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Clipless shoe fit (insoles)

mxs

Speeding Up
May 14, 2010
65
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I ride with a pair of Sidis that I like, but I am sure that the fit is off. Basically it feels like there is too much space between the top of my feet the upper part of the shoe so I have to tighten the straps tight enough that I get some numbness. I also seem to be getting hotspots on the front inner sides of my feet.

Would getting custom insoles be the solution to my problems? Secondly, what would be my best option as far as brand/store? Would someplace like Nalsima friends be good or would I be better off going to see a foot specialist?
 
Very hard to comment without knowing the show model and your actual fit.

Sidi actually have some of the best size ranging on the market, from wide and narrow fit to half sizing. Also heel retention cups and so on.

There is a huge possibility that you have the wrong sized shoe width wise which means no matter what you try and do you will never get them to fit.
 
There is a huge possibility that you have the wrong sized shoe width wise which means no matter what you try and do you will never get them to fit.

Sadly, I think this is likely to be the reason. You can pick up a pair of insoles to see if that makes a difference fairly cheaply, before going down the custom route.

For hotspots, it is either the shoes, pedals, or a combination of both, so you might need to look at changing pedals as well.

For buying shoes, best advice is to not look at the price tag when you are shopping for them, just try every pair on in sight and buy the best fitting, most comfortable, regardless of the price, and regardless of the design (unless they are truly hideous). Brand is irrelevant, as all shoe manufacturers design their shoes to different foot models, so basically, the best brand is the one that works for you.
 
Gotta agree with you here - I've seen some beautiful shoes but they just didn't fit! I find that personally cycling shoes need a firm insole - and having any additional insole takes away the 'feel' and reduces my power - so be careful about just putting any insole in your shoe. Many mfg have special cants and insole designed to enhance the standard fit without adding extra weight or mushiness - so stick with those. But you may also need a special fitting tool to measure exactly what you do need. Oftentimes, I've seen so called 'professional fitters' simply level the house on all corners, creating nothing more than a false sense of 'fit'.


Sadly, I think this is likely to be the reason. You can pick up a pair of insoles to see if that makes a difference fairly cheaply, before going down the custom route.Brand is irrelevant, as all shoe manufacturers design their shoes to different foot models, so basically, the best brand is the one that works for you.
 
Ok just as another opition is that in Yokohama (Kannai) there is a sports fitting shop thats does custom insoles for Ski boots, running shoes and cycle shoes.

They will make a 3D image of your foot and then build and layer an insole specifically for your foot. The benifit of this over cleat wedges and so on is that they last a very long time and can be switched from shoe to shoe.

The full on super fitting with 1 set of insoles comes to 20,000 JPY.
 
I have the blue Specialized Body Geometry insoles for my Specialized cheapo MTB shoes. I have high arches and these insoles make a (subjectively) enormous difference in power transfer and comfort.

specialized_footbeds1.jpg


Bought two pairs online from the UK as the Japan price was so outrageous.
 
While insoles are the best way to go, you might also try some heavy wool socks (I know it's summer :rolleyes:), or maybe another set of socks over what you usually wear, especially if your 'usual' is on the thin side.
 
You might want to go get a cheap pair of cork insoles and chop off the back half. The front bits might be enough to take up the free space.
 
I've got these , too - one reason I'm loathe to give up my Specialized CX shoes. They are fugly bastards, but they fit pretty darn well. My only complaint is that under hard riding I get toe tweak - so, I'm getting another pair of shoes just for event and / or harder riding conditions.

BTW - we just picked up a very special deal on Diadora Sprinter 2's, which have a more open toe area than typical Italian shoes and they can be used with any cleat (SPDSL, SPD, Look, etc). The next model up (Aerospeed 2) also comes in half sizes, which is very handy for hard to fit feet.

I have the blue Specialized Body Geometry insoles for my Specialized cheapo MTB shoes. I have high arches and these insoles make a (subjectively) enormous difference in power transfer and comfort.

specialized_footbeds1.jpg


Bought two pairs online from the UK as the Japan price was so outrageous.
 
If you just want to try some insoles to experiment with tweaking the fit, I'd suggest going to a general sports shop for running insoles rather than the bike-specific stuff; the former tends to be at least a 1/3 of the price, in Japan anyway.

My Sidi Megas are my best fitting shoes, let alone cycling shoes, but I do use running shoe insoles to help protect the bottom of the feet; the stock Sidi insoles are really poor (the only negative of the shoe, in my experience).
 
Insoles helped with hotspots for me.

I had some "Sidas" insoles moulded to the shape of my feet which were good.

However, I've found "Superfeet" to be even better. Although not customized, they work really well and are cheaper at 4 or 5000 yen.

Remember to adjust your straps on a ride as your feet will swell in this heat.

Also, loosen them on descents and give your toes a good wiggle to delay the onset of hotspots.

Andy

www.jyonnobitime.com/time
 
Shimano are doing custom fitted shoes now (I think Yamabushi has some?)

I was down Omiya SEO when the Shimano guys came round and showed the staff how to use the machine to get the fit.

Might be an option if you can't get your existing shoes to fit (I realise that this is going to be the most expensive option, but good to know I suppose).
 
been around for ages mate.... a bit like me :D

Never used the Shimano microwave shoes but people that I know how have them....love them!
 
I remember taking the heat gun to my Scott Freestyle ski boots. Actually nothing really beats handmade shoes. My old Diadora shoes were all handmade. We'd just get our feet measured and traced, then they would make a wooden 'last'. Based on that, anytime you needed a new pair - you always got a perfect fit. I still get my dress shoes that way from a shop in Ikebukuro and also one in Nanjing (whom I'm working with to see about getting an SPD or SPDL sole done).
 
Shimano R300

I have a pair of the heat moldable R300 and within one year I wore through the carbon on the heel! I still ride them though, made em lighter! One idea I tell people when your trying out shoes is to take out the insole and stand on it. If your foot is hanging over the front or sides you may want to size up. There will be a little hang but there shouldnt be to much. Arch support is important because when your arch collapses when you apply pressure to your foot and your toes can crunch up and bend. A shoe that fit fine when you were sitting down at the shop trying them on could now be too small.
Foot care is of utmost importance as cyclists have an increased chance of getting arthritic feet later in life. If you are going to go all out on anything, shoes, shorts, then wheels, then frame, then components. then maybe a shirt and some deoderant too. socks are for wankers.
 
Yeah but you went hiking in them mate..... they aren't designed to be used as Mountaineering boots!

One thing I would like to add to this:

BUY A PAIR OF SHOES THAT HAVE A REPLACABLE HEEL PAD!
 
Thanks for the info so far guys. To give some extra info on my setup I am currently on Look Keo Blade pedals with Sidi 5.5 carbon shoes. From my understanding the Sidi heel cups are at least not a direct fit. The size "seems" fairly close, but even when locked down it still feels like there is a slight gap between the top of my foot and the upper sole so when pedalling it does not feel as direct as it seems it should. I will try out some of the cheaper sole options first and see if that helps. I guess moral of the story is to get everything properly fitted before purchasing it.
 
So, forgive me if I'm rude - but you're on nearly $1000 worth of pedals and shoes - did not the <place> you bought these from fit you properly?

Thanks for the info so far guys. To give some extra info on my setup I am currently on Look Keo Blade pedals with Sidi 5.5 carbon shoes. From my understanding the Sidi heel cups are at least not a direct fit. To clarify a bit more, my main issue is that even when locked down it still feels like there is a slight gap between the top of my foot and the upper sole so when pedalling it does not feel as direct as it seems it should. I will try out some of the cheaper sole options first and see if that helps. I will go through the whole range of shoes/brands next shoes I get.
 
So, forgive me if I'm rude - but you're on nearly $1000 worth of pedals and shoes - did not the <place> you bought these from fit you properly?

GSA, no hurt feelings. Having bought online was my first mistake. Second, as far as pedals go, I would have never have guessed that somemodels/brands do not work for some. Lastly, I got them both for a steal when I picked them up due to a sale and strong yen (i.e. ~350) otherwise I would have just gone basic. Maybe someplace like Nalshima is different, but from my experience at Y's road I do not think I would have faired any better.
 
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