Best clipless pedals for sore feet?ambຖະສະຈຸ 01ສດ
After having used platform pedals, I've recently started using Shimano SPD pedals on my cyclocross bike, which I mainly use on paved roads. I really like being clipped in, however, I have a condition with sore forefeet, with the pedals just making things worse due to pressure being applied in quite a small spot.
My question: What are the best pedals for distributing pressure across the largest possible area on the foot? Something like Shimano SPD SL?
-
1Just for clarification: Is the pain a piercing pain (from high pressure), numbness (pinched blood vessels or nerves) or chafing? – Michael 7 hours ago
1 Answer
All clipless pedals, including road versions, have very small contact patch. Even though road pedals are large, most of the size is just mechanism and actual contact patch is the small metal patch over the axle. The largest contact area is probably with MTB pedals that have metal frame around the clipping mechanism.
What you need is shoes with stiffer soles.
I have had flexy shoes from Mavic for both SPD and road pedals, and those were painful to ride. Stiffer shoes have been just fine with the same pedals.
-
Agreed. In addition a good insole with arch support can help. Proper cleat position below the ball of the foot (or slightly towards the heel) is also important. – Michael 8 hours ago
-
I'm not sure that arch support does much in cycling. All the weight should be around the ball of the foot. – ojs 4 hours ago
-
On a CX bike where some running is included, the soles need to be stiff at the cleat but have enough flex to enable off cycle activity. – Carel 4 hours ago
-
The flex for walking is in different direction than the flex you don't want for pedaling, so with clever design and some toe spring shoes can be good enough for cyclocross. – ojs 3 hours ago
