaller cleats are that great for me.

pinetreeforest1

What is a hot spot? Can someone clarify?

7rider

Pressure point that leads to annoyance, then discomfort, and finally, pain.

Watch Rod Steiger in The Pawnbroker to see an extreme example of a concentrated hot spot on one's hand.

FIVE ONE SIX

i would personally use the specialized shims that come with their insoles, or the ones that you can purchase separately, instead of using cleat shims to compensate for different femur length. that's just my opinion though, and yours may certainly vary...

as far as the shoes goes, i would have personally gone with the carbon soles over the non-carbon soles, considering you spent a decent amount of money on the shoes and it's not like you would have been breaking the bank by getting the carbon soles. i doubt that would help your problem though...

pdxtex

plus 1.

Soil_Sampler

c) semi-custom/custom insoles.

Sounds like the footbed is not supporting your whole foot?
Or the sole shape does not agree with the shape of your foot?

bianchiboy71

Sidi insoles offer little support so I've put some Sole Slim Sport Footbeds in my Ergo 2s and it's a big improvement for not a lot of money compared to how much the Sidis cost.
Here.

kensuf

I just switched from eggbeaters (quattros) to Shimano SPD-SL's (ultegra 6620) because of hotspots about two weeks ago. Life's been good.

Just a thought.

bac

I use the same shoe with Speedplays with no issues. I'd start by experimenting (if you can find someone to swap with) with different pedals. Good luck, and let the group know what happens!


... Brad

soze

The Specialized footbeds are godsends. I have a pair left over from my Riatas that self-destructed that are going into my new Sidi Zetas.

Are you using the road cleats with the little pontoons? I found that I skitter all over the pedal with the 'standard' Eggbeater cleats.

waterrockets 

Yeah, I'd go for some classic Looks or Speedplays, depending on budget.

Ironic Mullet

I have been experiencing similar problems with mine. They're better now after my second set of insole replacements, but I still need to do some trimming to get the insoles to fit properly. I have prescription orthotics that I could wear in my old shoes, but they elevate my heels too much in the Sidis.

I haven't messed with cleat alignment yet, but I'm noticing that the cleats are loosening much more quickly on these shoes than my Shimanos. For anyone with Speedplays - are you using the long or short mounting screws?

foomonkey

Dubbayoo

Before you replace anything I would go to a shop and get your pedals fit kit'ed. It's a lot cheaper than replacing something.

TomMc1

+1 for Specialized insoles. My feet stopped going to sleep after removing the paper thin Sidi insoles and putting in the Specialized BG insoles.

Don't know anything about Eggbeater pedals. I have Look KEOs and the cleats are absolutely secure on the shoes.