Sidis and cramp aka "oo my aching feet!"

I had exactly the same problem with a new pair of Dominators just before christmas - got to the point where I could hardly walk for a couple of weeks, had to get off the bike altogether. I'm pretty sure that the problem was the high ridge / indent thing that runs down the outside of the shoe, combined with me being a bit over-zealous with tightening.

I got some Super-feet insole inserts from Blacks, they seemed to work a treat - gave me a much flatter surface on the sole of the shoes, only problem was the shoes didn't fit so well as a result (couldn't get much of the ratchet bit into the mechanism). I rode around like this for a month or so (after waiting for the initial pain to mostly go away), then took the superfeet out to find that they'd actually flattened out/widened/done something to the shoe beneath them, so now I'm back to just the Dom's, but they fit much better and I'm totally pain free.

Not the most scientific of approaches I'm sure, but that's what worked for me :)

Hope this helps...

would agree with others, don't overtighten them and consider custom footbeds, cyclefit may also help with correct cleat alignment.

DIY...

http://www.youtube.com/ + htfu

hahaha! ah! wipes away a tear :D

@dj - 'cycle' + 'fit' - sounds like an interesting concept. Is that an actual company? If you've used them, how would you rate their service?

another vote for custom footbeds. I have high arches and these really help (plus not overtightening the shoes). mine are conformables, they normally live in my snowboard boots but they work great in bike shoes too.

@dj - 'cycle' + 'fit' - sounds like an interesting concept. Is that an actual company? If you've used them, how would you rate their service?

UTMFS!

Truth be told they are a terrible company, making cycling more fun, faster, comfortable and easier thus removing the need to HTFU!

so, so far i have cold wet feet for half a day with my toes crunched, belly button on display, one insole in, one taken out, and i'm to consult wizards on the cleat position ... phew! am i glad i bought these! hahahahaha!

i jest. thanks for all the pointers, i'm wearing the shoes around the office, not too tight, get more of a feel for them and break them in a bit. thanks guys and gals. :)

Float adjustment? Cleats come in varying floats, allowing you more/less movement side to side. No float = foot locked onto pedal = possible foot pain.

it's a strap problemo

Also, andyp's advice to me when I first moaned about my Sidis was "the footbeds are shit, bin them". They most definitely are and you most definitely should.

I now have Zoom Air insoles from some Nike trainers in mine.

was going to start a thread about sidi footbeds today, thanks tap! some trainers are getting raped later.

hey tappy tap tap,
where can you get some of those zoom air insoles, just did a google search and all it came back with is shoes, and the ebay search came back with 3cm lifts to make me taller...

Get the Specialized insoles - they are £30 but worth every penny.

£30? If you're gonna spend that much you may as well get the custom ones.

are talking about the specialized bg insoles, cause I'm having a hell of a time finding them, and if so I'd have to buy two pairs, as I hate the way my sidi insoles, slide towards the back of my shoe and leave me toes overhanging...

and you need an extra pair when the pair you've just worn are drying out after being caught in the pissing rain..

I hate the way my sidi insoles, slide towards the back of my shoe and leave me toes overhanging...

pluss fucking one! that pisses me off no end.

hey tappy tap tap,
where can you get some of those zoom air insoles, just did a google search and all it came back with is shoes, and the ebay search came back with 3cm lifts to make me taller...

Sorry I should have said I took them out of some Nike skate shoes. Full length Zoom Air insert FTW.

could be the stiffness of the sole you need to get used to as well,
you can adjust the top strap to the center more that helps,
losen off the front velcroe ones abit as well once you tighted up the strap.
more to follow as i gota run.

Matt (baddesigner)

I agree with Scrapper and it's possible that your feet will need time to adjust.

Have you considered switching pedals? cos everyone has a different pedal stroke style. Bikefit might have the answer. That kinda consultancy ain't free though when all you maybe told to add a wedge in the cleat and they are after your business so will push to sell..

I ride on Speedplay free float pedals / sidis for long road bike trips outta town, straps and trainers on FG bike in London upto 40 minutes journeys, so the stress is not continous in one place, and suits me fine.

I'd suggest you make as many adjustments, even alter your pedal style regularly.. we were taught this when riding very long distances there is a foot shuffle (like dragging the feet backwards) when spinning, these tricks improve your endurance and well as rest feet parts that maybe taking a pounding.

either that or you soak your pins in vinegar over night and HTFP.. peace

are talking about the specialized bg insoles, cause I'm having a hell of a time finding them, and if so I'd have to buy two pairs, as I hate the way my sidi insoles, slide towards the back of my shoe and leave me toes overhanging...

I am. Sigma Sport in Hampton Wick have them in stock, I checked tonight.