Gel inserts in bike shoes

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Gel inserts in bike shoes Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2010-03-15 11:26 AM

User image

Master
1436
100010010010010025
Wilmington
Subject: Gel inserts in bike shoes
Hi   soooo what do you guys think of putting in  gel inserts in my bike shoes. I am doing a Half Ironman and wondering if its a good or bad idea and maybe get some feed back from folks who have done it pros and cons. Thanks

2010-03-15 11:29 AM
in reply to: #2726852

User image

Master
2010
2000
Falls Church, VA
Subject: RE: Gel inserts in bike shoes

My first thought is, if you want to try it, try it.

For me i have found even in street shoes gel inserts rub the feet and get very uncomforatble quickly. YMMV

2010-03-15 11:35 AM
in reply to: #2726852

User image

Master
1848
100050010010010025
Canandaigua
Subject: RE: Gel inserts in bike shoes

THe reason bike shoes are so stiff and lack cusion is you are trying as much power to the bpedal as possible.  Gels may defeat the purpose.  You can certainly try it what do you have to lose.  Don't try it the day of the race though. 

2010-03-15 11:44 AM
in reply to: #2726852

User image

Champion
4942
2000200050010010010010025
Richmond, VA
Subject: RE: Gel inserts in bike shoes

you also want to make sure it doesn't offset the ankle angle on your pedal stroke - I don't know the actual term, but I know that when I got fitted for my bike - they gave me a new set of shoe inserts that keep my pedal stroke dynamic proper.  Putting a gel insert could mess with this dynamic and in-fact cause you to have to pedal harder (defeating the purpose of the inserts).

2010-03-15 11:54 AM
in reply to: #2726852

User image

Subject: RE: Gel inserts in bike shoes
Do you have hot spots? Does it feel like you're having impact trouble on the bike?

I'm trying to imagine why you would want to do this. Gel insoles are great for dispersing foot impact but I'm not sure what good they'd do on the bike.

I've done a few HIMs and it's barefoot in Specialized Tri-Vent shoes with the standard insole for me.
2010-03-15 12:42 PM
in reply to: #2726852

User image

Master
1436
100010010010010025
Wilmington
Subject: RE: Gel inserts in bike shoes
I was thinking about them  the shoes are stiff and to make them feel fresherrr when I have to start running off the bike. I do not wear socks either but I rather have a gel insert  in my shoe than a wet sock for 56 miles. Just thought it might make it more comfy thats all

2010-03-15 12:52 PM
in reply to: #2726852

Extreme Veteran
1030
100025
West Windsor, NJ
Subject: RE: Gel inserts in bike shoes
I dont get the wet sock line? If you dont wear socks...how will your socks be wet?

I agree with the above posts...can't imagine this will be much of a benefit and there could be a much bigger downside than upside (screws up your stroke, creates blisters, etc.). But, probably can't hurt to try it in some training rides and see how it feels right?
2010-03-15 1:03 PM
in reply to: #2726852

User image

Master
1436
100010010010010025
Wilmington
Subject: RE: Gel inserts in bike shoes
 yup I will try them out and let you guys know
2010-03-15 2:14 PM
in reply to: #2726852

User image

Member
313
100100100
Ventura County, California
Subject: RE: Gel inserts in bike shoes
If you need more comfort, I would start with a more rigid foot-bed that is appropriate to (and supportive of) your foot/fit... like SuperFeet.
2010-03-15 4:13 PM
in reply to: #2726852

Master
1963
10005001001001001002525
Subject: RE: Gel inserts in bike shoes
Specialized makes insoles for bike shoes.

See here

The thing is if your feet feel fine (not falling asleep), you knees are good, and your legs feel fine...why change? I wouldn't go out and just change insoles unless I had good reason to.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Gel inserts in bike shoes Rss Feed