best LEAST stiff shoes
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best LEAST stiff shoes
looking for the least stiff shoes. currently riding fitzik x5 leading to metatarsal pain. CLIPLESS
Last edited by finnstones; 07-29-20 at 12:42 PM.
#2
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those shoes with separated toes like vibram 5 fingers ?
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Keds. Or whatever the latest, most fashionable sneaker is.
Trouble is, you'll be miserable on anything smaller than a large platform pedal. Which is fine if that's what you want. But if you're clipping into your pedals, that not-stiff sole is going to wrap around the pedal, and you're going to feel like your feet are on fire after 20 miles.
Perhaps you make sure your current shoes are wide enough for your feet at the balls of your foot. If possible, loosen the forward strap(s) to give your feet more room.
Trouble is, you'll be miserable on anything smaller than a large platform pedal. Which is fine if that's what you want. But if you're clipping into your pedals, that not-stiff sole is going to wrap around the pedal, and you're going to feel like your feet are on fire after 20 miles.
Perhaps you make sure your current shoes are wide enough for your feet at the balls of your foot. If possible, loosen the forward strap(s) to give your feet more room.
#6
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What's causing the pain? 'Metatarsal pain' isn't descriptive enough.
If it's pressure of foot on pedal, you need more surface area than SPD cleats provide. That means flat pedals like the Ergons that have been mentioned, pinned flat pedals like DMR V12s and a whole lot of other pedals, Speedplays, which claim to have more surface area than clipless pedals, or maybe road shoes and pedals.
I think a stiffer sole will also help reduce pressure (pounds/square inch, etc.). If I were riding clipped in, I think I'd want Bont shoes - the stiffest shoe I've used was the cheapest Bont, and I imagine their more expensive shoes are even stiffer, but I expect all the high end maker make stiff shoes.
I'll tell you, though: I rode with stiff shoes, toe clips, straps, and sometimes cleats, and I like modern pinned flats and Five Ten Freeriders better, because my feet feel better with the modern solution.
If it's pressure of foot on pedal, you need more surface area than SPD cleats provide. That means flat pedals like the Ergons that have been mentioned, pinned flat pedals like DMR V12s and a whole lot of other pedals, Speedplays, which claim to have more surface area than clipless pedals, or maybe road shoes and pedals.
I think a stiffer sole will also help reduce pressure (pounds/square inch, etc.). If I were riding clipped in, I think I'd want Bont shoes - the stiffest shoe I've used was the cheapest Bont, and I imagine their more expensive shoes are even stiffer, but I expect all the high end maker make stiff shoes.
I'll tell you, though: I rode with stiff shoes, toe clips, straps, and sometimes cleats, and I like modern pinned flats and Five Ten Freeriders better, because my feet feel better with the modern solution.
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ok thanks. I am not sure what is causing the pain. it was my most recent bike read about 5 days ago. i think i probably pedal too much with my feet.
AHA, i had it all wrong. yes i need a stiffer shoe to help. currently using a FITZIK TERRA X5. i do not want a flat pedal. I am using DMR V twins.
any suggestions other than Bonta?
AHA, i had it all wrong. yes i need a stiffer shoe to help. currently using a FITZIK TERRA X5. i do not want a flat pedal. I am using DMR V twins.
any suggestions other than Bonta?
#8
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Try some ProFoot Miracle insoles. They cost only $8-$10 at Walgreen's. I use 'em in my Fizik and Scott clipless road shoes. Immediately resolved some metatarsal hot-foot pain I experienced during long or harder effort rides. Much better than the original insoles included with those shoes, including Scott's fancy looking insole with detachable pads for the metatarsal, arches, etc.
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I had metatarsal pain last year as well. The first thing you need to do is see a podiatrist. The second thing you need to do is to buy an orthotic insole specifically designed to relief metatarsal pain. I use this Lynco insole:
notice that there is a bump on the insole that goes just behind the ball of your second toe. There are also peel-off spots to relieve pressure on whichever spot has the issue (typically the ball if your second tie)
notice that there is a bump on the insole that goes just behind the ball of your second toe. There are also peel-off spots to relieve pressure on whichever spot has the issue (typically the ball if your second tie)
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#11
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My bet is that most soles that are in use on bicycles deform to some degree. At least that's what marketers say - one of the differentiators between models is stiffness.
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I could also argue that the DMR V-Twin pedal while a wide platform does not matter because the surface area is rendered pointless by the cleat which to a significant degree is mostly the only point of contact during biking?
#14
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The large cage on the DMR pedal is for when you're using 'regular' street shoes.
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