Socks/Pedals - need wisdom/opinions!

[FreshNewbie]

i have specialized torch for women since last year, and i love them. I feel like i am wearing my running shoes. Btw, they are on sale right now!

[bcipam]

Your first post was almost written by me... except I switched from Speedplay X-2's to Dura Ace which I think is similar to the Ultegra pedal. I still get hot spots but not as bad. The Dura Ace pedal like the Look pedal has a broad platform.

I've tried it all - carbon soles shoes, different shoes (but I always come back to Sidi's), socks, fittings etc, I still get hot spots. Doctor has explained my foot has been injuried over and over again and I have a neuroma and I just have to deal with it (or have surgery). The wider platform helped a lot. Having good fitting shoes (not to wide or too narrow) shoes do as well. But I just know my feet will start hurting (around 40 - 50 miles) and I have to 1) wiggle my toes around, 2) stop and rest my foot, 3) unclipped from the other pedal (alternating my feet), 4) spin not push etc.

As to socks, most cycling socks are pretty thin which is why I like them. I like Defeet, SockGuy, Pearl, etc. Most are thin, supportive and comfortable and will wick away moisture (also important).

[tprevost]

Okay, so today I went around looking at pedals etc. and bought 3 new pairs of socks and a pair of specialized shoes to check out. I also made an appt with a guy for a cleat fitting to see if perhaps it has more to do with where my cleats are on my shoes etc.

I'm doing this tomorrow and will look forward to seeing how it all feels on Monday... so Pam, you're probably the one who'll get to hear the whining! Just kidding!

This is just really bothering me because I have never had this issue before so I know its possible to get rid of it, I just have to keep testing different things to see what works!

Thanks!

Tracy

[Jones]

I have one bike with Dura-ace pedals and one with Ultegra pedals and they are virtually the same. I have a neuroma in my left foot and have to be real careful with all shoes, not just bike shoes. These may be the goofy looking socks ever but they really help. http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...cat=REI_SEARCH

[KnottedYet]

Ooh,I've been wanting to try a pair of those! (neuroma in my left foot too) I'm doing an REI shopping expedition with a friend this weekend, maybe I'll get a pair!

[Nanci]

Hey, I wear those Injinji socks for long runs. I have the black and sand, and have just bought a pair of the new pink ones. They are great for preventing blisters. They have somewhat of a reputation of wearing more quickly than normal, so I "horde" them and only wear them on my serious runs- like marathon or longer. They feel weird when you first put them on, but you forget about them after a little while. Tons of ultrarunners wear them.

Nanci

[caligurl]

good luck with the shoes! i hope they work for you! (especially as i sang specialized's praises so much!)

[bcipam]

. These may be the goofy looking socks ever but they really help. http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...cat=REI_SEARCH

OK those are about the weirdest socks Ive ever seen but I might just run over to REI after work today and buy a pair to wear on Monday - so Tracy - you might hear me whining!!!!! Actually they look like they might also help with my hiking so I'll give them a try.

[SadieKate]

I'm finding more and more articles recommending custom rigid orthotics for hot foot. It isn't a heat issue, it is pressure on nerves. I've even seen articles recommending them for Morton's Neuroma.

http://www.cyclingforums.com/articles/a-104.html

Google Andy Pruit, orthotics, hot foot, etc., and you'll find loads of info.

TsPoet - how rigid are those eSoles?

[maillotpois]

I almost always wear ultralight smartwool running socks:

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...cat=REI_SEARCH

They are super thin and light. Never get too hot.

Those tetra socks are wild. They sponsor the FC 508, and a lot of ultra endurance folks love them. I don't know if I owuld like the material between the toes, though. Hmm.

[tprevost]

Looks like I'm going to be making a trip to REI soon for some of these socks! I've got three different kinds now to pick up!

I did my cleat fitting today and he made some significant adjustments in placement so we'll see how that goes.... he did say that if that didn't work we could try some of those orthotics - he said that they heat them up and then you step on them to customize them to your feet. I really hope that between the cleat adjustments and the new socks, I'll be okay!

Keepin' my fingers crossed!!!!

Tracy

ps. thank you for that link SK, it confirms I'm trying all the right remedies!!!

[KnottedYet]

"they heat them up and then you step on them...."


Oh, please please please be so careful with those heat 'em up insoles! They mold to your unhappy foot, and then force your foot back into that unhappy position with every step (or spin). You want someone who will do the insoles to CORRECT the unhappy foot, not just mimic it.

For example: if you have a dropped met head that is causing hot spots, then step on the moldable insole, you've just made a mold of a very dropped met head (full pressure on a soft surface = big drop). Now every time your foot meets that insole the met head has no choice but to drop! There's nothing to hold it up cuz the insole is dipped there!

Make sure the person doing the job knows what position to place your hindfoot relative to your forefoot, and that they align your tibia to your 2nd ray. Your calcaneous should be in a neutral position. (most end up getting molded into a valgus position) The salesperson should physically correct your foot and cue you how to hold that correction, not just have you step on the thing.

Superfeet runs an educational program for the heat-molders, make sure the person who does yours has been through the entire program, not just taught by someone else who did.

Oh, those heat moldable over-the-counter insoles make me so nervous..... I'm gonna have to go have a lie down and a piece of chocolate....

[tprevost]

Oh KnottedYet!

Thank you for the info! If I have to go that route, I will check on where the guy was trained. Supposedly he is the only guy in south riverside county trained to do the cleat adjustment and insole (foot issues) thing.

Fortunately I am pretty sure it was a cleat adjustment thing as I have done some pretty heavy duty riding in the past and never had this issue before. But things change, so I suppose you never know!

So I hope you enjoyed your chocolate enough for both of us! I'll let you know if you need to grab some more!!!

Thank you again for the info - I would've never thought of the issues you brought up!

Tracy

[KnottedYet]

Whew! Sorry I got a little overexcited there. Went for a ride and a walk, feeling muuuuuuch better now.

Foot/knee/hip issues are dear to my heart. I used to customize temporary orthotics. I just get a little worked up....

[Tiffanie]

i have specialized torch for women since last year, and i love them. I feel like i am wearing my running shoes. Btw, they are on sale right now!

Where are they on sale right now?