Pain in instep when cycling clipped

[Mr. BlueBug32]

What kind of insoles are you using, and are they appropriate for your arch? If you're not properly supporting the arch during the pedal stroke, you can end up with some issues. Just something to look at.

Sounds also like the problem is the same as my current issue, likely due to poor footbeds as well as high resistance/pointing the toe too much.

[Cataboo]

I'm just using the footbeds that came with my shoes. One's a pair of sidi bullets, one's a pair of shimano something, and the other's a pair of cannondale something or other. (The latter 2 not being very expensive shoes). Then I've got the keen commuters.

I actually generally hate arch support. I don't have very arched feet and arch support in my shoes annoys me when walking.

I do mash more than I should.

Thanks

[Softie]

Here's some info if flat feet might be playing a factor.

Arch supports take time to get used to. Especially if you have flat feet, they'll be uncomfortable and can even make your feet sore and tired faster to start (at least I've found), and if you go too long without wearing them you'll notice the transition back. They also take a bit of time to sink into the shoe and get comfy. You could try a softer support, or putting them under your normal insole that comes with your shoe. If you foot has a tendency to go flat in the arch when you push down on it, you may be compensating without thinking about it by flexing your toes and foot to keep your arch up.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I do mash more than I should.

Thanks

If you are pointing your toes while mashing frequently, I would think this would certainly cause you some foot discomfort.

[Cataboo]

Well, I've been concentrating on all the good advice that you guys have given me while riding - and my rides last week were just slightly painful, and my rides the last 2 days were pretty much pain free in my instep.

Of course, I'm not sure which part of the good advice fixed it, but I'm gonna settle for pain free and be happy about that!

Thanks!

[Cataboo]

I've been riding the litespeed for the last couple weeks... It's got a compact double with 170 cranks... I'd rather not have the 170's, but I've been giving them a shot before spending the money to upgrade... And I haven't had any foot issues the last couple weeks...

So yesterday, I took out my carbon bike 'cause my wrists were aching (It's more wrist friendly), and went riding... About a mile into the ride, my foot started aching, and by 5 miles or so it was killing and I had to stop and walk it off... This bike's got a 165 mm triple on it. I doubt it's the length of the cranks, but I'm wondering if the q factor on the triple is causing the issue. I can brush up against the front derailleur with my calf on that side.

I used to ride the carbon more often and maybe that's why I was having the constant pain.

[Cataboo]

switched back & rode the litespeed the next day... No foot pain.

Bah. I don't want to give up on my triple.

[tctrek]

switched back & rode the litespeed the next day... No foot pain.

Bah. I don't want to give up on my triple.

Are you going to make a list of everything that's different in the geometry of the bikes and figure out anything you can change out on your carbon so that you don't have foot pain? Do you wear the same shoes on both bikes? What a shame to have a bike you love that hurts you!!

[Cataboo]

I am wearing the same shoes on both bikes. The bikes are pretty much set up exactly identical other than crank arm length & one being a triple.

I've got a 3rd road bike that I was going to sell... it's a double with 165 cranks, so I'll ride that to make sure it doesn't hurt my instep... and if that's the case, then I think it must be the q factor on the triple cranks... and I'll swap all the pieces off the double that I was going to sell on to my carbon frame and vice versa... and sell the triple....

It'll be a mild pain in my neck swapping all the pieces and I wouldn't have a triple anymore... I know theoretically I can get all the gears with a compact double, especially if I put a climbing casette on the back... but it's really nice how close you can get the gear spacing on a triple... You never really have to hunt for a comfortable gear.

[Cataboo]

Alright, after multiple annoying 5 mile rides and going back to change something or get a new bike to do another 5 mile ride.

I've decided that;
- too high seatposts causes right foot pain
- superfeet or arch support in my shoes causes excruciating right foot pain, which then makes me think it's the bike.
- 165 cranks are fine, 170 cranks are fine, and triples are fine.


Arch support or insoles just seem like the arch is too far forward in comparison to where my arch actually is on the right foot and it hurts. My left foot doesn't seem to care.