[qmsdc15]

If you think of the sole as an oversized platform pedal, SPD sandals are kinda minimalistic.. Putting a machine between your bare feet and the ground complicates things. For example, pairing barefoot style footware with minimalist pedals like eggbeaters would be a poor match

[Industry_Hack]

SPD sandals are not at all minimalistic. I'm wondering if you could bring more muscles into play by replacing the stiff sole of a cycling shoe with one that allows the foot to move in a more natural motion.

[qmsdc15]

If you think of the sole of an SPD sandal as the ground, maybe? Natural foot movement implies to me walking, on a firm surface. I don't know what natural foot motion on a bicycle pedal would mean, but you need a somewhat solid platform to walk naturally and in my opinion you need a solid platform to pedal efficiently. An SPD sandal is that solid ground with a few straps holding you on it.

Cut the straps off if you prefer a freer feeling, but SPD sandals do feel a lot like riding barefoot (on a big foot shaped pedal) to me...

[Industry_Hack]

Put your bare foot on the ground, keep the ball of your foot firmly planted, and raise your heel about 4 inches off the ground. Now try that with your shoes on. Minimalist shoes allow a more natural movement than a traditional shoe can provide. Anyone who has worn a pair understands what I'm getting at, as far as bicycle shoes.

[qmsdc15]

I understand the importance of the foot bending at the ball while walking. My job involves a lot of both bike riding and walking. I rode in sneakers/platform pedals for years to address plantar fascitis in one of my feet. Walking in stiff soled shoes definitely hurt my feet but the condition has been resolved and I'm back on clipless pedals. Knock on wood, there is a risk of re-injury.

I've had touring shoes that were designed to flex at the ball but resisted bending in the opposite direction.

One problem with clipless compatable shoes that flex is breakage. I had some early pairs designed for casual use, more dual purpose on/off the bike which were not as stiff as performance models but they broke in half. Newer clipless shoes for recreational riders seem to be much stiffer, but rocker is sometimes added to make them easier to walk in.

You should try to ride in your running shoes. I never noticed a big problem with my feet bending too much around the pedal (flexing the opposite direction) when I was riding in sneakers. You can control that with the muscles in your feet. I did use big pedals though to provide some support.

Ergon pedals might work well for you. Slap a pair of these on your bike and have a go at riding in your minimalist shoes!



Ergon pedals would look nice on Xela's 11 speed bike.

[BlackCoffee]

Originally Posted by Industry_Hack

Pfft! I just got a pair of New Balance Minimus trail shoes, size 12. They go to twelve!

I love the Minimus. I bought mine in a 12.5 which I previously thought was merely a mythical size....

[wild]

Originally Posted by qmsdc15

I understand the importance of the foot bending at the ball while walking. My job involves a lot of both bike riding and walking. I rode in sneakers/platform pedals for years to address plantar fascitis in one of my feet. Walking in stiff soled shoes definitely hurt my feet but the condition has been resolved and I'm back on clipless pedals. Knock on wood, there is a risk of re-injury.

I've had touring shoes that were designed to flex at the ball but resisted bending in the opposite direction.

One problem with clipless compatable shoes that flex is breakage. I had some early pairs designed for casual use, more dual purpose on/off the bike which were not as stiff as performance models but they broke in half. Newer clipless shoes for recreational riders seem to be much stiffer, but rocker is sometimes added to make them easier to walk in.

You should try to ride in your running shoes. I never noticed a big problem with my feet bending too much around the pedal (flexing the opposite direction) when I was riding in sneakers. You can control that with the muscles in your feet. I did use big pedals though to provide some support.

Ergon pedals might work well for you. Slap a pair of these on your bike and have a go at riding in your minimalist shoes!



Ergon pedals would look nice on Xela's 11 speed bike.

Are thay wide???, my problum is EEEEE wide