[tou]

I have Dura Ace Pedals and for some reason when I ride say more than 5 miles the area around the balls of my feet ache. I bought a pair of Sidi Genius 5 because the bike shop thought maybe better shoes might solve the problem. I just got back from 4 mile ride and that area of my foot is sore.What is the answer ? Different shoes? Stiffer soles perhaps "Carbon" Or is the placement of the cleats? The shop is kind of clueless so I would appreciate if some one can point me in the right direction.
Thank You

 

[real stonie]

I encountered the same problem with the el cheapo Performance Forte road shoes. I decided race appearance wasn't worth the pain and bought some Shimano MTB shoes....MUCH BETTER, much more comfortable and no nagging foot pain.

 

[ericm979]

Are you clenching your feet inside the shoes? Some people do that unconciously. I found my Sidi 4's to be comfortable after getting 'hot foot' with Shimano shoes. They're even better with a set of Peterson foot beds replacing the standard ones.

Another thing to check is your cleat position. Cleats that are too far forward can cause foot pain. I used to run my cleats all the way forward, which puts a lot of strain on the calves. I have pretty strong calves so that is fine, but it also made my feet hurt. Moving them back a tiny bit helped and didn't reduce my power.

 

[tou]

I had Shimano before and also had "hot foot"
I was thinking the cleat position might be the cause also

 

[Mr. Versatile]

I rode Shimano shoes for many years. I recently switched to the same Sidi's you have, and I have the same problem. IMO, their soles are too soft compared to the Shimano's.

 

[jeff262]

Might Try Inserts

Sometimes the inserts that go into the shoe just don't agree with the foot. If the foot is not supported properly pain can be created in a number of areas (my experience). I once had a similar problem to the one you are describing on a pair of cheap cycling shoes. I bought a $25 pair of inserts and the problem was solved.

 

[Argentius]

Genius 5's are plenty stiff. It's not that.

Mess with your fore / aft cleat position.

Some shoes just don't work with some feet.

Have you tested (wet footprint technique) for pronation / supination at all?