RT

This being the first year of my year-round commute, snow and ice aside, it has come to my attention that my regular human shoes do not get much use.

I have flatter feet, and have been battling plantar faciitis for about 10 years now, as well as the recently diagnosed tarsal tunnel syndrome. Good Feet and Walk Fit orthotics have helped tremendously, but the primary (and accidental) solution that makes my feet feel better is...my cycling shoes.

I found myself in the grocery store today, the post office, and the bike shop wearing my cycling shoes. My shoe selection no longer requires thought, as my feet feel significantly better in my MTB shoes. My guess is that with the orthotics, the stiff sole and better fit are what make the difference. As far as human shoes, several years ago I discovered a pair of Skechers that are so comfortable and are no longer in production, purchased the remaining five pairs that FogDog had on clearance, and never looked back. I hate to think of what is going to happen when they finally wear out.

Luckily, I work the second shift and it is a very casual environment (shorts, t-shirt, cycling shoes).

Anyone else deal with foot discomfort and have discovered odd solutions like this?

opie

Barefooted is my solution. I transitioned from running shoes to flats and Vibram Five Finger shoes. My knees don't hurt, my feet have higher arches and have actually gotten smaller and I feel great. I'll never wear another pair of shoes with a padded heal to do anything active (walking, running). If I could go barefoot 100% of the time I would. Shoes just suck

JeremyZ

opie - Earth shoes have negative heel technology too. You might look into them some time if you need something more dressy than five finger shoes.

Toddorado - You're lucky to be a cyclist then, and lucky to have a casual job like that. Glad you figured out what makes you tick.

Doohickie

Funny you mention the Skechers. I was planning on saying something like, "I live in my cycling shoes, too!" I use toe clips, so my Skechers are my usual bike shoes.

hairnet

Same. I've wrecked my mtb shoes from wearing 24/7 for a little over a year.

undisputed83

I have the same problem... but only with my Bibs... they're all I like to wear. If its a formal occasion... I just slap on a bow tie... and waalaa!!

Jtgyk

My MB Shoes fill the place of regular shoes quite often for me too.
I made sure to get my Specialized Tahoe-s in both black and in brown to wear at work.