My cycling shoes hurt me the way my skates used to... Is it shoe fit, bike fit or inexperience?

Question

I am brand new to cycling and I just bought a pair of Specialized carbon cycling shoes. I tried them on in the store and they felt fine, after 2 minutes on my bike, the sides of my feet began to ache (they still ache) just like the aches I used to get from wearing my skates. The pain is on the side of my foot opposite the arch. I can't distinguish if it is a muscle, tendon or ligament pain but it feels like my feet have been squeezed. Common sense suggests to me that the shoes aren't wide enough, but, they are amongst the wider pairs I tried, and my foot isn't wide. The pain was so bad, it made me end my ride after 10 km although I wanted to keep going. I used to think that it was normal for skates to hurt and just put up with it, but now I'm questioning whether it is normal or if it's improper fit.
My feet aren't used to any cycling shoe (I'm seriously brand new... Those were the first 10 km i've ever rode in a cycling form) Yes I was fitted on the bike I purchased but not with shoes

Answer 1

not all shoes fit all feet
for Cycling, I like Sidi, Specialized, and Shimano, but all styles don't work for me
just like trying on new shoes for walking, work, or running, cycling shoes must be tried on and walk around in them
try different brands and styles until you find the right "footbed" for you

Answer 2

I'm not sure why the two guys sugesting orthotics (insoles) got thumbs down, because that sounds like it's exactly what you need. As I've gotten older my feet have started to pronate, with exaclty the symptoms you have described. The suggestion was instep supports and it worked.

Here's the thing, buy a set of the Superfeet insoles for cycling shoes as suggested. They're pretty cheap, about ~$35, and if they _don't_ work, you'll know that's not the problem. This is what you're going to have to do to fix this - trial and error. There will be no clear answer right away unless you go to a professional bike fit specialist like the pros do. This can be an expensive proposition. The guy at your local shop more than likely doesn't have the training or experience to fix this on the first try. You may actually need a combination of things like inserts and shims.

Answer 3

For efficiency on a road bike, you want your shoes to be semi-snug but not so tight that they'll cause you discomfort or cut off circulation on the top of your foot. Different brands fit differently, so sometimes it takes a little experience or experimenting (or a little guesswork) to find what you like best. Sidi is known for being slim and tight. When Carnac and Nike and Diadora started getting more popular and threatening Sidi's dominance in the shoe market, they came out with their "Mega" series with a looser fit. I found that with Sidi, the mega version of the same shoe, same size, was a lot more comfortable for me than simply moving up a 1/2 size in the standard version. I wear a 46, 46-1/2, or 47 depending on the shoe. I like the wider toeboxes but try to get a fit that's snug in the heel and upper. I definitely prefer a little room for my big toe, but on a road bike it's less of a concern since you generally aren't standing or walking very often. If you wear a really loose shoe you'll see why snug is better. If you smash the veins on the top of your foot and go numb, you'll see why tight is bad. :o) One other consideration is the socks you wear. If you ride 4 seasons you might want a looser fit in the shoe to accomodate 2 thin socks or a single thicker wool sock in cool weather. Lots of people have 2 pairs of shoes for this reason (either a second larger shoe or an actual winter cycling shoe).

Answer 4

There are a few things that I would suggest here. Firstly, if you have had a similar pain when wearing skates, it could be something to do with your foot or the way you "step." If you pronate or bend toward the inside, you could have pain like this. A sports podiatrist could easily diagnose pronation and recommend orthodics or some other solution.

Second, I would see if it is that particular shoe that is causing you trouble. Not all cycling shoes fit the same. Some are better for wider feet, some for smaller. Do you have any friends with similar sized feet? Could you try their shoes for a few miles?

Third, since you are a beginner, I would examine your pedal stroke. A key aspect to cycling is a nice smooth circular pedal stoke - one where you apply as much force to the pedals in the up-stroke as in the down. It is one of the hardest things to develop. If you have been used to wearing a non-cycling shoe, you have essentially had a cushion to protect against putting to much pressure on a certain area of your foot. Try a simple exercise. Try to ride a mile by only pulling up on the pedals. Do you have the same pain? Then try to slowly add back the downward pressure. Does it come back?

Looking at these things may help to narrow down the causes.

Answer 5

your shoes are too narrow. this is common in cycling shoes because they are generally Euro designs and for some reason, european feet seem to be narrower than USA feet (figure THAT out will ya!) I generally have to go up two or three sizes in Euro shoes (from a 46 to say a 48 or 49!) to get the width I need. Better yet, ynless you are a TOTAL fanatic racing bikie, go get you some Lake cycling Sandals! or Shimanos...comfy...oooooo!

mark

Answer 6

There's one more thing to consider that some people don't realize. Look straight down at the bottoms of your shoes and notice if they are straight or slightly curved. The straights look like this: l l, while the curved soles look more like this: ( ). I find that I have pain when I wear straight shoes. The curved soles fit my naturally curved feet way better and feel much more comfortable. Rose P

Answer 7

It sounds like you need to check for pronation. There are adjusting wedges that can be fitted to your shoe cleat to help fit a standard shoe with your body.
Many biomechanical complaints such as heel pain, knee pain and lower back pain are caused by poor foot function. You may need orthotics. Orthotics simply allow the muscles, tendons and bones of the feet and lower legs to function at their highest potential. But since your shoe is rigid a supple insert that corrects your foot position is possible.

Answer 8

First off check your shoe size most cycling shoes are European sizing,second are you socks designed for cycling(regular socks are way too big),third did you break them in (I wore them for 5 days and slept in them to break them). These tricks worked and my shoes fit like a glove today.

Answer 9

I am thinking your problem is caused by the shoes or fit rather than inexperience (unless you overtighten your shoes).

Answer 10

GREEN SUPERFEET - GO GET YOU SOME!!!

http://www.superfeet.com/products/Green.aspx

If you are not sure, take comfort in this:

http://www.superfeet.com/superfeet-difference/

60 day comfort guarantee... Sounds like you'll know in 5 minutes though!