So my friends gave me a pair of diadora spd-sl shoes for my birthday and apparently they are sized differently from shimanos in that their 43's are at least an inch longer than that of their japanese counterpart. I was wondering if anyone had tried using insoles to at least mitigate some of the annoying play that comes with pedaling in shoes that are too big? I understand that's not the main purpose of insoles, but would they help and are there any cycling specific insoles out there? I have found Specialized to make some, any other options? thanks in advance

I use orthotics in every shoe I wear, but not for the same reason. I have flatter feet, and the added arch does fill the shoe better, and it makes my feet infinitely more comfortable. Are you talking about shoes that are too long, too wide, or just plain too roomy? I don't think any insole is going to help you with the length, but I would assert that no shoe is worth using if it is uncomfortable.

I bought a pair of Sidi Genius Megas in size 43 and they were too small. Exchanged them for size 44 which were a bit on the big side. I got a cheap pair of insoles for them and they made a huge difference. Not sure if they'd help much with shoes that are an inch too long though. Is exchanging them for the right size not an option?

This thing about sloppy fitting shoes, insoles, orthotics....would there be any power loss because the ill fitting shoes act as a damper to the force applied by the leg?

I would think that Toddorado would benefit with his orthotics. It would seem to me that when he pushes on the down stroke, the arch support prevents the foot's arch from flexing.

This could mean that its not only the bottom of those expensive shoes, but what's inside the shoe too that contribute to flexing.

I bought some SIDI and hated the cheapo insoles that they came with because they kept sliding around every time I pedaled and they offered zero arch support. One would expect nothing short of perfection for the price they charge.

After putting in some Superfeet, the shoes fit great, have some arch support, and no more ice-skating insoles.

I wonder if it's sort of like the reasoning behind why road bikes don't come with pedals. Maybe they figure that anyone who would be buying fancy shoes already has insoles that they like. Whatever insoles they include with the shoes would just be getting swapped out anyway, so they give you lousy ones.

I have a set of heat moldable insoles in mine. Trim them to fit, stick them in the oven briefly, put them in shoes, stick feet in. They are molded right to my feet. Made a big difference.

Hi guys thanks for all the replies, unfortunately returning them is not an option, i actually received them in October but thought i'd just wear out my Shimanos first. I think i will try some insoles, i guess since i don't race or anything i guess it's not going to matter that much, they are not uncomfortable per se, but definitely it's a lot less efficient than a snug, stiff soled shoe

I have custom cut gel insoles. What that means is I bought a pair of gel insoles and cut them with scissors so they just cover the ball of my foot and some arch, but not the toes or heel. Point was to add cushion for the pressure area of the foot when pedaling. It works, and it leaves my toes free to move about.

superfeet

Custom insoles usually make the shoe fit a little bigger length wise (arch + heelcup support shorten the length of your foot)
But can help fill volume wise in the mid-forefoot area.

yea, i use orthotics in every shoe except for my sandals! i take my old gel inserts after a few months of use from my running shoes... and put them in my road shoes for comfort.

i saw specialized insoles @ this bike shop today and will probably try these soon:
https://www.bromleybike.co.uk/shop/cl...es-389345.html

Yes....pulled out the factory insole on my Sidi mega's and replaced them with Sofsole inserts. That was several years ago and did it again on a new pair I bought last year. They not only fit better, they are far more comfortable.

Since I have flat feet, that oven molding thing would defeat the purpose of arch support. The warmed insole will flatten out once I step on them in the shoe. I would end up with flat feet and insoles that got flattened out.

Here are the ones I use.

https://soupcaninsoles.com/

Don't know if the poster using the oven-heated insoles was using Sole insoles, but I've used them for over 7 years and have 8 pairs for everything from backpacking boots, to running shoes, to dress shoes, to my Sidis - and have a pair of their sandals as well. My feet are so flat I have a negative arch and the heating/molding serves only to take the edge off the support so it doesn't feel like you're standing on a superball.

https://www.yoursole.com/

Because of the flat feet, I've had more than a few problems with feet/ankles due to pounding of running and playing basketball. My sports orthopedist/D.P.M. years ago recommended these before going to $300-500/pr. custom orthotics and I've never looked back. I wouldn't dare say that they will work for everyone, but they're reasonably priced enough to try given the extreme cost of the prescription alternative.

Good luck,

Steve.

What are Diadora "SPD-SL" shoes? SPD-SL is a pedal type, made by Shimano. The shoe has nothing to do with the pedal type, except you have to match the bolt pattern with your prefered pedal cleat.

Yes; Spenco.

I like both the SuperFeet and the Specialized insoles. I use the SuperFeet in all of my none cycling shoes, for my cycling shoes I prefer the shape and density of the Specialized insoles.

Superfeet insoles and plastic shims were put into my Sidi shoes as part of my bike fitting. The insoles feel great.

+1 I've been very pleased as well. I've used both Specialized and Sole insoles, and pleased with both.

Before you guys try custom insoles and the like, look in your closet. I put the insoles from a pair of old Nike Air Max 360s (running shoes) into my Sidi Genius 5s and couldn't be more happy.

The higher-end Nike running shoes have decent insoles.

Total cost: $0 as the air bladder of the shoes was punctured and headed for the trash.