Certified Shoe Geek
The Bont Vaypor SL. In the top tier of premium comfort shoes.
Hey there!
Ever wondered why, after all those upgrades to your bike, it’s still your feet that let you down on long rides? Let me take you back to my own rookie days: I remember slipping my feet into my first pair of “serious” cycling shoes,probably a narrow SIDI or Nike( and who made Nike cycling shoes?This was a fascinating read even though it didn’t answer the question lol), feeling like I’d finally leveled up—only to discover that numb toes and hot spots could grind a perfect day in the saddle to a halt.
Getting your shoes dialed is one of the most overlooked ways to boost both comfort and efficiency. Too often, I see athletes trying to “power through” foot pain or ignoring those telltale pressure points and assuming it’s just part of the sport. In reality, shoe fit and customization are foundational to both performance and enjoyment—especially as mileage and intensity increase through the fall and winter training blocks.
Start With the Basics
Check Sizing: Your foot changes throughout the day and over years of riding. If your shoes feel fine in the shop but pinch or rub after an hour, it’s time to revisit size, width, and volume. Remember, a comfy cycling shoe is snug but never tight.
Insoles Matter: Stock insoles rarely match your unique foot shape. Swapping in a higher-arch or flat insole, or a semi-custom insole from G-8, can transform comfort and remove unwanted movement in the shoe.
Cleave to the Cleat: Cleat position is deeply personal and is one of the few contact points on the bike we can adjust.. Start by aligning the pedal spindle just behind the ball of the foot. Don’t be afraid to adjust for comfort! A professional fit session can often spot asymmetries you never considered.
The brand new Bont Riot G. Roomy and comfortable yet super stable carbon fiber sole, paired with a very nice and breathable upper. A perfect gravel or XC shoe.
Dial in for Your Unique Foot Needs
Volume Adjustments: Thicker or thinner socks, aftermarket footbeds, and tongue pads can help fine-tune snugness without creating pressure points.I prefer to get the shoe shape to fit perfectly to the foot volume, but sometimes a little tweak can help.
For Wide/Narrow or "Odd" Feet: Brands like Bont and Lake offer customization for hard-to-fit shapes. If you’re struggling with persistent pain, investing in a true custom shoe (like the custom-molded Bont shoes I fit in the studio) is often worth every penny and mile.
Hot Spots & Numbness: These are usually signs of pressure or nerve compression. On longer rides, loosen your straps slightly. If problems persist, try first really figuring out when the pain began and exactly where it started. This lets us consider different pressure relieving strategies..
Don't think I hate on SIDI for everyone. a narrow width and low foot volume? These have solved some issues for riders who struggle with "swimming" in the shoe.
Don’t Neglect Maintenance!
Dry After Every Ride: Even sweat can break down materials and cause fit changes over time.I bought a Dry Guy Shoe and Boot dryer last winter, especially for my trainer shoes. This has dramatically improved the experience the next time they go on. You can also put old newspapers in them for a few hours to pull moisture out, or buy Sham Wow absorbent towels to pull the moisture out. These are great for cleaning bikes and shoes as well.
Replace Worn Footbeds and Laces: Don’t forget the small stuff! A $40.00 insole, some new heel pads or pontoons, or a fresh BOA cable can make old shoes feel new again.
Dialing in your shoes is not only about avoiding issues—it directly raises comfort, stability, and power transfer. You’d be amazed at what a difference feeling planted and pain-free makes, especially as we edge into colder weather and ramp up fall mileage.
The Lake 332. Big forefoot and moldable heel in a classic design. I often help people get this shoe dialed when they had no idea we could mold the heel counter and the difference it makes.
Ready for a pro-level shoe (and cleat) fit? I offer in-studio and virtual bike fitting for all experience levels. Sometimes a single session is all it takes to make every pedal stroke feel natural—for years, not just a season. Curious if custom shoes are right for you? Book a bike fit with me and let’s solve those nagging shoe issues for good.