Cycling shoes/pedals problem

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Hello there!
I have bought a new bike recently and new SiDi cycling shoes. As I never rode a bike with shoes tied to the pedals before (I used ordinary pedals and ordinary Adidas shoes or similar) I got used to ride a bike with my foot placed on the pedal, so that approximately middle (not exactly, but close to) of my foot was lined up with the pedal axle. However, these new cycling shoes do not allow to place cleats to the middle of the shoes, but only at the front of the foot. The position of the cleats is adjustable, but even if I adjust the cleats to be as close to the middle of the shoes as possible, I am still experiencing a lot of pain in my legs and feet at the end of 40km ride (which I usually rode without any problems). Is there any known solution to place the cleats where I want them (other than drilling new holes into the shoes myself to fit my needs)?
Thanks in advance.

Originally posted by OAnimal
Hello there!
I have bought a new bike recently and new SiDi cycling shoes. As I never rode a bike with shoes tied to the pedals before (I used ordinary pedals and ordinary Adidas shoes or similar) I got used to ride a bike with my foot placed on the pedal, so that approximately middle (not exactly, but close to) of my foot was lined up with the pedal axle. However, these new cycling shoes do not allow to place cleats to the middle of the shoes, but only at the front of the foot. The position of the cleats is adjustable, but even if I adjust the cleats to be as close to the middle of the shoes as possible, I am still experiencing a lot of pain in my legs and feet at the end of 40km ride (which I usually rode without any problems). Is there any known solution to place the cleats where I want them (other than drilling new holes into the shoes myself to fit my needs)?
Thanks in advance.

The cleats should be positioned underneath the ball of your foot.

Originally posted by BaCardi
The cleats should be positioned underneath the ball of your foot.

I know, but in 15 years of cycling, I got used to position my feet on the pedals as I described and I do not wanna go through the adaption period once again. :(

If you don't want to use them the way they are supposed to be used , then get rid of them. You will love them once you get used to them.

This is your first pair of cycling shoes. Do not attempt to position the cleat underneath the middle portion of your foot (arch). Cycling shoes ARE meant to be positioned towards the front of your foot directly underneath the ball of your foot. It is more efficient and more comfortable. You really should go into a bike shop because sounds like they can help you better.

Originally posted by BaCardi
This is your first pair of cycling shoes. Do not attempt to position the cleat underneath the middle portion of your foot (arch).
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First, thanks for your answers. I didn't want to position the cleats underneath the arch, but somewhere between the arch and the ball.


Cycling shoes ARE meant to be positioned towards the front of your foot directly underneath the ball of your foot. It is more efficient and more comfortable.


Can you please explain me why this is so? Because everybody keeps repeating the same thing but nobody can explain to me why. When I first bought the bycicle and wore the cycling shoes (placed the cleats as much as I could towards the arch), I went to a 40km ride and came back tired as hell, my legs were burning and at one point I almost didn't fell my toes. Next day, I used normal shoes which I used for walking and went to the same ride and it took me 5 minutes less and I was much less tired. That's why I cannot understand why the cleats have to be positioned so much in the front of the foot.


You really should go into a bike shop because sounds like they can help you better.

I went there, but they told me they can't help me, since everyone is OK with those shoes. Plus, they were very cocky. :rolleyes:

Yeah, some bike shop employees have a tendency to be snotty with people. Maybe you should find a different shop. But really, I think that if you cannot return the shoes then try putting it under the ball of your foot and get used to that. Then, slowly adjust the cleat to where you want it. Also, your problem might not be confined to feet alone. That's why a "competent" shop would be able to assist.

Originally posted by BaCardi
Yeah, some bike shop employees have a tendency to be snotty with people. Maybe you should find a different shop. But really, I think that if you cannot return the shoes then try putting it under the ball of your foot and get used to that. Then, slowly adjust the cleat to where you want it.

That is the problem, I can't adjust the cleats where I want them too. Sigh, I guess I'll just have to get used to that. :(:(:(

Thanks for your help. :)

Originally posted by OAnimal
First, thanks for your answers. I didn't want to position the cleats underneath the arch, but somewhere between the arch and the ball.



Can you please explain me why this is so? Because everybody keeps repeating the same thing but nobody can explain to me why. When I first bought the bycicle and wore the cycling shoes (placed the cleats as much as I could towards the arch), I went to a 40km ride and came back tired as hell, my legs were burning and at one point I almost didn't fell my toes. Next day, I used normal shoes which I used for walking and went to the same ride and it took me 5 minutes less and I was much less tired. That's why I cannot understand why the cleats have to be positioned so much in the front of the foot.



I went there, but they told me they can't help me, since everyone is OK with those shoes. Plus, they were very cocky. :rolleyes:

I suspect it is because it allows more leverage for your calf muscles to add to all that work that your quads and hamstrings (with clipless pedals) are doing.

Leon:)