RollCNY

I just got set up with Esoles Efit system for cycling shoes. Comes with 4 arches and three different metatarsal inserts. They feel odd when you stand in your shoes, but very comfortable while pedalling. Only have a few trainer rides on them so far, but all seems interestingly good so far. With a 49 narrow foot and one arch that collapses, the variability foot to foot is very nice.

rodzthomas

Nice to know that it is a common problem. I have it too. Specialized recommended size 41. I bought their entry level with 3 straps and i get numb on my toes and after a while, my hands!

I then sold my old shoes and bought a 42 specialized comp with the BOA! Same numbness came back this morning. Hands are still bad too...

My bike has the Gel wraps and i even bought the Gel gloves. All from Specialized. They also did a bike fit for me and still this problem persist.

Any other ideas for me to try? Not forgetting my lower back! hurts aswell...

Thanks in advance.

eippo1

Pony up for a bike fit. Your issues are fit related, not equipment related.

rodzthomas

Specialized did do a basic fit but not using a computer. They did a training FOC fit on me which helped a little on my riding position/power. I guess that isn't good enough right? seems that a freebie is not always good!

Christobevii3

If your hands are going numb you can either raise the bars or tilt the seat further back so your weight slides back and less off your hands. Feet you just have to play with shims, cleat placement, socks, and find what fits.

wn rider

You might be right about the metatarsal support. In my case, getting an insert made by a foot doc with a big metatarsal button helped me quite a bit with foot numbness. My specialized shoes had metatarsal buttons built in but he was of the opinion that for many people the button needs to be larger and positioned differently to be most effective. The inserts felt odd at first but they did seem to help.

rodzthomas

Yeah i guess... looks like i am going to go thru more numbness and spend more money... sigh... but i will enjoy the rides!

eippo1

Yah, but spending money for a good fit is better than spending it on doctors later.

bikepro

Having spent a number of hours and some amount of money on orthotics, I've learned some basics that I'll pass on.

1. There is a difference between orthotics for cycling and those for running or walking. If you want cycling orthotics, get cycling specific orthotics, or go to a podiatrist that knows the difference, or specializes in cycling orthotics.

2. Orthotics can be "functional" or "accommodative". Functional orthotics are typically made based on a Rx from a podiatrist. They are designed to support or align foot abnormalities. Accommodative orthotics simply support the existing contours of your foot. Orthotics made from impressions in a "crush box" are accommodative. Unless you have serious foot problems, a pair of well made accommodative orthotics are normally all that is needed.

3. Off the shelf cycling orthotics from Specialized and the like, are good only if they actually fit your feet. A relatively inexpensive alternative is heat moldable orthotics.

Hapsmo911

I have these aswell. They work great

rodzthomas

I bought the Blue Specialized Footbed and during the 45min test, i did not get any numbness. Th LBS fitter readjust the cleats aswell...

Edit: Hands are getting numb. Any ideas?