Insoles, cycling shoes?

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Danza
Posts: 134
Joined: Thu Jun 27, 2013 12:41 pm

by Danza

AJS914 wrote:I really like Sole brand. They are heat mouldable:

https://secure.yoursole.com/us/mens/foo ... tive-thin/


Seconded. Can mould to your foot/shoe and are very low volume. Went from specialized to these.

spliid
Posts: 149
Joined: Sat Aug 11, 2012 6:13 pm

by spliid

Will try them out if I can find a decent price in Europe.


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by Weenie


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gtv18
Posts: 44
Joined: Tue Mar 15, 2016 9:46 am
Location: London, UK

by gtv18

I was struggling late last year with Metatarsalgia after buying new cycling shoes (Sidi Wire)

I came upon this interesting Article regarding Arch support (& foot correction) for cycling:

https://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/bi ... h-support/

After reading this, I realised that the original Sidi insoles are basically useless, so I tried
some Specialized Green insoles (for High Arches) - Problem Solved!

They took a bit of getting used to, but now I wouldn't live without them....
Nick W.
.
Veni, Vidi, Velcro
(I came, I saw, I stuck around)
.

jeffy
Posts: 1325
Joined: Sun Oct 05, 2014 11:51 pm

by jeffy

steve hogg also recommends G8 Performance 2620 Shoe Insoles.

after my issue was not solved with BG insoles i got these and they are great. very thin and the insert make them VERY customisable.

spliid
Posts: 149
Joined: Sat Aug 11, 2012 6:13 pm

by spliid

jeffy wrote:steve hogg also recommends G8 Performance 2620 Shoe Insoles.

after my issue was not solved with BG insoles i got these and they are great. very thin and the insert make them VERY customisable.


It seems like SOLE is hard to get where I live, since they quote more in postage than the insole. I think I will start with the BG since G8 Performance is pretty pricey in comparison. Thanks again much appreciated.

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C36
Posts: 2468
Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2017 3:24 am

by C36

When I see the price of some of those soles and the erratic level of customisation I could recommend more to get custom soles (same price!) by a specialist. I used some 10 years ago when I raced and even if I don't have the pressure mapping I still remember very well the difference (mapping done pedalling...). For French speakers or google translate fans there is a great article on Matosvelo.


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spliid
Posts: 149
Joined: Sat Aug 11, 2012 6:13 pm

by spliid

I got the green specialized. Fitted it into my Sidis but they are to big. I cut it to the same shape as the sidis but it seems like I need a new pair of shoes in a larger size. Pretty frustrating.


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sungod
Posts: 1702
Joined: Fri Dec 24, 2010 9:37 pm

by sungod

i've several of insoles over the years as i need a lot of arch support, but different each foot

if you need a lot of arch support...

esoles efit - absolutely the best, swappable arch inserts, a very good metatarsal pad, excellent ventilation, as they are the best of course they are no longer in business! i still have a pair, they are now a bit worn and i had to reglue some velcro, but still they are the best for me

g8 2600 and 2620 - these are ok, similar concept to the esoles efit, but not as well executed, i actually preferred the 2600 to the new 2620

specialized bg (the original ones not the new range which i haven't tried) - frustrating as they could be ok if the arch support position could be moved a bit further back, as it is the blue hasn't got enough support, and (for me) the green has it too far forward so that the rear of the arch is left unsupported

sidas mouldable - no use as they can't provide enough support, had them done by someone experienced in a store with the correct equipment, they did warn me they probably wouldn't be good enough, the lack of metatarsal pad is also noticeable on long rides

as an aside, last year i stupidly forgot to pack the esoles when i went away for a three-week cycling trip, but for some reason i had two pairs of spesh bg blue with me, i cut bits from one pair and attached them to the other with double-sided tape, it took a few days to get right but the final result was really good, once the correct set-up is known, the tape can be replaced with strong glue

TheKaiser
Posts: 653
Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2013 3:29 pm

by TheKaiser

C36 wrote:When I see the price of some of those soles and the erratic level of customisation I could recommend more to get custom soles (same price!) by a specialist. I used some 10 years ago when I raced and even if I don't have the pressure mapping I still remember very well the difference (mapping done pedalling...). For French speakers or google translate fans there is a great article on Matosvelo.


I am a bit leery of custom soles, particularly ones that are not made by someone who is experienced in working with cyclists. For instance, a custom insole/orthotic, made for running is likely not going to be made with the same design goals as for cycling. Even if it is claimed to be cycling specific, there is a lot of "art" and interpretation in the design of these things, and so the cycling specific product you get from one provider may be greatly different from the one that you get from another provider, so the simple fact that the manufacturer says is is for cycling does not ensure any level of consistency in their effectiveness.

The idea of custom insoles is great, and if you just want relief from point pressure on a certain portion of the foot then a heat molded one may be able to achieve that. But, if you are looking to correct for some biomechanical problem, unfortunately, it seems that trial and error with insoles that have many different inserts is the best way to achieve that currently. With something like e-soles, G8, or Specialized offers, you can keep tweaking the arches, building up the metatarsal bump (I've found cork bar tape is quite good for this, and even adding 3rd party wedges to the forefoot/heel if needed. I have yet to see a custom molded insole that can achieve the right mix of that combination of elements consistently.

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C36
Posts: 2468
Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2017 3:24 am

by C36

TheKaiser wrote:I am a bit leery of custom soles, particularly ones that are not made by someone who is experienced in working with cyclists. For instance, a custom insole/orthotic, made for running is likely not going to be made with the same design goals as for cycling. Even if it is claimed to be cycling specific, there is a lot of "art" and interpretation in the design of these things, and so the cycling specific product you get from one provider may be greatly different from the one that you get from another provider, so the simple fact that the manufacturer says is is for cycling does not ensure any level of consistency in their effectiveness.

The idea of custom insoles is great, and if you just want relief from point pressure on a certain portion of the foot then a heat molded one may be able to achieve that. But, if you are looking to correct for some biomechanical problem, unfortunately, it seems that trial and error with insoles that have many different inserts is the best way to achieve that currently. With something like e-soles, G8, or Specialized offers, you can keep tweaking the arches, building up the metatarsal bump (I've found cork bar tape is quite good for this, and even adding 3rd party wedges to the forefoot/heel if needed. I have yet to see a custom molded insole that can achieve the right mix of that combination of elements consistently.

Can't agree more with you. On the matosvelo article they explain the specificity of bike soles over running.
On my case the pressure mapping was done while pedalling and the sole made to the shoes... That was 12-13 years ago.


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uraqt
Posts: 1108
Joined: Mon Apr 03, 2006 8:53 am

by uraqt

I'm a big fan of Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Sport.

They are as good as all the "bike insoles" and are cheaper... I think the one thing everyone forgets is that you should replace all the insoles after about 500 miles or so...None of the materials that the insoles are made of can last much longer than that...

C

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C36
Posts: 2468
Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2017 3:24 am

by C36

uraqt wrote:I'm a big fan of Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Sport.

They are as good as all the "bike insoles" and are cheaper... I think the one thing everyone forgets is that you should replace all the insoles after about 500 miles or so...None of the materials that the insoles are made of can last much longer than that...

C

Picking up on this last message but several others were similar with a "I like what I use". I think we need to be careful with this strong bias. For something as technical as soles, a "I like -they are comfy-" is necessary but not sufficient.

Regarding the durability, properly made custom soles will last years (I had mine controlled for 4 years (then I stopped biking for years) and they were still good to go.


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gilles75
Posts: 20
Joined: Sun Mar 01, 2015 3:52 am

by gilles75

uraqt wrote:I'm a big fan of Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Sport.

They are as good as all the "bike insoles" and are cheaper... I think the one thing everyone forgets is that you should replace all the insoles after about 500 miles or so...None of the materials that the insoles are made of can last much longer than that...

C

500 miles? It would need 16 or 17 pairs every season?! For running or cycling? I may not need a lot of arch support, but the insoles I use in my cycling shoes are a lot more durable than that. I would say 40-50 000 km.

AJS914
Posts: 5392
Joined: Tue Jan 28, 2014 6:52 pm

by AJS914

Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Sport


You don't need a shock absorbing insole for cycling. I've used Superfeat and Sole brand insoles and they take forever to wear about if just used in cycling shoes.

spliid
Posts: 149
Joined: Sat Aug 11, 2012 6:13 pm

by spliid

Does any of you don't have the issue than the new inner sole is thicker than the original so basically you can't fit the shoes anymore? I bought the green specialized to replace my sidi, but I used it for 10km, then I switched back. Way to thick.

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

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