feet

[Kano]

Sometimes we see threads about feet.

They hurt, they burn, what all ever.

We see "get orthotics" or "footbeds" or "adjust your cleats"

I've had good luck with adjusting the cleats, but oh my gosh, the difference a new pair of shoes made for me! When I started riding, I bought a pair of Specialized Taho shoes. Price was a factor, plus, they looked a little bit like "normal" shoes. I bought them so that they were "comfortable" on my feet when I was walking around.

My feet were okay for about 12 miles, then I started having to wiggle, I guess, to keep them happy.

I lost weight. Those comfy shoes got seriously loose! My feet were slopping around in there like nobody's business! So, this spring, I went to the LBS and bought a new pair of shoes in a smaller size. As long as I was getting a new pair, I figured I'd upgrade. I got the Specialized MotoDiva's.

(this could be a bad thing -- now they REALLY look like DH's shoes, and he took my Taho's with him instead of his shoes one day when he went off to do a ride with some folk. Then he had no shoes...)

They are stiffer, they are snug, if I don't keep my toenails short, my big toes get some pressure.

BUT MY FEET ARE HAPPY NO MATTER HOW FAR I GO!!!!!

So, what I'm suggesting is make sure the shoe fits, and hey, like cushy saddles, comfy shoes aren't necessarily comfy for riding!

Karen in Boise

[Zen]

You know what they say...


.

[lph]

big feet....






BIG shoes.

A male friend of mine with really huge feet loves saying that, with the appropriate eyebrow raising and innuendo in between.

Sorry, I guess that was really off-topic. Just couldn't resist.

Back on topic - yes, after umpteen rides with completely numb feet I've finally realized I do need real roadie pedals and real roadie shoes, not the small SPD mtb-pedals I've been using til now. Besides, I want red shoes :-D

[sundial]

Those comfy shoes got seriously loose!

Mine were a little loose too until I put a pair of Soles in them. Now they fit just right.

[mimitabby]

congrats on the weight loss!

and as for bike shoes, Raleighdon wore out a pair of Sidi's.
I asked him how many miles he'd put on them. He didn't know.
He knows how many miles he's put on each of his 30 dollar tires, but not
on his $200+ shoes!? (he rode over 8000 last year)

Even shoes wear out.

[Kano]

Yup, lph -- mine are still the MTB shoes, but better, stiffer ones. It made a huge difference!

Sundial -- I agree, some kind of insoles can make a difference and fill up a bit of extra space. Mine were that nasty sloppy kind of loose that it would have taken about four pair of socks to fill up. But that wasn't my point in posting about the shoes and the shrinking feet. My surprise was in discovering that the shoe that felt good when fit properly is not nearly as comfortable for riding as the shoe that felt hard and not so comfortable (mind you, they're not a tight fit) fit properly!

Thank you Mimi!


Fair warning to those of you working on great weight loss: EVERYTHING winds up not fitting!

Karen in Boise

[sundial]

...(he rode over 8000 last year)

8000 miles??

[OakLeaf]

Even shoes wear out.

I'm actually getting considerable wear on my ratchet straps after only 2500. This is a bummer. I may wind up having to replace my shoes and cleats together. Are more expensive shoes more durable? Does anyone still make lace-ups?

[Zen]

big feet....






BIG shoes.

You bad girl.
I was thinking "if the shoe fits, wear it"

[ibcycling]

Congrats on the weight loss and finding good shoes!

What kind of shoes you need can depend on why your feet hurt though. I've got Morton's Neuroma in both my feet so there is no way I can wear snug road shoes.

Lora