I\’ve had orthotics in my cycling shoes for at least five years.

Not long after I switched to two wheels, I noticed that my left foot rolled inwards when riding. It was especially noticeable if I half-rose from the saddle. This rolling-in made the inner side of the knee feel strained; and I knew that not addressing the problem immediately would likely lead to much bigger issues later.

Ultimately I visited a sports medicine clinic, to get custom-made orthotics. When you go for such a fitting, the clinician (or whatever the title may be) presses each foot into a block of memory foam; and the impressions are used to make orthotics that will fit your feet properly.

Such devices are expensive; at least $300. But they\’re meant to last for 3-5 years. In fact, at a price like that, they had better last a long time!

Recently my left foot started acting weird immediately after a long (say, 50 miles) ride. When I took my cycling shoe off, the smaller toes felt like they were going into spasm; they\’d curl under, and it took several seconds for me to get them to straighten. Then, when walking, it felt like something sharp was under the bases of those small toes.

I consulted my primary care physician, and he said something about metatarsal inflammation; and that my orthotics probably needed replacing. I visited the sports medicine clinic again last week; got the impressions done; and my new shoe inserts should be ready before the end of the month. I took along my cycling shoes to the \”fitting\”. I wanted to be sure they were still in decent condition. Thank goodness they are!