![]() Inappropriately placed cleats is another contributor to foot pain in cycling. Some research or an appointment with your bike fitter could prove valuable in this regard. ![]() Brands tend to have certain characteristics in regards to width, shape, cleat hole placement, materials used, and range of sizing and width options. Whilst nothing beats seeing the shoe in the flesh, companies such as Lake and Bont have developed good online guidance on their websites for sizing and choosing suitable shoes.Ī good knowledge of shoe brands can also increase the likelihood of finding a well-fitting shoe. However, this is becoming increasingly difficult, with less shops stocking shoes due to the tendency to buy online. I always recommend to my clients to try shoes on before purchasing to determine if it fits your foot. Shoes with heat moulding can also provide a more customised fit. A two boa (or similar) system provides firm fastening and will allow you to control the shoe’s volume of the forefoot and rearfoot independently. The closing system of the shoe can individualise and improve the fit to your foot shape and size. I generally tell people that if the shape of their foot does not look like the shape of the shoe, they are likely to run into problems! The use of a good cycling specific insole can help to alleviate pressure by distributing load more evenly, which I will address later.Īnother aspect of the shoe to consider is the shape and curvature of the sole, known as the last. However, carbon fibre soled shoes produce higher peak plantar pressures than those of plastic design (18% at 400w), which some feet may not cope with. Greater shoe stiffness results in less shoe flex and less energy wastage during power transfer, increasing cycling efficiency, hence the widespread use of carbon fibre soles, especially in top end shoes. The hardness of the sole may also be of consideration if you suffer from foot pain or numbness. Shoe brands that produce shoes in half sizes and varying widths, such as Lake, Shimano, and Sidi, will increase your chances of finding a cycling shoe that fits well. “Our Vaypor S for example, comes in 19 sizes and four widths (narrow, standard, wide and Asian fit), before you even consider semi and full custom options”. They have also created a range to suit most people’s needs. “There’s only a few brands out there to offer a true wide fit as there are inherent costs on the manufacturing side – with an entire range of wide lasts needed for production – as opposed to simply offering a larger volume and taller upper shoe built on the standard width sole”. “Our wide fit shoes have always been a true wide fit and this means the base is actually wider than a standard fit,” acknowledges Bont’s Global Marketing Manager, Alex Malone. Shoes that are too big can also result in toe clawing as the foot tries to gain some stability, overloading the intrinsic foot muscles and leading to plantar fascia pain.īont are a shoe brand known for their wide fits. Many people buy shoes that are just not wide enough for their feet, particularly around the toe box, resulting in issues with compression.Īnother common mistake is to size up to increase width, which then presents other problems such as the cleat holes being too far forward and hence being unable to position the cleat optimally, the foot slipping forward in the shoe, or the arch being located in the wrong position. The size and width of the shoe are the first things to consider. We all come in different shapes and sizes, and that includes our feet! Unfortunately, obtaining a well fitting shoe can be quite complex. A badly fitting shoe will either create pain in the case of an overly tight shoe, or create an unstable environment in the case of a loose shoe. ![]() ![]() Ronan Descy from Form Bikefitting, who worked as a bike fitter for 15 years and now designs and sells a variety of shims, wedges and other bike fitting products, reiterates this:“Shoe fit is paramount. Correct fitting shoes is one of the most, if not the most important factor in avoiding foot pain. You may have invested in one of the best cycling shoes, but that’s no good if it doesn’t fit you right. ![]()
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