I don’t think trying flat pedals is going to hurt you at all, but have you considered just getting some new SPD shoes?
This is the challenge!! I’m a 48 or 49 (technically 49 D per a Brannock device) and the 49 Giros cause the massive pain. My Fiziks were slight wider it seems but just too short at a 48. I’ve ordered 8-10 pairs online and many seem OK just walking around the house, but I won’t know of they cause pain until I’m 40-60 miles into a ride.
I figured flats would allow me to play with foot positions…after all flats and sandals worked for Lachlan Morton.
Five Ten are too small so I’m back to the drawing board!
If you’re going to go flats, 5.10s are THE shoe - everything else is 2nd tier (or worse) for traction and stiffness.
1 Like
I kinda explained the anatomy behind why you want flat pedals in this other TR thread. It will likely fix your problem. With shoes that are ventilated, and have a big toe box, it will most likely fix your problem.
1 Like
Now just trying to find the right shoes. Thank you!!!
I have seen gravel riders using flat pedals with really massive pedal platforms…probably >5 inches long? Asked about it and the rider said it was very easy to get a quick foot down, the pedal really spread pressure out over his foot, having a large stiff pedal platform made it unnecessary to use a stiff shoe so walking/hike-a-bike was no prob, and it was MUCH easier to squirm the foot around and avoid hot spots.
It was a much more reasoned response than I expected. Never tried that type of pedal but a lot of what he said made sense to me.
2 Likes
my flat-pedal shoe of choice is a pair of nike metcons that i already had for gym use. stiff enough (intended for weightlifting) and plenty grippy. not cheap if they’re new, but if you’ve already got a pair (or something similar) they’re worth a go
Yeah, these guys helped pioneer the “big flatty” trend and there is something there for some riders. Other brands followed and some offer multiple sizes (usually 2) of flat pedals to suit feet size and/or preference.
You can also dig into the different shapes from flat, to convex, or concave (some with combinations of each) to really dial in the feel and grip you want. It’s almost more choice than clipless when you see those shapes and then get into adjustable pins too. LOTS of options that come from the pedals and then shoes on top of it all.
1 Like
reviving this thread since I have similar issues and wondering if flat pedals solved your foot pain.
For me, the 4+ hour mark is when I’ll notice discomfort. It’s rarely so bad that I can’t continue but it’s not the greatest feeling. And when I finish the ride I sort of gingerly walk around a bit while my feet recover. I will say it’s most common when it’s hot.
I have fizik xterra 5 shoes as well as some giro empire v90 and it happens with both shoes. The fizik shoes I’ve also tried different sizes and same issues. Pedals are the look X-track pedals. And the pain is not really hotspots so much as much as the entire bottom of my foot gets sore. Left toe will get sore sometimes but that’s often because I know I bunch up that toe sometimes for some reason. Cleats are all the way back.
Wondering if something like the solestar insoles would help? I may try lowering my saddle a tiny bit. And then maybe try flat pedals. I have pnw pedals and five tens for my mtb so could try those.
In my case it ended up being a neuroma. I’ve had 2 cortisone shots at my podiatrist and that’s helped a some, but not completely. I’m have a follow up in a few weeks to discuss next steps.
Have you spoken with a podiatrist?
I had great success using KT Tape to treat Morton’s neuroma in the past (at least 2 times). It has nothing to do with the mystic capabilities of KT Tape, but simply provides a physical barrier to your toes pinching together and causing the neuroma.
2 Likes
I have not spoken to a podiatrist yet. I guess I’ll try some other things first and see how that goes
1 Like