Flat pedals, sore feet?

[bikerdoodle]

I've been using Giant Flat pedals (https://www.giant-bicycles.com/za/giant-original-mtb-pedal--core-) for 7 months and Five-Ten Freeriders for about 4 months. (Size 12 shoes)

 

I can't remember exactly when it started, but I've been getting sore feet recently - a combination of numb toes and achy pain in the balls of my feet. It feels like it is happening more frequently, and sooner during my rides. Sometimes within 10km, perhaps because I am riding harder and training more frequently.

 

I usually try backing off, less pressure on the pedals, and more of a mid-foot position, which seems to help. But then it feels like my toes are curling over the front of the pedals, and it's as if the balls of my feet can actually feels the pins on the pedal... Still, the pain goes away after a few minutes, and all is good until I trigger it again.

 

I tend to ride in a higher gear, as I like to stand, and tend to "grind" the pedals slowly, rather than spinning in a lower gear - more pressure on feet/pedals. I also ride a hardtail, so at the bottom of a bumpy downhill I definitely feel it in my feet.

 

I'm thinking I either need 'longer' pedals (width doesn't seem to be an issue), stiffer shoes, or both. Or a change in technique.

 

Those are my theories and ideas, but perhaps some Hubbers can add their two cents...?

 

I can test out a pair of Shimano Saints from a friend, but they don't look any bigger to me. The Catalyst pedals look good, but they aren't cheap...

[deanbean]

Are your laces not too tight, an under-looked cause of hotfoot.

[popcorn_skollie]

I have the same pedals. But they are on my jump bike so I don't do any distance with them really. I'm not even going to try and diagnose the problem. Could be anything. I hope you 

I use to have pain on the balls of my feet with my spd shoes. Then I got some green cross inner soles and they went away. Good luck. 

[Tony datoy]

Planter Fasciitis is the most common cause of foot pain. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes and supports the arch of your foot. If you strain your plantar fascia, it gets week, swollen and irritated then your foot hurts.

 

I experienced similar pain until I changed from flat pedals/salomon shoes to proper riding shoes with cleats.  

 

The soles of the Five-Ten Freeriders may be too soft to support your feet.

[Uni]

I used to ride with etnies - and my toes would get numb all the time - I think the shape of the shoe  just didn't get on with my foot - even loosening the laces didn't help.

 

Now on my giant pedals and normal trail takkies - occasional numbness (pins and needles) if it's a gravel grind kind of ride and my feet aren't moving around too much - but nothing debilitating.

But that's just me.