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pain in toes

jtrimom's picture
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started by jtrimom on July 3, 2009

I have noticed on my last few long rides (50-100 mi) that my 2 big toes get extremely painful. I am not sure if it is because of the extreme heat I am riding and maybe my feet are swelling, or if I need new shoes (they are about 1year and half old), or I am just riding longer and this was bound to happen with the distance?!

Any thoughts, ideas, remedies?

thanks in advance

Taper Naked

emtridoc's picture
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emtridoc posted 20 weeks ago.

No great insight here, but would start with some new shoes or thinner socks. I had some problems with my feet until I switched shoes.

PJT's picture
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PJT posted 20 weeks ago.

Could be any number of things: socks, shoe fit, insole type, cleat placement/type, tightness and location of the shoe straps, or even position on the bike. Most bike shoes shouldn't wear out after only 18 months, so I doubt it is the age of the shoe causing the problem.

In order, I would try these things:

1. If you have a multi-strap shoe, loosen the front strap a bit. Feet do swell over time and in hot weather, so that could solve the issue.
2. Try thinner socks or no socks.
3. If you still have the original insole in there, go to a reputable bike store, describe the problem, and see if they can recommend a good insole.

If those options don't work, we move to more expensive territory:

4. Pedal/cleat type: Are you on road pedals or MTB-pedals? MTB pedals come with smaller cleats and, in my experience, it can be easier to get numbness on long road rides using those.
5. If you think your pedal type is correct for road riding, consider getting a cleat fitting from the LBS. Explain your issue to the fitter and make sure he understands that's why you're there.
6. If nothing else solves the problem, look for new shoes.

jtrimom's picture
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jtrimom posted 20 weeks ago.

thanks- I will try those things in order
although I don't think it's a sock issue, b/c my socks are super thin anyway

Taper Naked

tri-ac's picture
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tri-ac posted 19 weeks ago.

either the shoe is too tight;
or, the footbed is not stiff enough and transfers the flex at the pedal into your foot after a while

although it's odd that this is only a recent thing
have you changed anything recently?

KitKat's picture
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KitKat posted 19 weeks ago.

This happened to me yesterday :( I think it might be heat related as it was my first long ride out in 95 degree heat. I have Sidi carbon's so I know the footbed is stiff enough.

**Pain is weakness leaving the body**
*Smile, it does a body good*

jtrimom's picture
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jtrimom posted 19 weeks ago.

tri-ac wrote:
either the shoe is too tight;
or, the footbed is not stiff enough and transfers the flex at the pedal into your foot after a while

although it's odd that this is only a recent thing
have you changed anything recently?

the only thing I changed is the distance (and the heat). I have gone the distance before, but not in that heat.

Taper Naked