I’ve got an on going problem with one of my feet, nerve damage around the ball of my foot and metatasalgia, which is basically pain across the bottom front part of my foot. Got worse over the last few years but was fine whilst furloughed for a few weeks. Back to spending a lot of time on my feet at work and pain has returned and hurts on bike now too. Has anyone got recommendations for insoles, custom or otherwise that help with any foot problem. Thanks

Rather than just buying something, I’d go and see a podiatrist, because there’s just too much variation of what the problem might be and what solutions are available.

There’s a good one in Bicester, Solutions4Feet, if you’re anywhere near there.

^^Wise^^

I have custom insoles for my skiing boots and they’re awesome. Always coped well with Spesh BG insoles on the bike though.

Sidas custom ones, they put your feet on a vacuum thingy to get an impression. Helped sort knee tracking issues on my road bike (use cleat wedges too) couldn’t ride without them.
Have specialized BG for my commute shoes but they are obviously not custom moulded to my feet.

Rather than just buying something, I’d go and see a podiatrist

This.

As per everyone else, find out exactly what is wrong first, then work on what you need.

However….where are you as there are good shops for this scattered all over (and even the custom Sidas ones still need a good fitter to make sure they are as good as they can be)

Thanks folks. I’m in South Yorkshire between Sheffield and Leeds. Ive got some s works disco slippers with their insole with the metatarsal button which up to now have work well but I seem to have gone onto another level at the mo. i’ll look for a podiatrist

Def recommend following advise to see genuine sports foot specialist.

Ignore the free scan, running shoe shop and blow up mould people – if you have something genuinely wrong with your foot rather than mild discomfort they will likely cause more damage. Most will not admit they have little clue what they are doing as long as they make a sale. That goes double for bare feet style shoe shops too. If it’s just a comfort thing all the above are fine but it sounds like you have something a little more going on.

Wasted a lot of time and then went to a sport specialist who does track / footballers. Sorted out issues and got me back on feet.

Def recommend following advise to see genuine sports foot specialist.

I would say a cycling specialist. They will see the whole kinetic chain and understand cyclists.
There was nothing wrong with my foot just a high arch and foot angle causing knee mistracking and muscle imbalance. Sorted with a foot bed and cleat shim to keep the knee straight.

You will need to be seen on a static bike to understand your issue.
Most good sports physio places have people who have cyclist expertise, if they don’t then look elsewhere.

Mick Habgood cyclefit, Holborn

Expensive but worth it

V experienced podiatrist for cyclists

I used him for my odd feet and the result is transforming in function and comfort

Rebound, based in Settle, although he also does (or did) awaydays in other places.

My other half is a postie and had a chronic bout of plantar fasciitis that she couldn’t ease. She self referred online to our local NHS physio who assessed her face to face for an hour as needing shoe inserts and he made these on the spot. Her feet are 95% better now. It was free (paid for in taxes).

Proper podiatrist is the way forward – one I used came recommended by running group/forum my other half is on. Have custom insoles for walking etc, but he’s happy with me using the Specialized “Blue” ones on the bike – my issue combines dropped arches with big toe movement problems and cycling shoes are stiff enough to avoid the latter.

I have foot problems – ( arthritis in my big toes and ankles) Caused according to my podiatrist by overpronation which is very common. Some boots basic corrective insoles made a huge difference and because they are relatively cheap I can buy a pair for every pair of shoes

But you need a proper diagnosis and assessment – in my case the podiatrist I go to for removal of callus / corns is also interested in gait analysis and a hillwalker so I was happy with her diagnosis

So I’ve got a recommendation for a podiatrist near me. Going to give him a ring and sound him out.

I too am a Sheff boy suffering from foot problems. I went to Mountain Feet in Meltham originally for walking boots but the owner is a mtber as well so gave good advice. You make an appointment for an hour which doesn’t cost. If you have serious medical foot problems he works with a podiatrist in the same building. He also stocks a wide range of inserts and foot beds so should have something to help immediately.