Last year on my first RAGBRAI I wore Keen Commuter II, and I was initially pleased. However, halfway through the ride I had sore feet, and by the end I had three or of five toes numb on each foot, and terrible Edema. The consensus with everyone is that the sandals, although expensive and quite fashionable (in all seriousness I loved the tiger stripe sandal tan I got on RAGBRAI), were too skinny or my foot is too wide lol.
So my question is, do I continue to try the sandals, in the event that previous experiences are due to the need of a break in?, or should I get new sandals. If so, what kind? At this point I enjoy the open air feel. Any advice is appreciated:)
11 Replies
The Lake sandals are wider… they are hard to find. Not sure if they still make them but I found a used pair on ebay. But I still suffer from the numbness toes and hands. Could be the booze…
I’m surprised to hear that about the Keens. I’ve been riding in mine for 2 years and absolutely love them. My feet are a bit on the wide side too. You could try adjusting the clips-loosening or changing the alignment. I started out with Lake sandals. Liked them, but they wore out after 7 years!! I haven’t seen them for sale anywhere lately.
I heard of Lake’s width but you need to break them in. Agree, I would check your cleat alignment. Try adjustments before buying new.
Ohio : how many miles did you train while wearing the Keens before RAGBRAI ?
Just a wild guess on my part but you may be “mashing” the pedals…that is, biking at too low an rpm which would cause the numbness. Some I know have alleviated the numbness by moving their cleats back on the shoe and increasing their rpm.
RIDE RIGHT or…….it could be pie deficiency anemia, that is, not enough pie.
Good advise from Sandaltan. I ride a trike and a LWB recumbent and wear shoes not sandals. I was having trouble with “hot spots” on the bottom of my feet and numb toes. I moved the cleats back and paid more attention to what gear I was in. Numb toes and hot spots gone!! This might work for you.
Mike
Thanks for the awesome advice. I will definitely be trying the cleat placement. I was hoping not to have to buy new sandals. The cash flow is a little low at the moment :-| Hopefully I will see some of you in Iowa come the 22nd of July! :-D
I apparently had the same early model Keen bike sandals which were made too narrow, hurt the small toes. Discarded them about 3 days into the ride last year.
I ride my trike in shoes, and have had problems with numb toes too, thanks for the advice on the cleats, I’m going to adjust mine right now and see how it turns out!
I’ve moved the cleats all the way back on my shoes also. For me it was very effective in preventing my calves from cramping up. I’ve been lucky that I’ve never really had problems with hot-spots or numbness. (knock wood). I’ve had them like that now for a couple of years, very happy with the results.
Steve
I still don’t like these 2 strappers as much as my old 3 strap model!!!!