Polaris OBark

I mean, compared to cycling shorts and jerseys.

rsbob 

Here’s why: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycling_shoe.

Wiki has a ton of info on the most obscure subjects

urbanknight

They get less stiff as you get older.

seypat

They have Viagra/Cialis mixed into the compound matrix so that your pedaling will be funtional.

Steve B.

Added stiffness bettor supports the foot.

seypat

Athletic supporters make the world go around.

rumrunn6

I don't understand comparing shoes with clothing

ofajen

At a minimum, if you are using old metal racing pedals or modern clipless pedals, the shoe needs a stiff midsole to distribute pedal force over more of the foot other than just the part right over the small surface pushing back on the bottom of the shoe. After all, the pedal force can equal or exceed your body weight.

With big platform pedals, it’s not an issue. Really not much more taxing than, say, running, at least in my experience.

Otto

Ed Wiser

Road shoes need to be stiff. If the sole is not stiff you will get foot pain from petaling.

rsbob 

If you have ‘stiff’ cycling shorts (or a jersey), there is probably something else going on. See a doctor.

indyfabz

Seek immediate medical attention for stiff cycling shoes lasting longer that 4 hrs.

Polaris OBark

I was just trying to riff/emulate/make fun of those other threads about bicycling threads ...

https://www.bikeforums.net/general-c...-so-short.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/general-c...s-so-long.html

FWIW, I had to buy the stiffest XC shoes I could fine to avoid pain (flat flexible feet). So the real question is why are so many bike shoes not stiff?

b88

My cycling shoes were pretty worn out so I had to break in new ones. 2 rides later, my ankle is so swollen I can barely walk. So I wasted a couple bills on New Balance walking shoes and tried riding with those. Nope. Prob out of commission for god knows how long. Depressing.

Polaris OBark

In general, the more flexible your shoe, the wider flat pedal you would need.

What cycling shoes did you get? Maybe we can help you get sorted ...

Nothing should do that to your ankle.

Eric F 

Stiff shoes are where it's at. My MTB and road shoes are identical (Bont Riot+) except for the tread on the sole and bolt pattern. Same heat-moldable carbon tub and upper. Riding in flexible shoes makes my feet hurt, too.

urbanknight

b88

I got 2 pairs Five Ten eps free rider insulated regular and mids. Then a pair of walking shoes New Balance 928 Hook & Loop.

I’m using the Crank Brothers Stamp 7 flat pedals.

Polaris OBark

My experience with Five Tens is the shoes are ok but the insoles are complete garbage. My wife had a similar experience, and had terrible cramps until she bought a pair of good insoles (probably another $50 is the last thing you want to spend, but if you already have some, it might be worth a try, or get them from somewhere with a generous return policy).

PeteHski

I'm curious as to what shoes you think come with "good" insoles as stock? IME stock insoles are throwaway items in almost all shoes. I usually replace them with Specialized Green insoles for more arch support. But it all depends on your individual feet. Some people require custom insoles in all their shoes. Others do fine with stock insoles, which are usually pretty flat/neutral.

Polaris OBark

My Shimano XC shoes came with high-quality insoles. They are even heat-moldable (as were the shoes). But they fit me fine without that. The insoles have 3 different arch support inserts a user can try (I have different ones r/l), and something customizable up front as well.

Most shoes (bike or otherwise) come with at least neutral stock insoles that would probably work for most people.

Five-Tens seem to have the worst, cheapest and most pain-inducing insoles of any bike shoes I have owned. The ones that came in my wife's shoes were somehow even worse.

PeteHski

Out of curiosity I just had a look at the insoles in my FiveTen Freeride Pros and they are your typical generic neutral insoles. Ironically these are the only bike shoes I wear without an aftermarket insole and they are very comfortable for casual mtb riding.

Polaris OBark

I think this is what my wife has:

https://www.adidas.com/us/five-ten-f...es/GZ4656.html

When I removed the insoles, they essentially had no structure at all, just very thin pieces of floppy structureless foam material. The shoes were new, but I couldn't imagine them holding up for more than a few rides.

The ones in my two sets of shoes, Impact Pro from about 6 hears ago (one high ankle, one low), were a bit better in that regard, but still benefitted from replacement.