Speedplays and hot foot

Sigh. What I am about to write saddens me. I love my Speedplay light action pedals. They are the first and only clipless pedals I have ever used. I love how easy they are to clip in and out of. I love the float. I love the way they look. BUT.... I have major issues with hot foot.

My cleat is as far back as it will go. If the temps outside are above 75 and the mileage moves beyond 10, my foot begins to flame :(. Has anyone else had these issues, especially with their speedplays? Any suggestions short of getting new pedals? Different shoes, socks? (Note: my funds are very limited. Law school :mad:).

I have thought that if I continue to have problems I may give Look Keos a shot. I'd like that to be a last resort. In addition to the reasons mentioned above, I'm somewhat emotionally attached to my speedplays :D. I rode my first (and so far only) century in them a month ago!

maybe its not the pedal, It could be the fit of your shoe, kind of socks you are wearing or you got your shoe on too loose or too tight.

However, the size of the pedal, the overall contact area (forgot what it is called) is small and can cause problems as you mentioned. If the sole of your shoe isn't super stiff on a speedplay, you will most likely get the hot burning sensation right over the pedal area of your feet. You may need to get a stiffer soled shoes. If you think its stiff enough, I may even try one of the insole inserts some runners use on their shoes to cushion the impact energy. You would have to readjust your seat height and loosent the straps on your shoes if you try the insert.

Try few other things before you give up on the light action pedals. It is a very nice pair of pedals.

Smilingcat

I ride Speedplay X2s.

I've found thin, thin socks work best for me. I was using some padded socks--which work great for running--and getting horrible hot spots for distances over about 35 miles. This is with Specialized's TriVent shoe, which has a carbon sole.

I tried Shimano's SPD-SLs, which I tried because they had a huge platform. I still got hot spots. :(

It was then that I started experimenting with my socks. Truth be told, I'd probably be fine without socks, although my shoes would end up a lot stinkier.

So, I'd start with finding the thinnest socks you can.

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Originally Posted by ninerfan

Sigh. What I am about to write saddens me. I love my Speedplay light action pedals. They are the first and only clipless pedals I have ever used. I love how easy they are to clip in and out of. I love the float. I love the way they look. BUT.... I have major issues with hot foot.

My cleat is as far back as it will go. If the temps outside are above 75 and the mileage moves beyond 10, my foot begins to flame :(. Has anyone else had these issues, especially with their speedplays? Any suggestions short of getting new pedals? Different shoes, socks? (Note: my funds are very limited. Law school :mad:).

I have thought that if I continue to have problems I may give Look Keos a shot. I'd like that to be a last resort. In addition to the reasons mentioned above, I'm somewhat emotionally attached to my speedplays :D. I rode my first (and so far only) century in them a month ago!

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What kind of shoes are you using? While the pedal itself is very small, the cleat and pedal together end up having about the same contact area as a Look or SPD-SL pedal.... I'd look at my shoes and socks before I'd change pedals. Y'all can have my Speedplays when you pry them from my cold dead fingers! ;)

Sorry you are having problems, but thx for this post. Nothing like the composite of great minds together. I have some blab of my own going on about what SpeedPlays to buy partially due to a similiar issue with my feet. You just aided in making my decision.

I am using a double sided mtb pedal that came on my road bike. SPD Shimano M505. Small surface area. First I rode in my mtb shoes that I wore to spin class. Diadoras. Not so stiff sole, major foot numb issues, etc. Then, I upgraded to a true road shoe. Sidi Zeta. Things improved with a stiffer sole, but I still don't think it's stiff enough. Next will be the all carbon. I wore the mtb shoes with that bike this w/e and both feet were numb. They are pretty flexy, that confirms the sole theory to me. Sigh...

Don't you just wish there was a Cycling Santa Claus that came in July and drop a bag full of bike goodies off at your front door? I'd put up a pine tree decorated with bike chain as garland if he'd come visit:rolleyes:. But, I digress with my fantasies:o... back to feet...

Socks... I get the bunched up sock issues. A tri friend of mine does just as posted. No socks. I think she's onto something. Here's my sock tries... mainly Pearl Izumi's. The x-static (men's race sock) and originals are pretty much the same thickness. The x-static bunches a bit less. I tried SheBeest no show socks, sorta thin, but bunch too. The PI Kerin sock is very thin with a arch center support... still bunches some in the toe for me. PI ladies ankle attack sock.... thicker than Kerins, but nice stretch forming factor, no bunch as of yet. PI also makes a silk lite sock which looks really thin, but in the pic on the web it looks baggy on the model's toes... wonder if it would bunch up like the Kerin? ...sooo, didn't try that yet. I have tried smaller socks too, but the heel placement doesn't fit right then (thinking they would bunch less in the toes). Any bunches equals foot pain.

I have not seen the SpeedPlays first hand, but been doing a lot of reading on their web site... think the X pedal is the widest contact for what they make in roads??? Would your lbs let you trade em in for a try? Could you sell your current SpeedPlays if the other worked to offset the cost? Maybe SpeedPlay customer service direct could help if you have not called already.

Just some more ideas, fwiw.

I'm having the numb toe issue too. I hate to give up my Specialized taho's, I love them and I can walk in them.
I was going to try an insert with some gel in the forefoot area. Has anyone tried that yet?

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Originally Posted by Miranda

Sorry you are having problems, but thx for this post. Nothing like the composite of great minds together. I have some blab of my own going on about what SpeedPlays to buy partially due to a similiar issue with my feet. You just aided in making my decision.

I am using a double sided mtb pedal that came on my road bike. SPD Shimano M505. Small surface area. First I rode in my mtb shoes that I wore to spin class. Diadoras. Not so stiff sole, major foot numb issues, etc. Then, I upgraded to a true road shoe. Sidi Zeta. Things improved with a stiffer sole, but I still don't think it's stiff enough. Next will be the all carbon. I wore the mtb shoes with that bike this w/e and both feet were numb. They are pretty flexy, that confirms the sole theory to me. Sigh...

Don't you just wish there was a Cycling Santa Claus that came in July and drop a bag full of bike goodies off at your front door? I'd put up a pine tree decorated with bike chain as garland if he'd come visit:rolleyes:. But, I digress with my fantasies:o... back to feet...

Socks... I get the bunched up sock issues. A tri friend of mine does just as posted. No socks. I think she's onto something. Here's my sock tries... mainly Pearl Izumi's. The x-static (men's race sock) and originals are pretty much the same thickness. The x-static bunches a bit less. I tried SheBeest no show socks, sorta thin, but bunch too. The PI Kerin sock is very thin with a arch center support... still bunches some in the toe for me. PI ladies ankle attack sock.... thicker than Kerins, but nice stretch forming factor, no bunch as of yet. PI also makes a silk lite sock which looks really thin, but in the pic on the web it looks baggy on the model's toes... wonder if it would bunch up like the Kerin? ...sooo, didn't try that yet. I have tried smaller socks too, but the heel placement doesn't fit right then (thinking they would bunch less in the toes). Any bunches equals foot pain.

I have not seen the SpeedPlays first hand, but been doing a lot of reading on their web site... think the X pedal is the widest contact for what they make in roads??? Would your lbs let you trade em in for a try? Could you sell your current SpeedPlays if the other worked to offset the cost? Maybe SpeedPlay customer service direct could help if you have not called already.

Just some more ideas, fwiw.

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why do your socks bunch? socks should not bunch.

Wow... I've been having the exact same problem with my Light Action pedals. I changed my shoes and socks, and it improved somewhat but not enough. I can go about 30 miles and then the burning pain through my toes starts. I love love love these pedals so much, though...

I've found myself wondering if there is any way to move the cleats back even further than the maximum... perhaps by lengthening the track in the adapter plate if that makes sense... Who thinks that might be possible?

When I am riding, I can feel very clearly that if that cleat could somehow be moved back by 1/2 a centimeter, it would really help.

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Originally Posted by rij73

Wow... I've been having the exact same problem with my Light Action pedals. I changed my shoes and socks, and it improved somewhat but not enough. I can go about 30 miles and then the burning pain through my toes starts. I love love love these pedals so much, though...

I've found myself wondering if there is any way to move the cleats back even further than the maximum... perhaps by lengthening the track in the adapter plate if that makes sense... Who thinks that might be possible?

When I am riding, I can feel very clearly that if that cleat could somehow be moved back by 1/2 a centimeter, it would really help.

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Don't quote me on this, but I think Speedplay sells an adapter to allow the cleats to be moved further back. You might check their webpage or give them a ring...

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Originally Posted by madscot13

why do your socks bunch? socks should not bunch.

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I don't know why the socks bunch:(. They go on ok, then the toe box area gets shifted or something and a crease or fold happens under the ball of my foot. Maybe my feet are narrow at the toe:confused:???

EDIT ADD: there is some type of section on the web site about shims for the cleats on SP web site, fwiw.

I was getting hot spots and cramps in my feet until I put insoles in my shoes. The green Super Feet insoles have completely solved my foot problems.

I highly recommend insoles (like Superfeet) and a metatarsal button. (not a met cushion, but a met button. if your shoe store doesn't know the difference, run away!)

Sometimes the metatarsal arch squishes down under the pressure of cycling (cuz all your push is running through your forefoot). If you are someone with a dropped met head or neuroma it can be REALLY painful. When that arch is squished or already dropped the nerves that run through there get compressed and misery ensues.

I was having terrible left foot pain with my Specialized Tahoes and my Speedplay Frogs. Put green Superfeet and met buttons in both shoes, and no problems since.

Superfeet berry and orange have low met buttons built into them, but they aren't beefy enough buttons for some folks.

have you tried wool socks? (thin)

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Originally Posted by KnottedYet

If you are someone with a dropped met head or neuroma it can be REALLY painful.

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Knotted, I have neuromas in both feet. That's why I got Specialized shoes which supposedly have the metatarsal button. I still have the pain, though. Not as bad as when walking, and not exactly the same, but more like just plain old hotfoot. Are the Superfeet metatarsal buttons better than the insoles that come standard in the Specialized shoes???

I had a lot of foot discomfort- numb toes, hot foot, cramping- when I recently switched from mountain biking pedals/shoes to road shoes and speedplay Xs. Turns out my road shoes were too narrow.

I switched to new shoes with a moldable insole (shimanos), and am very careful not to strap them too tightly. This has completely solved the foot problem.

Other tips: tight socks can contribute to this problem, in my experience. Also, my feet swell during the course of a long hot ride, so I sometimes loosen shoe straps mid-ride.

Try really loosening your shoes when the problem starts on a ride. If loosening the straps (a lot) helps with the discomfort, your shoes are probably too narrow/tight.

I've had intense pain in my right foot this summer (mostly in my big toe and ball of my foot) and after doing a lot of reading on the subject, I've come to the conclusion that there are any number of things that can cause it and any number of things that can solve it. Finding which one(s), can be difficult and costly. I would note that I have Look Keos and SIDI Zetas.

As others have mentioned, shoe fit and the shoe itself can cause foot pain and hot spots. Cleat position can make it worse or better, as can the insole of your shoe. I think my problem is largely caused by the fact that my foot swells a bit in the summer, causing my big toe to bump up against the top of the shoe. They otherwise feel fine in the rest of the year. My right foot is a tad bigger, too, which might explain why my left foot feels fine. I also think I may roll to the outside of my right foot a bit. There are inserts to help with that, too, but they seem to take up too much valuable room in my shoe.

I've experimented with new insoles (by Sole and another pair by Spenco that are supposesd to provide more arch support). They delayed the pain a bit but didn't eliminate it. I'm in the process of stretching the right shoe a bit with this contraption that will "bump up" the leather above my toe. If that doesn't work, I think I may have to try a different brand of shoe since SIDIS run narrow in the toe box. Beyond that, I'm ready to see a doctor.

I'd suggest starting with the cheapest fix and go from there, e.g., moving the cleat back and experimenting with different socks. From there, I would try a different insole (SOLE, Superfeet and Specialized Body Geometry are often recommended).

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Originally Posted by Becky

Don't quote me on this, but I think Speedplay sells an adapter to allow the cleats to be moved further back. You might check their webpage or give them a ring...

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Whoa! After a thorough review of the website, I found them!
They are called: ALUMINUM FORE-AFT EXTENDER BASE PLATE KIT

For $36 they give you a whole 14mm of additional rearward positioning. I am buying these right this second. Ninerfan, this may be the answer for both of us, though I also recommend thinner socks...

Thanks, Becky!

Edit: Glory Cycles and Competitive Cyclist have these for $25 plus reasonable shipping. Just ordered!

Thanks for all the feedback so far! A little bit more info: I actually already have Superfeet insoles in there, the gray ones, which I use mostly b/c of the arch support. My socks are relatively thin, though I have thought of the wool angle. My shoes are Sidi Raidens, which is apparently a Tri shoe! :eek: This is news to me. Could this have something to do with it?


Edit: I just ordered the extender too! Lets hope for the best!

check these out:

(there are lots of other choices too)

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=30859

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Originally Posted by mimitabby

check these out:

(there are lots of other choices too)

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=30859

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I just bought a pair of those. I love the way they fit but I haven't ridden in them.

I have a very high instep and if the buckle is to tight I will get numb feet. I use custom orthothics which also helps with the 1st met that drops lower than others.

Stretching my calves also seems to help foot, and knee, issues.

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Originally Posted by ninerfan

I love my Speedplay light action pedals. BUT.... I have major issues with hot foot.

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What size of shoe do you wear?

If you wear larger sizes, you may have to consider a different pedal to reduce hot spots. I wear 43's and was getting hot spots on the left foot. I use Speedplay Frogs and just for kicks, I swapped 'em out for the Crank Bros Candy pedals that came with my new mtb to see if it would help my hot foot. It helped today on my 40+ miles of riding. I am ordering new shoes in hopes that a stiffer sole will help.

I found consciously checking your form whilst pedaling and making a correction may help. You may be mashing too much and your feet are very unhappy with your technique.

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Originally Posted by beccaB

I'm having the numb toe issue too. I hate to give up my Specialized taho's, I love them and I can walk in them.
I was going to try an insert with some gel in the forefoot area. Has anyone tried that yet?

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Are you riding the road bike with the Tahos? These shoes have a lot of flex in them compared to the mtb race shoe. You might want to take a look at these or these. I can comfortably walk in them and use them as my road shoes. I wear the Tahos for mtbing. :)

i have speedplays also, and i sometimes get hotfoot when it's over 110 degrees outside and over a 15 mile ride. i just loosen up the straps a little and wiggle my feet left and right, pull up on the pedals instead of push down, and the hotfoot dwindles so i can continue my ride.

i used to get it constantly when i had mtb shoes and pedals, but with my zeroes, hardsoled sidi genus 5.5 shoes and lightweight socks i only get it when i should - like when its way hot.

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Originally Posted by Miranda

Socks... I get the bunched up sock issues. A tri friend of mine does just as posted. No socks. I think she's onto something. Here's my sock tries... mainly Pearl Izumi's. The x-static (men's race sock) and originals are pretty much the same thickness. The x-static bunches a bit less. I tried SheBeest no show socks, sorta thin, but bunch too. The PI Kerin sock is very thin with a arch center support... still bunches some in the toe for me. PI ladies ankle attack sock.... thicker than Kerins, but nice stretch forming factor, no bunch as of yet. PI also makes a silk lite sock which looks really thin, but in the pic on the web it looks baggy on the model's toes... wonder if it would bunch up like the Kerin? ...sooo, didn't try that yet. I have tried smaller socks too, but the heel placement doesn't fit right then (thinking they would bunch less in the toes). Any bunches equals foot pain.

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Maybe since your bunching is under your toes, you could try some toe socks? I love mine. I wear them for everything (except maybe super short distances where I wear some smartwools).

Mine are Injinjis... I don't know if others make athletic style toe socks. http://www.injinji.com

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Originally Posted by sundial

Are you riding the road bike with the Tahos? These shoes have a lot of flex in them compared to the mtb race shoe. You might want to take a look at these or these. I can comfortably walk in them and use them as my road shoes. I wear the Tahos for mtbing. :)

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Yes, I'm riding the road bike in the tahos. I maight have to wait until my paychecks start back up in the fall before investing in another pair of shoes. My husband has those that you mentioned, and I don't think he has quite the numbness or soreness I do. He says all he has to do is concentrate more on the lifting up motion and the soreness goes away. I bought some of the specialized inserts and got fitted at the bike store. I'm pretty flatfooted. It's not making a huge difference. I'm going to try adjusting the cleat forward or backward next.
As a side note, the bones in my feet have always been sensitive. I can't walk around barefooted on our wood floors for long.

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Originally Posted by colby

Maybe since your bunching is under your toes, you could try some toe socks? I love mine. I wear them for everything (except maybe super short distances where I wear some smartwools).

Mine are Injinjis... I don't know if others make athletic style toe socks. http://www.injinji.com

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I have never seen anything like that. Cool:cool:... thx for that link!