Balls of feet keep cramping up

[Donna1960]

Hi all,
This is my first pair of cycling shoes. I have about 250 miles on them and the balls of my feet tend to cramp up after 10 miles or so even if I loosen them. First the bike shop I got them at said to allow a break in period and when I went back the other day he said maybe switching out the insoles if they don't get better. it's been pretty hot here but even after the weather broke it still feels the same. The shoes are Giro Solara. I have wide feet but they feel as though there is plenty of room in them. Thoughts? thanks in advance!

[rebeccaC]

If your shoe/cleat/pedal fit and position and pedal stroke are good then orthotics may help. Even small adjustments to the cleat position can help. Do you have a good fitter that can look at your setup? If it’s a nerve pinch then definitely orthotics will help.

You might try lifting your shoe/pedal instead of down force for a minute, alternating feet, and standing once in a while. That helps if I start getting foot discomfort on a long ride.

[OakLeaf]

+1 on checking the fit. It could be something about the shoe/pedal/cleat combination, or it could be coming from higher up in the chain. Do you point or flex your ankles while pedaling?

What kind of pedals? Smaller pedals give some people trouble.

[Donna1960]

Well I "assume" the guy that set me up is good although I do not have anyone else to compare him to. Other customers of his certainly rave about him. He marked the balls of my feet before installing the cleats. I am trying to make sure I am not subconsciously "clenching" my feet especially where I am new to clipless. I will try your suggestions and any other ideas that others may have. I do not race but I do like my long rides of 80+ miles but I have yet to go more than 40 miles with these shoes so far and with the cramping I am worried about being able to go longer...thanknyounfor your help

[Donna1960]

Oakleaf I have the "lollipop" pedals which was by his suggestion...

[rebeccaC]

Oakleaf I have the "lollipop" pedals which was by his suggestion...

Donna, I use speedplay's and they work fine for me. Sometimes with a smaller pedal you can get problems, hot spots etc., from mashing so I spin more than mash. If you're confident in the position of the cleat then have the fitter look at your pedal stroke too. Again I'll mention orthotic insoles if the problem persists after you're sure of the shoe/cleat fit and position and pedal stroke is okay. I have a wide foot too and found Carnac's to work well for me.

[Donna1960]

I'll do that Rebecca...thanks for the help!