General Discussion Triathlon Talk » bike shoes/ running shoes Rss Feed  
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2010-05-04 11:08 PM

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Subject: bike shoes/ running shoes
I have a pair of cycling shoes and my feet seem to fall asleep within 5- 10 miles. I wore my running shoes for 20 with no problem. What are the benefits to cycling shoes? Do I need to adjust the cleat position? If you wear your running shoes throughout the races, wouldn't it save transition time?


2010-05-05 7:39 AM
in reply to: #2837513

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Subject: RE: bike shoes/ running shoes
Short answer:
There is a difference in using cycling shoes instead of running shoes. Cycling shoes are more efficient.

Long answer:
I'll defer to someone with more knowledge. I have a couple of theories of why your foot is going numb, but I'll stay tuned to see if I'm right.
2010-05-05 12:25 PM
in reply to: #2837513

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Subject: RE: bike shoes/ running shoes
For your cycling shoes, they definitely are the right fit?  You may have also strapped/buckled them too tight.  I believe your foot swells a bit as you exercise (I may be wrong, but thought I remembered hearing that somewhere...guess I could take a few seconds and hunt on the internet...BRB...yes, I did see that the foot can swell when riding) and this may cause the shoe to become tighter.  Try loosening the straps a bit to see if this helps.  Also, cycling shoes are more efficient power-wise and also a running shoe doesn't offer the same support for the bottom of your feet and may cause some discomfort with the bottom of your foot.
2010-05-05 1:30 PM
in reply to: #2837513

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Subject: RE: bike shoes/ running shoes
have you had a bike fit? It could be lots of things but I'd start with:
1. Shoe fit
2. Cleats in correct position (no pressure on inside/outside of foot when pedaling)?
3. Seat at correct height?
2010-05-05 8:49 PM
in reply to: #2837513

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Subject: RE: bike shoes/ running shoes
I haven't done a fitting yet I hope that will help.
2010-05-05 9:09 PM
in reply to: #2837513

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Subject: RE: bike shoes/ running shoes
I was told to keep my feet level.  I have a tendency to point my toes down when pedeling.  No numb toes since. 


2010-05-06 8:19 AM
in reply to: #2837513

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Subject: RE: bike shoes/ running shoes
It sounds like your shoes are too tight- and probably just the top straps.  Loosen them a lot (to the point of it feeling too loose) and try that.  Your feet will swell a lot while riding.  This worked for me.  If this doesn't work, then fit, cleat position, etc.  But try the easy thing first. 

Wearing running shoes throughout a race will help your T2 time, but will likely slow your bike time down  by even more.  Cycling shoes are much more efficient because you can use the entire pedal stroke, not just on the way down as with running shoes.  They also have much stiffer soles which allows for more power transfer to the pedal.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » bike shoes/ running shoes Rss Feed