First the bad news: our feet are not actually made for cycling. Logical, because in the course of human evolution, the time span in which feet are mounted on a pedal crank and set in motion is comparatively short. It is no coincidence that the first bicycles were designed as walking machines. It was only later that the idea of transmitting the movement via a crank with a chain or belt came about. Overall, this is more efficient, but the biomechanically flexible musculoskeletal system of the foot with its transverse and longitudinal arches is not actually designed for rigid rotational movement.
The foot must be correctly positioned on the pedal
When your feet are cranking on the bike, a little strength can be lost each time. Sports scientist Dr Achim Schmidt from the Cologne Sports University explains: "Every time you pedal, your foot bends slightly to the side, usually inwards in the form of pronation." Part of the power is wasted, so to speak, also due to lateral twisting movements of the knees, which can occur during compression. This is not only unfavourable for propulsion, but can even lead to orthopaedic damage or injuries. "The aim should be to be better guided and as stable as possible on the pedals, and to stop the biomechanically pointless to detrimental pronation movement," explains Schmidt, who is also involved in the development of ergonomic insoles and pedals for cyclists. Studies show that this increases the power that can be transferred from the foot to the crank. But for less performance-orientated cyclists too, this simply means more comfort and less discomfort in the shoe.
Improvement through ergonomic insoles
And now the good news: these sometimes decisive improvements can be achieved with relatively simple accessories such as prefabricated, reasonably priced cycling insoles. You don't have to buy an elaborate bike fitting or have special orthopaedic soles fitted - although such measures can certainly achieve even more targeted improvements. Especially the Analysing the overall sitting position enables a more holistic view and is recommended for cyclists with extreme misalignments or complaints. Contrary to what was often propagated in the past, orthopaedic or ergonomic products are also useful for normal cyclists.
Power transmission between shoe and pedal
If the biomechanically stable foot also finds support in the matching shoeit almost becomes a well-rounded thing. Now all that remains is for the shoe to transfer the power to the pedal at the most mechanically favourable point. Ergonomically shaped pedals with a slightly curved or increased length and/or width can help with this. If you ride with cleats and clipless pedals, these should be well adjusted. If all the components of the interfaces between foot, shoe and pedal work well together, pedalling will be much smoother, easier and less painful than with unergonomic wobbly feet that search in vain for the right grip.
