I was experiencing metatarsalgia in my right foot, and it has been setting in sooner and sooner in rides over the years.
I recently removed the insole of the shoe entirely, and it seems like this has solved the problem. My question is will this create other issues? Apparently, I have a need for pretty robust orthotics in my runners, so I imagine I’m not doing arches any favours.
I use the G8 2620 insoles in my Lakes cycling shoes. I could not get my podiatrist orthotics to fit my cycling shoes properly. The G8 are set up with is similar arch height as my orthotics and fit in my cycling shoes perfectly.
I was experiencing metatarsalgia in my right foot, and it has been setting in sooner and sooner in rides over the years.
I recently removed the insole of the shoe entirely, and it seems like this has solved the problem. My question is will this create other issues? Apparently, I have a need for pretty robust orthotics in my runners, so I imagine I’m not doing arches any favours.
Whatever works - works for YOU.
Cycling shoe fit is VERY individual and personal.
Personally If I did this, I would find the fit of the shoe too lose and floppy. But again - that’s me!
I have a set of semi-customized insoles that I have transferred over from shoe to shoe for my last three pairs of cycling shoes. They work for me - each time I have purchased new shoes I have tested out the stock insoles the shoes come with and they have not worked well - numbness and hot-spots. So back to the personal semi customized insole.
I have removed every stock cycling insole for every shoe I’ve had. I was having knee problems and went to both my coach/fitter and my Chiro to get custom orthotics for my shoes. There is no way that a cycling shoe company can ever possibly design an insole for a shoe that will work for everyone. I have seen ones that attempt to support the foot, and some that are essentially a thick piece of cardboard.
I agree with the folks that say - do what is correct for yourself ! Find a solution that works. I would also have to add that I would check your solutions with someone that can assess the ‘fit’ so you are not going to aggravate something, somewhere else in the ‘chain’.
I don’t use them on the shoes I have right now.
over the years have:
left them in.
cut half of them away.
tried insert things that Pearl Izumu had
gone without.
I forgot to put the insole in my mountain bike winter boots once before I went out.
It felt like I was stood on 2" square blocks of freezing cold steel for about 4 hours. Which of course I was as I was in direct contact with the threaded plate the cleats bolt to.
Don’t make that mistake!!
My question is will this create other issues?
FWIW, the specialized inserts have a metatarsal button which might help your feet.
for the alternate view, i was getting metatarsalgia running which i eventually worked out was caused by the metatarsal button of the physio prescribed custom orthotics i was using
i do however ride with the specialized aftermarket insoles which, unlike the standard ones, do not have a significant metatarsal button
as a general answer, not using an appropriate insole will likely cause you problems in your feet and on up your legs at least, if not further. it sounds like the standard insole is likely not appropriate for you but if you need orthotics for running then likely you need some sort of support at least for cycling so no insole is also not appropriate for you - try a few different insoles (all with the appropriate arch for your feet) and see what your feet get along with