Sport-Specific Orthotics · Cycling shoes
Custom Orthotics for Cycling Shoes
Alignment through every pedal stroke.
Cycling is a highly repetitive, fixed-position activity. A rider may complete several thousand pedal revolutions an hour, with the foot secured to the pedal through a stiff-soled shoe. Small differences in foot posture can influence how the knee tracks through each stroke.
A cycling orthotic is designed to fit the narrow, low-volume interior of a cycling shoe while supporting the foot against the rigid sole.
Book a Sport Orthotic AssessmentBring your cycling shoes, with cleats attached, to your appointment.
What your sport asks of your feet
The foot is fixed to the pedal, so any misalignment is repeated with each revolution. Supporting the midfoot improves contact with the rigid sole of the shoe.
Support
Contoured support increases contact area beneath the midfoot, so pedalling force is distributed across more of the foot rather than concentrated at the forefoot.
Alignment
Foot orthoses and in-shoe wedges can alter lower-limb mechanics during cycling, including frontal-plane knee motion, which is of interest in riders with knee pain.
Cushioning and efficiency
A low-profile design preserves the rigid connection between foot and pedal, maintaining power transfer while reducing localized pressure.
Evidence
What the research indicates
Orthotic research continues to develop, and individual responses vary. We base our prescriptions on your assessment and use published evidence to guide, rather than overstate, expected outcomes.
- A study of cyclists found that contoured in-shoe foot orthoses increased midfoot plantar contact area compared with a flat insert.
- A systematic review of foot orthoses and in-shoe wedges during cycling found evidence that these interventions can alter lower-limb kinematics, while noting that effects on power output are less certain.
- For this reason, cycling orthotics are prescribed for comfort, contact and alignment, rather than as a guaranteed means of increasing power.
Selected references
- Bousie JA, Blanch P, McPoil TG, Vicenzino B. Contoured in-shoe foot orthoses increase mid-foot plantar contact area when compared with a flat insert during cycling. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2013.
- Yeo BK, Bonanno DR. The effect of foot orthoses and in-shoe wedges during cycling: a systematic review. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 2014.
Technical specifications
How the device is built
The lab standard below is the starting point for your device. Your chiropodist adjusts materials, posting and shell rigidity according to your assessment, body weight and level of activity.
Low Profile Sport
Control level 4Lab standard description
- 1.5 mm Puff top cover to toes
- 1.5 mm Poron extension to toes
- Vacuum-formed semi-rigid polypropylene shell
- 12 mm heel cup
- Extrinsic rearfoot post with nylon strike plate
- Functional shell grind
This is an example only. The actual design and materials of your device will be based on your chiropodist’s assessment.
Applications
Most men’s, women’s and children’s lower-volume athletic footwear.
Optional shell materials
Copolymer, XT Sprint, TL2100, Performance Rx
Recommended footwear
The right cycling shoes matter
An orthotic performs best in footwear with appropriate structure, depth and fit. Your chiropodist can advise on suitable footwear, and we can order select models through our footwear service.
Cycling shoes: common questions
Related orthotic services
Bring your footwear. Start with an assessment.
Meet with our Registered Chiropodists to discuss your feet, your sport and your equipment, and whether a custom orthotic is appropriate for you.
3305 Harvester Road, Burlington, Ontario L7N 3N2