[crispy]

I went to see an orthopedic sports doc today about a strange tingling sensation on the bottom of my left foot for the last 3 months. I thought it might be related to riding since the timing overlapped. He said I have something called Morton's Neuroma, and he wants me to buy a wider mountain biking shoe.

Anyone else have experience with this? Or know any shoe brands/styles that might help out with this problem?

(I'm a bit of a cyberchondriac so I'm relieved I'm not developing MS)

 

[C.J.]

I've had it in both feet for years. One was surgically corrected and it alleviated pain for a time. It can be totally debillitating. Listen to the doctor.

I've had leg/knee/ankle/feet issues for years, (I didn't walk for a few years…reconstruction of both ankles, modified 'Watkins-Jones' procedures).

Gory details, PMme.

I went to see an orthopedic sports doc today about a strange tingling sensation on the bottom of my left foot for the last 3 months. I thought it might be related to riding since the timing overlapped. He said I have something called Morton's Neuroma, and he wants me to buy a wider mountain biking shoe.

Anyone else have experience with this? Or know any shoe brands/styles that might help out with this problem?

(I'm a bit of a cyberchondriac so I'm relieved I'm not developing MS)

 

[OFS]

I have wide feet and the Shimano HT-40 shoes work really well for me. They have a wide toe box and are stiff enough for riding.

 

[Bituman]

+1 what OFS said, but he may have meant SH-MT40. That's what I use and it is very good cycling shoe. Wide toe box and good for walking. Slightly heavy, but good support and surprisingly affordable. Very good value. Good luck with the Morton's neuroma, thought that was more of a runner's problem. I have known runners with that and initial treatment seems to be similar: switch to roomier shoe. I'm sure the doctor discussed icing, metatarsal pads, etc. I've struggled with plantar fascitis off and on for 10 years. Foot problems are really bad, in fact, that's one of the things that lead me to back off on running miles and ramp up bicycle miles. BTW glad you don't have MS, maybe you ought to do the MS150 to maintain good karma! Anyway good luck.

Bob

 

[OFS]

We're talking about the same shoe. I just figured the SH stood for Shimano.

 

[Loudpawlz]

Anyone else have experience with this? Or know any shoe brands/styles that might help out with this problem?

Those morton's can be quite painful.

Both Specialized and Sidi make a wide last in their higher end shoes. Lake also has a wide last at different price points.

You should also look into a footbed that has some sort of metatarsal arch support. This helps prevent that arch from collapsing and pinching the nerves that run between the toes.

If your insurance will cover the cost of a custom orthotic, I'd go that route. If not Birkenstock blue footbeds or Chiabatta's are both 3/4 length and have a fairly low profile with a great metatarsal support. Specialized makes a body geometry footbed with a metatarsal support as well. They come in their shoes or the can be purchased separately.

To fit the 3/4 length footbed, I cut off the back 3/4 of the stock footbed so that I'm not stacking one footbed over the other.

 

[crispy]

Thanks guys for all this valuable feedback. I will look into these shoe suggestions.

 

[BIGHORN LEW]

if the rich uncle likes you, sidi has a mega classification for some of there shoes that are wider. i have a neuroma in my lefty now, and had the righty removed some years back. just wear as loose of shoes as possible at all times and you can get away with it longer. the surgery for me was ruff and painful recovering from.:eekster: but once the roma starts to burn though, you will probably want to take care of it. good luck, and know you are not alone in this. :cornut:

 

[C.J.]

Thanks guys for all this valuable feedback. I will look into these shoe suggestions.

I have narrow feet, so it presents different issues. I tried the Shiman shoe, but, even with two pairs of socks, my foot would twist inthe shoe and not release from the pedal.

Mine get irritated if my socks are too snug (most bike socks). I stretch the toe a bit.
DirtRag just posted an article about cold weather gear. the author stated he had narrow feet and mentioned custom orthotics he used for sizing his winter shoes. Maybe these might help with a wider shoe?

 

[Tor-y-Foel]

I had one removed from my right foot at the start of the year - not entirely successful unfortunately but better than it was. I have found most biking shoes to be too narrow at the best of times so the choice tends to be quite narrow. I got some relief from a semi custon footbed with metatarsal support.

For dry conditions the Specialised Tahoe is great - good wide fitting, well shaped insert and just enought flexibility to prevent a severe hard spot effect. No good in the wet in the UK though. For winterish use I found the Cannondale Roam a similar sort of fit but more water resistant and for full winter use oversized waterproof North Wave boots with two layers of socks have been the answer.

The most essential thing is to have room for the toes to spread a little and if there is a pressure point in the wrong place in the shoe a three quarter insert and support just lifts the front of the foot a little to take the pressure off the tender spot.