foot ache

[EezyRider]

5.10 freerides are pretty soft shoes generally, on long rides and descents my feet would hurt after a while, free rider pro’s helped a bit but only delayed the issue.
Since switching to Northwave Clan shoes my feet have been fine, there’s no noticeable loss of grip and they appear to be more durable. Bonus.

 

[SwissMountainLeader]

I used to ride spd shoes and pedals, but for last 10 years have been using flats with fiveten freeriders. When I rode acoustic bikes my only complaint was how wet they got. Apart from when I rode at a bike park, then the arches of my feet really ached (same when I tried reverting back to spds).
I am guessing I need a stiffer sole and better shaped inserts. I have tried using ski boot inserts, but same problem.
Now I have an EMTB so am doing way more descending than before and suffering foot arch ache more frequently.
I am looking for a shoe and insert that is supportive enough for my poor arches whilst still gripping pedals.
Note this isn't a thread on clipless versus flats and also not about fiveten becoming adidas! Also if you never had the problem then you probably won't have a solution for it.
I just want to know if someone suffered from my issue and found a solution with any pedal/show combination?
Thanks

In fact, I'm Mr President

How is it to walk or hike? I'm not entirely sure that pain in the arch is indicative of needing arch supports. Do you feel that you have high arches or just an unusual shape?

If it's a problem that's addressed with footbeds then I'd not think you need to worry about special shoes or pedals. I use my normal footbeds in some Salewa Wildfires on the bike which are fine for me for example.

 

[Mr President]

hillistically? downhillistically I guess

In fact, I'm Mr President

How is it to walk or hike? I'm not entirely sure that pain in the arch is indicative of needing arch supports. Do you feel that you have high arches or just an unusual shape?

If it's a problem that's addressed with footbeds then I'd not think you need to worry about special shoes or pedals. I use my normal footbeds in some Salewa Wildfires on the bike which are fine for me for example.

 

[Mr President]

walking and hiking are fine. i don't think I have any unusual issue with the feet - it's more likely the excess weight I carry that causes the issue.
As a few people have commented we are all individual. Seems like I have to find a solution that works for me = shoes/insoles/stretching/strengthening. Hope I still have some time to ride.
Today I tried putting feet further back and also put my training shoes inserts in the five tens.
On a long downhill my feet started aching. However, my light and agile, spd wearing riding buddy reported the same thing. Whether his discomfort was as much as mine I can't say. It definitely detracts from my enjoyment, whereas as he is an ex roadie who loves to suffer!

 

[SwissMountainLeader]

walking and hiking are fine. i don't think I have any unusual issue with the feet - it's more likely the excess weight I carry that causes the issue.
As a few people have commented we are all individual. Seems like I have to find a solution that works for me = shoes/insoles/stretching/strengthening. Hope I still have some time to ride.
Today I tried putting feet further back and also put my training shoes inserts in the five tens.
On a long downhill my feet started aching. However, my light and agile, spd wearing riding buddy reported the same thing. Whether his discomfort was as much as mine I can't say. It definitely detracts from my enjoyment, whereas as he is an ex roadie who loves to suffer!

If walking is fine then most likely there’s nothing terribly wrong. I’d not pay too much attention to what skiers say or follow their normal practices. Mostly people haven feet within normal ranges. For most people with minor problems, something like the Sidas 3feet will work, a good stockist will have a machine that does a quick basic check of your foot and figures out what the estimated model will be.

 

[Mikerb]

walking and hiking are fine. i don't think I have any unusual issue with the feet - it's more likely the excess weight I carry that causes the issue.
As a few people have commented we are all individual. Seems like I have to find a solution that works for me = shoes/insoles/stretching/strengthening. Hope I still have some time to ride.
Today I tried putting feet further back and also put my training shoes inserts in the five tens.
On a long downhill my feet started aching. However, my light and agile, spd wearing riding buddy reported the same thing. Whether his discomfort was as much as mine I can't say. It definitely detracts from my enjoyment, whereas as he is an ex roadie who loves to suffer!

......no....put your feet further forward not back!!

 

[Jeff McD]

If your shoes are old that could be causing the problem. The insole crushes down under the heel and the ball of the foot over time, and then the arch part of the insole pushes up into your arches excessively which would be accentuated on a long downhill with all the pounding coming up through the pedals, causing pain. Many people buy new insoles and think that was the cure but just getting rid of the old deformed ones really fixed the problem. So feel around on the insoles of your shoes and see if there is a depression in the heel and the ball of the foot and if so new insoles might be the answer as long as the shoe itself isn't broken down.

The other thing is this sport is hard on the feet and it would be advisable to start doing calf raises three days a week to strengthen the intrinsic muscles of your foot to tolerate the abuse. This is one of the easiest exercises to do and you can almost do it anywhere it's just a matter of developing a habit. Wall slides are also excellent for mountain bikers to strengthen the quads. The feet must be in front of the knees however for this exercise to avoid knee pain. These exercises cost absolutely nothing and should be tried first.

 

[Black8917]

Correction I got superfeet insoles not dr scholls.

my 510 shoes don’t even last a year before my feet would hurt like hell.

 

[Mr President]

......no....put your feet further forward not back!!

yes sorry that's what i meant - pedal is further back foot further forward

 

[Mr President]

If your shoes are old that could be causing the problem. The insole crushes down under the heel and the ball of the foot over time, and then the arch part of the insole pushes up into your arches excessively which would be accentuated on a long downhill with all the pounding coming up through the pedals, causing pain. Many people buy new insoles and think that was the cure but just getting rid of the old deformed ones really fixed the problem. So feel around on the insoles of your shoes and see if there is a depression in the heel and the ball of the foot and if so new insoles might be the answer as long as the shoe itself isn't broken down.

The other thing is this sport is hard on the feet and it would be advisable to start doing calf raises three days a week to strengthen the intrinsic muscles of your foot to tolerate the abuse. This is one of the easiest exercises to do and you can almost do it anywhere it's just a matter of developing a habit. Wall slides are also excellent for mountain bikers to strengthen the quads. The feet must be in front of the knees however for this exercise to avoid knee pain. These exercises cost absolutely nothing and should be tried first.

good advice thanks. I will make this part of my regime

 

[1Squadr0n]

I have used Fiveten Freeridwr for a few years with intermittent foot ache. I recently switched to the Pro version. Two notable differences: significantly lighter, and no more foot ache. It has a different insole with more support. It also carries the benefit of feeling more connected to the bike somehow. Not in terms of grip which remains excellent, but in terms if the structure of the shoe and the way it reacts to the pedal. It is an amazing improvement. Do this.

 

[Topolino]

I used to ride spd shoes and pedals, but for last 10 years have been using flats with fiveten freeriders. When I rode acoustic bikes my only complaint was how wet they got. Apart from when I rode at a bike park, then the arches of my feet really ached (same when I tried reverting back to spds).
I am guessing I need a stiffer sole and better shaped inserts. I have tried using ski boot inserts, but same problem.
Now I have an EMTB so am doing way more descending than before and suffering foot arch ache more frequently.
I am looking for a shoe and insert that is supportive enough for my poor arches whilst still gripping pedals.
Note this isn't a thread on clipless versus flats and also not about fiveten becoming adidas! Also if you never had the problem then you probably won't have a solution for it.
I just want to know if someone suffered from my issue and found a solution with any pedal/show combination?
Thanks

Did you try moving your cleats back as far as possible?

 

[Mr President]

I have used Fiveten Freeridwr for a few years with intermittent foot ache. I recently switched to the Pro version. Two notable differences: significantly lighter, and no more foot ache. It has a different insole with more support. It also carries the benefit of feeling more connected to the bike somehow. Not in terms of grip which remains excellent, but in terms if the structure of the shoe and the way it reacts to the pedal. It is an amazing improvement. Do this.

damn - I already ordered a pair of the RCs. I'll see how I get on with them first. They were orange - what can I say.

 

[Mr President]

Did you try moving your cleats back as far as possible?

On the odd occasion I have used cleats they are as far back as they can go. Actually when I did the road bike fit the specialist moved those ones forward slightly, but needs are different for MTB.
Mostly I ride flats on MTB and am taking the advice from earlier in the thread to try and move feet further forward, which I guess is same as your point. Results still a bit uncertain as I did have foot ache on the longer descents

 

[dobbyhasfriends]

damn - I already ordered a pair of the RCs. I'll see how I get on with them first. They were orange - what can I say.

ill be surprised if you dont get on with them.. love mine.
I should have mentioned (sorry) that i had to buy a full size over my normal to get a proper fit

 

[Mr President]

ill be surprised if you dont get on with them.. love mine.
I should have mentioned (sorry) that i had to buy a full size over my normal to get a proper fit

Ah. They have literally just arrived. I have tried them on with thin socks and they seem just about OK, but are definitely snugger than the fivetens. the soles are way stiffer than the freeriders (after many years of wear) - that much I can tell without turning a pedal. Will mince around the house on them this evening to make sure the fit isn't going to be an issue.

 

[Mr President]

Ah. They have literally just arrived. I have tried them on with thin socks and they seem just about OK, but are definitely snugger than the fivetens. the soles are way stiffer than the freeriders (after many years of wear) - that much I can tell without turning a pedal. Will mince around the house on them this evening to make sure the fit isn't going to be an issue.

yep they have to go back for a larger size. Pity - the courier was spectacularly slow, so it'll be a lengthy wait

 

[dobbyhasfriends]

yep they have to go back for a larger size. Pity - the courier was spectacularly slow, so it'll be a lengthy wait

sorry mate, I dont know why I didnt mention it earlier, could have saved you the trouble..

 

[Zimmerframe]

sorry mate, I dont know why I didnt mention it earlier, could have saved you the trouble..

Why are bike shoes always so randomly sized ?!?! I know all bike companies like to develop their own standards so they can make money or push technology. But can't someone tell them that they can't re-invent shoe sizing ?

 

[dobbyhasfriends]

Why are bike shoes always so randomly sized ?!?! I know all bike companies like to develop their own standards so they can make money or push technology. But can't someone tell them that they can't re-invent shoe sizing ?

ive noticed it across the board in recent years mate, the worst is MTB shoes where I have to order a full size up.
second is certain Euro brands of safety boots where I have to order a half size up
then there are some that are completely unchanged.. no idea why.
this is only in the last 5 years.

 

[Zimmerframe]

ive noticed it across the board in recent years mate, the worst is MTB shoes where I have to order a full size up.
second is certain Euro brands of safety boots where I have to order a half size up
then there are some that are completely unchanged.. no idea why.
this is only in the last 5 years.

Are you saying that in the last 5 years your feet have got fatter ?

 

[dobbyhasfriends]

Are you saying that in the last 5 years your feet have got fatter ?

no, my shoes shrank in the wash, just like my trousers and shirts!

 

[Mr President]

yep they have to go back for a larger size. Pity - the courier was spectacularly slow, so it'll be a lengthy wait

I got them from Certini online. I called the Bristol shop today who unfortunately didn't have the next size in stock. Chap I spoke with was recommending Specialized 2FO Roost flats. Anyone know them? They seem to get good write ups. I might pop over there and try them on. At least Spesh do all the different insert types in their shoes so maybe can get something suitable. They have also improved their soles which now stick like the preverbial to a blanket apparently. Let's see. Will be a pity in another way as the RCs in orange and grey matched not only my bike helmet and jacket - but also my socks!

 

[dobbyhasfriends]

I got them from Certini online. I called the Bristol shop today who unfortunately didn't have the next size in stock. Chap I spoke with was recommending Specialized 2FO Roost flats. Anyone know them? They seem to get good write ups. I might pop over there and try them on. At least Spesh do all the different insert types in their shoes so maybe can get something suitable. They have also improved their soles which now stick like the preverbial to a blanket apparently. Let's see. Will be a pity in another way as the RCs in orange and grey matched not only my bike helmet and jacket - but also my socks!

my son has the 2FO flat shoes and likes them but he is 15 years old and his idea of discomfort is far removed from us 50 year old trail dogs.
so yea they stick like shit to a blanket but cant tell you about the comfort

 

[Mr President]

just an update on the shoe purchase element. Couldn't get a pair of RCs that fitted. My usual size were too small, full size up were more than long enough, but still tight in the width. Have plumped for a pair of 2FO also a size up on my usual but width seems more suitable for my feet.
Not ridden them yet (get them muddy - are you mad?), but will let you know how it goes.
My good intentions of stretches and exercises have so far turned to nought.

 

[Mr President]

this one is taking a strange turn.
I ordered the RC shoes. I thought they looked amazing but couldn't get a good fit. My feet were always a touch too wide for the right length shoe. The shop suggested the Spesh 2FOs. The fit was OK although I always have the sense when I look at them that the left is on the right and vice-versa. Grip is good and quality seems fine. However, with the standard inserts the foot ache was much worse. Bought the spesh BG high arch inserts and things were better but still a little worse than with the old freeriders.
Went for a ride a couple of days ago and had this feeling that I'd forgotten something (age issue). Suddenly realised I was wearing my old training shoes (sneakers); completely (and I mean no outer sole left) worn out. Grip was fine and no footache. Zero protection of course, but WTF. They have good insoles in them so maybe that explains a bit more. To be followed.
PS have been riding with foot further forward but did not make a change to the ache.
Have not tried exercises and stretches yet. I know........but I'm riding 8 hours a week, so that must be some sort of exercise.

 

[Mikerb]

I dont know your age mate, but you will robably have noticed that lots of older folk wear trainers virtually all of the time. I am in that group! I need cushioning for my feet or I would suffer. I dont get any trouble riding using 5/10 freerides but I certainly would not use them to walk very far. It seems from your experiment you also need cushioning when on the bike so maybe the answer is to find mtb shoes/boots that also integrate cushioning. Trail running/trail walking shoes or boots would probably be the most likely to provide that. Inserts do not cut it for me......the sole has to be cushioned. As for protection, the freeriders do not provide a great deal really. The surround that joins the upper to the sole is really the only protection and lots of trail running/walking footwear is designed that way as well.

 

[Mr President]

Well I seem to have the solution in the end. Now riding with virtually no foot ache.
So hands up those who said shoes. You were right and hands up those who said inserts cos you were right too.

As mentioned above I accidentally went out in old trainers one day and had no issues. Seemed a bit weird. I realised later I'd swapped the ski boot inserts into those trainers.

In the interim I had tried the Rideconcept shoes which were great er concept, but couldn't find a good fit. On recommendation of the shop I got some spesh 2FOs - disaster. problem was worse. Threw away stock inserts and tried the max support version - better but still worse than the starting point.

In desperation I put the ski boot inserts into the 2FOs and voila - no issues.

All weird as I had those inserts in the FiveTens in the first place and was having issues.

Seems a combination of stiffer shoes and the supportive mid-range ski boot inserts has resolved my issues.

I know I should still do the strengthening exercises as well etc..... and one day I promise I will. honest.