Shoe suggestions/Fizik R3s?

[Jimbo.]

At my wits end here. What with picking up a knee injury early this year (due in part to a lack of heel/arch support), I went for a set of Specialized Pro Road shoes + BG insoles. And they worked brilliantly. However, more often than not the upper of the shoe - specifically the top strap (part of the shoe body itself) - is causing me problems, digging into the top of my foot and resulting in something similar to lace bite. Thicker socks, adjusting the straps etc sometimes eases it, sometimes makes it worse.

Great

Can anyone recommend a shoe with good heel and arch support (rules out most cycling shoes then!), be it via the shoe itself or the manufacturers own insoles. Heat-mouldable ones can't accommodate my wonky feet (no way of "building up" as much as needed) and I don't like aftermarket insoles like Superfeet (v. bulky and never quite fit properly). HOWEVER, in addition to this I'd like something with a relatively open top/upper, or at least where the top strap isn't right at the top nor rigid like my Spesh shoes. Just to complicate things.

I quite like the look of the Fizik R3s, with reports of ample arch support, and the top looks better than my current shoes.

Any suggestions for my somewhat oddball requirements, or can anyone comment on the R3s?

Thanks

[jodypress]

If you're near London I'd recommend going to Cyclefit.

I got some E-fit soles done before the summer.

http://www.cyclefit.co.uk/cycling-footbeds

[Rocksteadyeddie]

Are you sure the shoes are the problem? Most knee problems are caused or exacerbated by poor positioning, alignment, or technique. Knee issues for cycling have been around for as long as the hills. Get a bike fit as a first step, and some pedalling technique help from some of the older hands in your local club. It was always drilled into me "little ring, little ring, little ring" and it helped me develop decent souplesse. The number of times I see people doing 16mph in the big ring makes me wince for their poor knees.

As a bonus the above is likely to make you go faster too!

[E38]

Expensive answers:

Seen a podiatrist? Orthotics (shoe insert) might help. Expensive but might help every other shoe you own and give you a much wider range options elsewhere.

Also maybe a bike fit to ensure your bike, cleat position etc is right for you. Anywhere that offers a Retul fit is apparently very comprehensive.

Cheaper answer (but might not help):

Go for the R3s, I have and love them. Are fairly thin mind, my (slightly wider) right foot can get a little squeezed/hot on long rides, but its worth the comfort, quality and incredible feeling of connection to the bike you get with such stiff and comfortable shoes, especially as I couldn't remotely afford the list price of the better SIDI/'lized/Shimano clogs. I also like how there is little to no venting, perfect for spring and autumn yet also fine on the hottest British summer day. Maybe avoid if you spend all summer touring southern Europe....

ETA: Considering your requirements for good arch support yet open upper, prob best to just order a pair via wiggle, see if its works for you, then return using their free collect+ returns service. I ordered a few pairs to get the best size then returned them all and bought them cheaper elsewhere

Edited by E38 on Friday 15th November 09:32

[jodypress]

Just to put things into perspective. I had the E-Fit soles fitted before the summer as I had a new pair of shoes and wanted some new fitted footbeds. I spent 30mins at cyclefit (I've been a few times over the years and have already had a bike fit - had ACL repair 2 years ago so need correct position)

The guy checked my riding position, which was spot on and then fitted the new cleats to the shoes, recommended the cheaper E-fit soles over the more expensive Sidi foot beds and then did a fitment.
I also need wedges between cleats and soles too.

The whole lot with 2 sets of footbeds, cleat setup and a coffee too was about £70. I'd totally recommend them but was also second having a bikefit too.

[Jimbo.]

Thanks all. As background, the need for arch and heel support was ID'd by my physio (who rides and races). Also ID'd was overly tight quads, which is being dealt with by massage, rolling and stretching.

Up until the shoe problems with the upper foot (due entirely to the fit/straps), the shoe/insole combo was working well. Letting the massage/rolling slip has sparked the knee probs again, mind! Oops.

A bike fitting is on the cards around Xmas. In the interim, if I can sort the shoe/support thing in the interim, I'll be a good way there.

[AMG01]

Also have R3s, love them, very comfy.

[Jimbo.]

So, I dithered too long, and missed out on the red R3s However, I did find some R3SLs in a wonderfully 70s rock silver colour for the same price so went for them. Granted I've yet to ride in them, but first impressions are positive.

They're light. Very light, in fact. The velco seems nice and stubborn, and the straps/tongue nice and easy on that tendon-y bit at the very top of the foot. And there's a LOT of arch support, with maybe a slight "outward" canter to the whole shoe, although that may just be a sensation created by said arch support. For me, perched precariously on slippery carbon soles on my bedroom carpet, they feel good on my wonky heels and knees, so for the moment...sorted!

[Jayfish]

edit:

Nm too late