Aching Feet !

[squiddley]

May sound a silly question.
Anyway bought a new bike and i am using SPD's,first time i have used these,on my other bike i was using standard pedals with toe clips,anyway since using SPD's,i'm getting this tingling feeling in my toes,the shoes aren't tight,which was first thought.

Anybody know what it might be?

Thanks in advance.

Squidd..

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

Not silly at all Squid. With running i would always wear shoes designed to fit my feet. This made a world of difference regarding comfort and stability. What shoes/cleats you cycling with?

Anyhoo, there are quite a few things that could be causing this. For example:
(maybe not all apply)

• Are your shoes the correct size? Might seem obvious but Shimano, for example, do "wide fit" variations for most sizes which allow wider feet a little more room. Nerves can be pinched causing tingles. I for one use wide fitting shoes. This after a fitting. I have freaky feet.
• Feet could be getting cold? Causing a numb sensation. There are vents at the front of lots of cycle shoes. Over shoes will prevent this.
• Incorrectly positioned cleat. Everyone is different but the general rule is the ball of your foot (first metatarsal) is the point where the power should be applied. The shoe/cleats will come with a guide for fitting. This start-off point can adjusted a fair bit so maybe just trial and error. Though if you notice any discomfort or unease then try a small adjustment. Ideal if you have a turbo trainer to try and tweak. Google "correct cleat position spd"
• Incorrect saddle position is also a possibility but more likely to be cleat/shoe related.

If you are really unlucky then it could be all of the above.

 

[squiddley]

Thanks for that,i shall have a mess around with the cleats on the shoes in the morning,i shall post a reply to let you know how i get on

 

[GentlyBenevolent]

how did it go, squiddley? I get something like what you describe but it doesn't seem to be every ride or both feet!

 

[squiddley]

Hi, well i adjusted the cleats ,moving my foot more outwards also positioning better on the ball of my foot which i think has has helped,also another thing i noticed ,which i never thought about which Pedrosanchezo pointed out was the cold,i have vents on the front of my shoes so i shall try some over shoes and see if this helps.

So im off shopping with an empty basket to gets some bits,so off to the NEC next week to the bike show.

 

[david k]

worked the other way for me, i used to get 'dead' feet when cycling, since using clippless they are fine
if i dont ride for a couple of weeks they are a little sore after my first ride though

 

[Berties]

Hi, well i adjusted the cleats ,moving my foot more outwards also positioning better on the ball of my foot which i think has has helped,also another thing i noticed ,which i never thought about which Pedrosanchezo pointed out was the cold,i have vents on the front of my shoes so i shall try some over shoes and see if this helps.

So im off shopping with an empty basket to gets some bits,so off to the NEC next week to the bike show.

If you don't want to always wear full covers you can get just vent covers

 

[Berties]

A couple more thoughts ,after riding for a few miles stop and adjust shoe stars as feet do swell ,good socks,and as already said saddle adjust,my ridding shoes are not fitted and my arch is lower on my right foot and that aches today but I rode 250 miles last week,make sure you are warming up and down with stretching,tight calves will effect your feet ,and work on cleat position,always keep wiggling toes on a ride,a chap I often ride with is a biomechanics expert and a lot of muscle pain and joint pain emulates from poor foot wear ,I often get my geometry checked and tweaked

 

[squiddley]

Ok,many thanks for the advice.