Foot | Burning soles while cycling | Ergonomics expert SQlab

Burning soles while cycling?

So-called plantar burning is caused by high local pressure. The pedal provides only a small contact area between foot and insole. In combination with a shoe that is too soft, the sole can bend around the pedal. This can lead to pain and burning soles, because the pressure is not evenly distributed. Relief is provided by SQlab insoles thanks to their ergonomic shape and cushioning.

CAUSES for burning soles of the feet while cycling

1. Cause

High pressure load

2. Cause

Cleat adjustment

Burning Soles - bad pressure distribution

CAUSE - high pressure load

due to a small contact surface and support

SQlab solution

optimal pressure distribution through insoles

Too much movement, or incorrect placement of the foot causes pressure peaks on the vessels and nerves through the middle foot. Even with a normal foot position muscle fatigue can lead to a sinking of the foot arch and which in turn lead to various problems. Muscle weakness: daily walking in shoes shortens and weakens the long and short foot muscle groups. Corresponding to the various foot types and specific requirements in cycling, we have developed insoles that support the various weaknesses.

Benefits and function of the insoles:

optimal pressure distribution
maximized power transmission
support for the foot arches
relief of overstressed nerves

Based on the foot type determination and thus according to the different foot types and the special requirements of cycling, we have developed insoles in three different shapes that support the respective weak points of the foot.

> For foot type determination

Attention ! Insoles do not make any orthopedic correction to the foot, but distribute the pressure optimally on the pedal.

Burning soles - Cleat adjustment during cycling

CAUSE - incorrect cleat setting

Cleat presses on sensitive soft tissue and reduces blood flow

Soft tissue and vessels

SQlab solution

correct cleat placement under the foot skeleton

Metatarsophalangeal joint

The correct position of the cleats depends on the individual foot skeleton. For pain-free power transmission, they should be mounted on the shoe so that the pedal axis is underneath the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big and the little toe.

Cleats too far back = pain and burning foot soles
IIf the cleat is positioned further back on the shoe, less strain is placed on the calf muscles. However, the pedal can press into sensitive soft tissue and the attachments of the short foot muscles, which in turn can lead to burning pain on the soles of the feet.

Cleats too far forward = numb toes

If the cleat is mounted too far forward, the leverage of the foot increases, putting extra strain on the calf muscles. This leads to faster fatigue of the calf muscles, puts greater strain on the Achilles tendon and higher pressure on the vessels in the toe area, which can lead to numb toes.

Lateral position of the cleats

Also in the lateral direction, the cleat can be easily adjusted on the shoe. For the correct positioning, it is important here to note the natural foot position.

People with rather small feet and a parallel foot position can screw the cleat slightly further out on the shoe. In this way, the feet come further inwards on the pedal and the Q-factor can be reduced.

People with a natural V shaped foot position (this is very common) or generally with larger feet must mount the cleat on the shoe further inside. That way the shoe is further out on the pedal and the heel has enough space to pass the crank and the chain stay.

With a strong V-position and a shoe size beyond 44, the adjustment range of the cleats is often no longer sufficient to fix the foot in a natural position on the pedal. In this case SQlab recommends the use of pedals with longer axles.