Yes, I realize that in the photo above I am wearing a different shoe on each foot! Actually, that is intentional as this post is about the feet and shoes of the blogger.
Ride after ride, the one thing that is consistently annoying is how my feet get really hot! Sometimes the pain becomes so intense that I stop and take my cycling shoes and socks off. On rare occasions, I've been known to do this at the Sac State Aquatic Center so I can submerge my super hot feet in the cool refreshing waters of Lake Natoma!
Everything mentioned above changed on June 3, 2009 as I purchased a new pair of cycling shoes with an extra stiff carbon fiber sole. Several people advised me recently that this is the only way cure the "hot foot" problem. Curiously, my Sidi's were over seven years old! I didn't realize that I'd had them so long. No wonder the feet are crying! It should be noted that I also purchased new Shimano Ultegra pedals recently too. This combination should provide much more comfort on the bike.
After two intense sessions on the bike I can report the following: my feet have not bothered me at all and my speed has increased by about 2-mph on both outings!
It has been about two months since I began writing this post. Some updates are in order. The bottom line is that when the air temperature gets up above 90 degrees my feet still have a tendency to heat up. The are several things to do to minimize (haven't figured out how to eliminate it) beginning with keeping the straps loose. These shoes have three Velcro closures and the two on the toe box are always closed very gently. The top strap is adjusted periodically. Additionally, I move my feet in the shoes and often times curl up my toes for relief. Another method is to pull (instead of push or push/pull) on the pedals. This motion causes my feet to lift off the bottom of the shoe and "float" between the sole and the top of the shoe. While still pedaling, if the problem persists, I release the painful foot (usually the left) from the pedal and continue to pedal using the opposite foot only. All of these things provide temporary relief and keep me on the bike. Worst case scenario, I get off and remove shoes and socks, message feet, and squirt some water on them. Usually, this routine will enable me to get back home without much difficulty.
All of the above refers to the Shimano road bike shoes. I haven't ridden the Stumpy enough with the new MTB shoes, also Shimano, to have a report. Since it is unlikely that I will participate in the Prairie City "Fall Flash" Race Series it may be some time before I have a report on the MTB shoes. I can say that I participated in the final race of the spring season and after one lap my feet were "on fire." Back to the drawing board!!!!!
Another remedy that was attempted was the use of essential oils. They've been around for centuries and I've used them for other maladies with great success. Spearmint was the suggested oil for the foot problem we've been talking about. After applying an ample amount to each foot I took off on a thirty-mile ride on the American River Parkway. The good news is that I didn't have to stop and message my feet even though I could feel the "burn" building. I did take one foot at a time out of the pedal (while pedaling with the other foot) to give the feet a break from the pedal. This seemed to work the first time. Subsequent trips, as the temperature climbed into the high 90's, resulted in my having to stop and remove my shoes as always. Perhaps I need to just tow a cart loaded with ice and when the feet heat ... dismount and drop them in the ice chest!
As a final note, since the "hot foot" condition has continued, I will try some Specialized Body Geometry insoles. These are specifically designed to help combat the "hot foot" problem. I've been fitted, just waiting for a pair in my size! Once I've tried them, if the feet are still hot I guess I will have to concentrate on riding in the winter months exclusively!
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