Now about my feet!

[mimitabby]

Do you use bike shoes?
While you are pedalling, focus on pulling for a while instead of pushing.
(you can't do that if you don't have something like pedal clips)
ease the pressure off the soles of your feet.
also, have you tried wool socks?

[tulip]

Regular sneakers have soft soles, and the pedal can put alot of pressure on your feet. Cycling shoes have stiffer soles, even the ones designed to walk in.

[Kano]

What they're saying about shoes -- even without the pedals, bike shoes made a WORLD of difference for my feet, which have more than enough fat on them to share, if I could!

Karen in Boise

[CorsairMac]

I always try and flex my feet inside my shoes when I'm riding:

I'll curl my toes under and then splay them out as far apart as my shoes allow. I have real problems with my feet also, and it seems to be worse this year than last but that seems to help. Sometimes after a really long ride, I'll stretch and flex my feet just like I do my calf and thigh muscles. You might also try massageing your feet after a ride - see if that helps any.

[emjae]

I have round callous buildup right there at the ball of the left foot which would burn after pedalling a long distance. I bought a pair of bike shoes by Specialized which eased the burning sensation. These shoes have a wide toe box, which allows me to flex my toes and the firm sole helps prevent pressure building up. That being said, I noticed on Sunday's ride that after about 34 miles, I was getting that burning sensation again right at the bottom of the ball (left foot). Stopping and removing shoes and socks and massaging the foot a few minutes solved the problem. I also noticed the socks were wet, so another lesson learned: use a sock that doesn't sweat. I also bought a gel pad (Dr. Scholl') to use under that part of the foot, but haven't tried it out yet. I am interested in hearing what adjustments you make and whether they solve the problem, and what "experiences of the sole" others have had.

[Bicyclette]

Ladies... you are wonderful!! I think you've probably hit the nail on the head with the shoes! I don't use bike shoes - in fact, yesterday I switched out shoes to a pair of Columbia shoes I bought about a year ago - what a difference!! I don't think I had the foot pain this morning - but I wasn't paying attention because I didn't think switching shoes would make a difference! So - I'm definitely going to try various shoes and see what happens...

I LOVE foot massages!! Now I have an excuse to get my husband to give me one .... every day!!

I have wool socks but I don't wear them for cycling.. should they help?

Thanx so much! I love this place

[mimitabby]

wool socks are good for several reasons. When you sweat, they still feel good; and they cushion your feet.. and i've noticed that the hot spots don't show up as much as they do when i wear acrylic socks.
they make them thick and thin.