I’m looking for a hard insole that will keep the arch of my foot from bowing, flexing when cycling. Most insoles give a bit and do not hold structure in the arches. I’ve tried SuperFeet yellows, do not work. I found a resource online here: http://predatorcycling.com/bike-tech/custom-carbon-fiber-insole/ but these are WAY to expensive. Any help would be appreciated!
It’s the right time of year for this one to possibly get a bargain.
The rigid sole of a cycle shoe can have a similar effect to a ski boot in stressing your arches. Yes, I know there are big differences between a ski boot and cycle shoe and how they fit but more similarities than at first impression from a biomechanical point of view of how your foot reacts when in them. Whilst changing the insole may not change your bike split time, it can reduce the fatigue levels giving you a more relaxed foot at the start of your run.
Where is this going? Take the original insole from your cycle shoe with you and go visit a ski shop that specializes in boot fitting and does heat moulded footbeds for ski boots. They will do a version of the superfeet for a rigid base but if you are already having issues avoid this and insist on a heat moulded bed explaining that it is for a rigid soled cycle shoe.
There are others about but the one I am familiar with is the Conform’able range manufactured by Sidas. They get you to stand on a machine that has a pair of rubber bags filled with small plastic beads and get you to do a few things to get the arch shape correct on the moulds (I think the term is adopting the windlass position with your foot but don’t quote me as I can’t find my notes). They then suck all of the air out of the bag to make the mould hold its shape. The footbeds are then heated to make them really flexible before they are carefully placed onto the moulds and then you have to stand on them for about 10 minutes until they cool and set. They will then trim them to match the insole from your cycle shoe and you are ready to go.
Your feet will thank you.
Best of luck.
This is fine if my feet were the problem, the constant riding of the bike is ultimately causing knee pain due to incorrect alignment/tracking of the knee because my arch is giving way during the pedal stroke. Had biomechanics checked out, etc. Knee tracking due to arch support giving seems to be the issue, which is why I asked for a hard insole to support the arch. Just didn’t know what options were out there. I see eSoles now too, but looks like most of that is custom fit in about 5 states (limited).
Ok, so I see from your second post that the outcome of your arches flexing is knee pain as oppsed to foot flex causing foot pain. That said, the ski boot specific heat moulded foot beds are really stiff so I would guess that should still give you what you were asking for in the original post for considerably less cost than getting them made by an orthotics specialist which from what you say about having your mechanics checked is what I guess you are trying to avoid.
Only trying to help with a lower cost option.
You might take a look at the Sole insoles…they’re pretty rigid.
Worth the investment if you have them available in your area. Custom fit to your feet. Eliminated a numbness problem I was having.
Thanks WappidWojj, will check out a few places to see how much they will be.