AFO brace and shoe mods, looking for help
 

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I've managed to squeeze my AFO brace into my Giro MTB shoe, but only because I wear a size or so larger for a bigger toe box. Even so, I am too cramped for more than an hour on the trainer.

I'm wondering if anyone has modified or cut a shoe. I bought some well used MTB shoes specifically to cut for indoor use. I'm having the brace adjusted tomorrow and will discuss that with the tech...

I wear Allard BlueRocker AFO's and wear my normal shoes I hop around in. Can't find cycling shoes which are 4E and fit a high arch. Definitely talk to your Orthotist, about adjustment and get his or her suggestions.

Guessing you wear yours for drop foot issues? I'm facing TibialTalus fusion before long, the AFO brace is buying me time. The orthotist suggested, wider shoes, more toe box room.The Orthopedic Center I might use for the fusion, offers physical therapy, and in that group, they offer bicycle fitting. I opted for that. Ultimately, I'm doing nothing wrong, tweaks include shorter crank arm lengths, a switch to compact crankset is suggested, and skipping cycling shoes for platform pedals, the Pedaling Innovations Catalyst is a great choice, and a more midfoot placement over the pedal spindle...

Mine is part drop foot, I deal with Cerebral Palsy and spina bifida, a leg length issue, hip issues, and spasticity issues. Makes some rides interesting and a nice 8 or 9 mile bike ride is nice exercise for body, muscles, mind and soul. I am in the process to get new inserts and new BlueRockers, got that appointment done.

Brotherman! Congrats for just being out there!

After I sprained my left ankle almost 3 years ago, I just couldn't get it to heal. I was a lot heavier then (140 pounds lost since then).

I had my left knee replaced 9 years ago, 6 level spinal fusion 8 years ago. Which has highlighted my scoliosis. My right knee is failing now. I had my right achilles tendon repaired 3 years ago, just a couple months before spraining my right ankle...

I'm comfortable in the AFO brace, the Orthotic guy explained why he made it the way he did, and what he thought I should ask the surgeon.I saw the surgeon last week. So TibialTalus fusion is coming. But the brace buys me time, maybe to get the right knee done first...

Some days, I really just don't want to get going...

zjrog Do you use a cleat on the MTB shoes for you cycling? I you can use just a regular running shoe, New Balance has most of their offerings in a 4E width, I wear a 990 v4, 11-1/2, 4E running shoe to allow thick socks to be used (feet have neuroma related to Parkinson;s Disease.) They ave trail running and hiking shoes that would have the soles Akon to our MTB shoes, if that is something you need.

Kudos to you and Kent T for keeping the riding up, cycling is my means of managing and dealing with PD, and its symptoms and the clutter in my head from daily life.

Bill

I have cleats in the shoes, but only use them indoors. I don't feel safe outdoors with the clipped in pedals, after breaking my back. I FEEL more fragile than my surgeon swears I am not... She suggested I never lift more than 1000 pounds.

I've been wearing Brook's Adrenaline in size 13. But they are just a little tight with the AFO. I'm currently in a Victos branded shoe, advertised as a wide toe box for toe splay when under load. I wore New Balance for years. But the last couple pair I tried were not as supportive as what I used to remember them for. My podiatrist got me started on Brooks.

Swapping to large platform pedals, I can use good sneakers.

I have drop foot. I did not like the AFOs that fit in the shoe so I searched and found the Turbomed. I can use it with any shoe I own to include sandals, hiking shoes, running shoes, riding shoes, and dress shoes. For my bike I use pedal extenders to keep the inner part of the external brace from hitting the crank arm. I use my Turbomed for walking, running, and hiking too. The brace was covered by my insurance. I bring this up just to offer another option since it was a game changer for me. It may or may not work for everyone.

Always happy when people find what works for them. I looked at that, but it is not offering me support of the ankle structure.

I really hate that I'm just now finding out about this AFO. I've tried a bunch of them and I've hated almost all of them

:rolleyes:

I had Tibial Talus ankle fusion and midfoot metatarsal fusion 3 weeks ago. No more pain. Been off meds for 2 weeks. All looked good last week at my 2 week checkup...
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I have no idea what cycling looks like on tbe other side of this...

I'd be willing to bet it looks like sunny days and sweat, same as it did before.

My current AFO is very rigid. I can't use my ankle at all while I'm wearing it. I still love cycling and In my case my injury just required spiked pedals and patience.

I hope you find out similarly easy to get back on

I'm hoping you are correct. Riding with my AFO and spiked pedals wasn't horrible. Patience though, is not my strongest trait.

Patience, hard work, willingness to be creative, and think outside the box (and limitations) will carry you far in life, and in cycling. Some Paralympic cyclists have taught me much (and how to prevail). As they had time trials near my home bike path several years ago. Made some friends of mine still riding and competing.

My 2 cents worth
 

Hi I'm a newbie cyclist, with several physical issues including a drop foot, lack of sensation and muscle wastage on the one side (spinal nerve damage). I also where the Allard Bluerocker 2.5, and spend most of my time in Dr Comfort double depth shoes that handle the AFO easily enough. My major adjustments for cycling having been to find a saddle height thats a decent compromise so that both legs are fairly ok. Obvs I use mid-foot pressure on the bad leg, and I just wear my normal shoes. I've been averaging 20mi most days pretty easily, but it's early days, so an overuse or similar injury might crop up because I'm not operating symmetrically. My biggest problem right now is having absolutely no glute on the bad leg side - nerve issue. I'm going to have to build some padding especially for that side I think. Because of my lack of sensation down the bad leg and the resultant lesser "grip" my foot can feel with that pedal, I think my may be working my "good" leg much harder, which is something I'd prefer not to do. Any comments or suggestions are most welcome.