Do you need Arch Support in your Cycling Shoes?

A shoot for new products for www.jam-cycling.com/
and a visit to Bicycle in Richmond for some new arch support and a mini BFT.
/ francis_cade
/ francisccade
The following companies (that you'll see in my content) support me either financially or with free stuff, so huge thanks to these guys for helping the channel thrive:
Jam Cycling,
Attacus Cycling,
Wilier Triestina,
MET Helmets,
Shimano,
SpinOnThese Wheels,
BUY A T-SHIRT - www.jam-cycling.com/collectio...
LUTs - I use Zack Kravits LUTs available here: www.zackkravits.com/store
MUSIC - I used Musicbed, FREE trial affiliate link here: share.mscbd.fm/Francisccade

[@Miles_on_bikes]

Got some arch support from James. Instant improvement to saddle comfort. 👌

[@garybird8646]

100% agree with James, once you have the sensation of pedalling through the whole foot the difference is phenomenal.

[@andycorso8498]

Ooh ooh pedal stance....a fave topic........can’t beat bike fitting vids....I’m obsessed

[@THSimagery]

The fact that you replace the supports fro free! ❤️❤️❤️. I also like the flexibility in the support. I have some made by a foot doc, and they are too stiff, and they hurt for riding.

[@rossgrubbs4017]

Always love the BikeFit videos, more please!!

[@dafred9898]

Idris Elba was great as Luther, always slouched over. But Ruth Wilson who played Alice was freaking fantastic.

[@davidmartin2766]

I'd love to see a bike fit video on fore-aft seat position. Keep up the good work!

[@LordMelbury1953]

No I’m in Italy.. the life of Cade, Francis Cade.

[@sparkeyjones6261]

The Life of Cade... is that a movie?

[@bikenewquay9473]

very interesting point well presented, guess what i'm about to order, many thanks, ride safe!

[@lewtheblu92]

Looking at trying to book in with James for a fit sometime this month, been putting it off for too long! Love the bike fit content!

[@brusjhone8827]

Nice work as usual Franciii,. PLS ask the Spartacus if can come up with idea for those who got metatarsalgia :( it is very paining with long ride even with front support gel. well done again mate and still wait for guitar end :)

[@inigoh]

Cade has this cycling yt thing on lock atm 🔥

[@Pratalax]

Ayy, VC on in the shop! I do get along with my superfeet (more the regular ones than the bontrager collab ones) but i've had em years... perhaps i ought to switch out.

[@sleepydbag]

This must be the 10th time James praises the G8's so I ordered a pair to see for myself!

[@TheStarthms]

Any tips on setting up a rental bike. Should you measure certain setups on your bike and try and match them on the rental? Are there more important measurements to get right than others?

[@gethinap]

What Jimmy hasn't told you is that Attacus clothing is woven with Vibranium thread that he smuggled out of Ebbw Vale Steelworks before it closed. ITK

[@vercyngetorix2010]

Hi Francis. I’m a powerlifter transitioning back into cycling. Currently have a gravel bike and road bike. Could you do a vlog on hr based training to get back into bike fitness? Zone 2 stuff and cadence I’m assuming? Sorry if you’ve already done one on this? Cheers and thanks for the content!

[@C0deH0wler]

Had high arch support for warehouse work for 2 years. The middle of the foot felt like it teared sometimes, getting worse as I reached the 2 year point (maybe once every week or two). Switched to neutral arc support where I can *just* feel the support, and it's even better than high arc in terms of comfort. No support = limping pain (I don't remember sudden tearing sensations tho). High arc support on me = a bit of pain at end of shift. Neutral support = foot in pain for a bit while my feet adapted to something different in 2 years, then no pain after work after a week or so. I swear, when I did the test back then, the pressure arc touching the ground was very thin. Now it is a bit thicker. Maybe I just misinterpreted the test at the store :/

[@AC-wq7fo]

i got a lot into cycling 'cus of your transcontinental stuff - great to hear you mention fiona.

[@markrobinson1458]

Drooling over the Carlton bike, my old pro am was thrown away by my ex, maybe a future purchase 🤔 👍

[@ChrisHaggarty]

This could be one for James and I’m more than happy to book a fitting with him. I’m new to cycling (MTB) and last year I was sidelined with excruciating pain in my right foot which seemed to be related to a “damaged rentinaculum”. This improved over time but was super painful and frustrating. This year I’ve been riding fairly regularly ( 3 or 4 times a week) on a new gravel bike , and was fitted with cleats and fairly sure they are in the right position. No pain whatsoever. Suddenly last week from nowhere, the exact same thing has happened but on my other foot - same pain same frustrations at not being able to walk - never mind ride. Reading articles this time it seems my condition could be related to something called metatarsalgia !! I’m wondering if the G8 arch supports would help. Local podiatrist is just saying rest for 6 to 8 weeks which is going to kill me not being able to ride during the rest of the summer 😟😟😟😟

[@SuperJungeJunge]

not sure if its at all relevant for you or James, but a conversation on cyclocross bike fit/set up would be pretty interesting. pedaling position vs handling needs

[@onederment]

Can I get them online? My left leg is shorter than my right by 5mm... what's best thing to do for my cycling?

[@WillEyedOney]

I've put pads in my shoes under my first metatarsal because I have Mortons Toe, James needs to talk about this! ;)

[@_________4292]

Hi Frnacis, best from Poland .

[@AC-wq7fo]

..and there's a real slim possibility of a tcr rider going thru talamona on sunday :-)

[@lyndasnart7823]

Another good one 👍🇦🇺

[@dan.p.8060]

Is that a Francis Cade KZbin video playing on the TV in James' shop? Edit: Definitely is. Great idea for a bike shop

[@Cade_Media]

Project USA on loop!

[@TheBigadam1980]

Glad it wasn't just me

[@dan.p.8060]

Francis Cade Noice!

[@gingerdanny1234]

An invisible bike, what a great concept, although you would never know if it got knicked or not. Very Brave Road cycling in London, I tried it once...never again

[@udumann]

Please do a video with James about serious leg length discrepancies and one about heavier riders Thanks!

[@JonathonDoig]

Take away from today... 1. Arch supports stop you from walking into stuff 2. BFJ still can't use his coffee machine. 🤦‍♂️😁. 🎥👌 Oh and Blue Toast?

[@seantaras1904]

can't stop looking at the TV behind James

[@jonpoon3896]

Outside of a bike fit, how do you choose the arch piece size? Could it be too much? Not sure how big and position I should use

[@deadpool8340]

Vlog ception,filming vlog while vlog playing in the background!!! And do muddy fox shoe's come with decent arch support???

[@apv1]

Could you do a bike fit video about hand position, specifically having shifters pointed inwards and bars really really narrow? Theres a trend for 38cm bas or less now. What has changed in the past when a few years ago everyone was on 44cm bars?

[@monrezee]

Dig the Project USA video on in James's shop.

[@kristianbrandstrup6206]

Would love to see a video about the "new" trend for tt-bikes riding with more angle on the aero bars.

[@Zenakuu14]

Bike fit Tuesday can you guys do cycling shoes for flat feet? My bottom foot is always in pain half way through my rides and it's for sure a padding issue but what's the best for insoles for flat feet?

[@richmaher6010]

Hey James, I love the G8, but one thing I wonder about is that it seems like the height of the heel cup pushes my heel above the heel lock pads on my SIDI's, is that a big deal?

[@glennoc8585]

Some support is beneficial as most cycling shoes are lacking. Its less critical than running trainers as most of the force is at the ball of the foot and less loading at the heel and the outer edge of the foot metatarsal 4 & 5. If you have a plantar issue eg flat footed, you should wear orthotics always.

[@sparkeyjones6261]

Lol... trying to get a range of opinions on insoles, and every video so far has lead to James and the G8. Surely there must be others out there someplace 😅

[@BarePotato]

What James think of Solestar? I am using it and feel sooo good.

[@yardleylfc]

I have no arch in my feet I’m so flat footed. Do you think I need some support still? Would I need to take the factory insole out of my shoes also else that would be like having 2 insoles in them?also if I put extra insole in that would make my shoes smaller...

[@TomYearby]

Lou! Wharra legend!

[@davehopkinson3251]

If I had "good" arch support would I still need cleat wedges to support varus foot?

[@chrisvargas4968]

James Lawrence and Francis bike ride!!!

[@Richz2]

For a moment there I thought you said you were going into work!

[@Cade_Media]

outside work, innit

[@abritandhisbikeinpoland6802]

God I need to see this guy desperately!! I have curvature of the spine, forward neck posture, 5 degree hip displacement , and 1 hip almost 1 cm higher than the other! As we speak constant IT band pain but no knee pain? But where would he start with me? But as I'm in Poland and him in London, and my Polish salary last 5 mins in the UK, I was wondering if he would accept an iou? Or Monopoly money, it's probably worth more than Polish money!

[@C0deH0wler]

Just found out I prefer a mixture between mountain bike aggressive handlebars & dutch handlebars, over regular dutch ones, because of my curved back. These aggressive-dutch-like handlebars also offer a bit more non-awkward positions over regular dutch ones, if I want to stretch straight for a minute or so. Just leave your fingers halfway on the bar with your arms flopped down a bit.

[@SuperDaniels1234]

Question for James: Since recently I'm getting pain in my right knee. Medially and proximally on the patella. I haven't changed anything on the bike lately, also not training more than usual. The pain only starts when I ride for +- 30 minutes, and increases from there. I've been to the physio, no real diagnose to be found. He thinks my glutes aren't strong enough because my knee tracks slightly inward. I've been cycling for 2,5 years now, and only having pain now. If that's the case I would have felt it sooner, no?

[@roejogan7023]

Toon Daniels Hey I am currently dealing with a similar issue as to yours. Did you ever fix your knee pain?

[@ayowser01]

What do you think about Solestar?

[@cathyneill2922]

"The thing about arch support is it helps re-establish the connection between your brain and your feet which is generally lost by putting your foo into any shoe". Conventional shoes yes. Or you could transition to barefoot shoes and regain proprioception and build arch strength, as well as avoiding a load of other problems.

[@JulianAndresKlode]

Barefoot cycling shoes? Makes no sense. Feet are not made for cycling :) You have to get them to the point where they think they're walking barefoot, basically.

[@antoniodseccareccia]

@@JulianAndresKlode hey Julian! This is really interesting can we talk about this or share some insight? I'm coming from barefoot running and don't know what to get. I'd really love ay help and insight on this.

[@drummerzip]

What does James think about "Material Challenges"? Steve Hoggs has posted about this on his site, and the idea is that certain materials interfere with the CNS' ability to communicate with the feet or other part of the cyclist and this leads to asymmetry and injury.

[@bikefitjames5579]

Ryan Zapotocny I think sometimes we have to draw the line and admit that it’s just bike fitting - not to say Steve is wrong

[@tomrachellesfirstdance7843]

Whats James recommend for people with flat feet?

[@neilwilliams3298]

Any recommendations for people with a high instep?

[@mr_musette]

How long did your arch inserts last Francis? Also for James, if you can feel the arch in one side but not the other should you put a higher insert in that foot (even if there's no pain in foot/knee)

[@Cade_Media]

probably replace them every 6 months, I ride more than most though.

[@jonfish2132]

@@Cade_Media Any idea where replacement arches can be purchased? I don't see them on the G8 website.

[@SM_525]

I have to agree with James in that you're possibly nuts if you don't have arch support in your shoes.

[@dafred9898]

James once again dropping knowledge bombs.

[@zebeddy]

First! 💥💪🏼 (🤥). Francis - without looking like some dodgy stalker, have you stopped using strava? Was looking to try to nick some of your routes for a friend 😉

[@Cade_Media]

never really used it, I think it auto uploads sometimes though!

[@IanB17]

Those G8 insoles look the business but I’d be a bit nervous stumping up £80 & experimenting with them without a proper bike fit & I doubt any of the fitters round here would even look at insoles.

[@danielclarke7632]

Nice 🙂

[@wrarmatei]

Superfeet, nor Specialized insoles compare to my custom podiatrist-made ones, which don't fit in cycling shoes. inserts The flexibility of the G8 insoles' pads makes them a more expensive, albeit less wasteful, alternative to cheaper insoles. If someone is willing to spend 150 on some, they might as well just pay the extra 1-200 for quality custom orthotics. The best results that I've had with cheap store-bought insoles are ones with carbon-fiber plates. They still suck, but at least keep my arches up 75% of the time...unlike a flimsy plastic cage or a foam button.

[@Cade_Media]

Finding someone capable of actually making good custom insoles is difficult though.

[@KoolA1d]

What are these “G8s”? Can I buy them as a consumer and mold my foot myself?

[@jameshawkins5843]

Last support

[@BskyBska]

Will people with flat feet benefit from arch support? After nearly a year of riding I still get some pain in my feet.

[@Cade_Media]

yes probably

[@markthorrowgood3266]

There was an actual Lawrence in the video in the shop and you both missed the opportunity to say "Uh, Lawrence."

[@octaviobalthazar2278]

Is there any benefit in doing a bikefit if im riding with flat pedals?

[@Cade_Media]

Lots of benefits

[@georgehyde2047]

Can you do a video with James on reach and stack please

[@markthorrowgood3266]

And ask him about how it differs for the regular recreational cyclist vs. a professional racer. Also, if you have a bad back (degenerative disc disorder etc), or other physical issue, should you try to find a bike with a frame that gets you into a good position, or can you play with high rise stems and backswept bars on your existing bike to alter your effective stack and reach?

[@chrispoel658]

Can I fit G8 supports myself or do I need to go to a bike fitter.

[@Cade_Media]

You can fit them yourself

[@walcottav]

Looking for new insoles/arch supports - what brand was James recommending?

[@Cade_Media]

G8's

[@16vdavid]

Informative but what about people with flat feet?!

[@marshallemmett3313]

Can you wear G8 footbeds in trainers/regular shoes? Asking for a friend...

[@Cade_Media]

I don't see why not... In fact I'm considering trying it because I walk like a penguin

[@jonfish2132]

I bought G8s specifically for my bike shoes but I watched G8's sales video where it had a runner using them. So for a few weeks I moved them between my running shoes and bike shoes. I really liked running in them so I ordered another pair so I'd have one for running and one for biking. Sometimes I stick the extra arch supports in other random shoes just to add a bit of support. The short answer to your question is yes.

[@TheBigadam1980]

Anyone else watching the tv during the arch support part?

[@RaceJan]

#thumbnail ! :-)

[@pinofro]

I want to purchase G8’s how can I make sure you or James get credit?

[@Cade_Media]

It's all good, order online somewhere. The g8 supplier knows we sell a bunch through these vids

[@breathestrongcycling3672]

Who else was watching the telly while James was talking ?

[@Cade_Media]

Lawrence rolling down a hill in San Francisco on a Wheely chair

[@williamwheelie4430]

To be honest, I was never listening to James. 6:46 I was watching Francis Cade within Francis Cade almost like a Francis Cade inception,

[@brendavane9148]

Hmm, black porridge.

[@rosscolyons]

Out of interest, do pro teams put as much into shoe fit with riders as James does?

[@Cade_Media]

Depends on the team.

[@18dbofgain]

Would of been funnier if James had eaten a waffle....

[@gregkane8635]

I have flat ape feet so arch support I dont believe is needed lol

[@echtogammut]

Rapper name: Electric Blue Pizza... could be worse.

[@HellAnimo]

This review showed different results. Most things he claimed, can not be proven. "The effect of foot orthoses and in-shoe wedges during cycling: a systematic review"

[@ColdDarkNorth.]

Ride That London. Urgh.

[@sarahmuir5889]

I hope Chris sued the lorry driver who drove into him! I saw this woman who was an expert on hay fever on television and she suggested a plant-based diet and lots of fruit and nuts because a healthy gut can make all the difference and suggested also wearing sunglasses when out and about and a mask to cover your mouth.

[@nibbs15]

First

[@Cade_Media]

hello

[@nibbs15]

Francis Cade hi

[@zebeddy]

Damn you 😉

[@jasonp9352]

Turned off him when I realised he was a Steve Hogg fan. There’s a dangerous man when it comes to bike fit.

[@Cade_Media]

James has also criticized Steve Hogg in the past, he's his own person !

[@jasonoftheworld6996]

80 quid 🤢 god I hate the cycling world sometimes.

[@Nick-sf8nh]

Give this comment a like if your at ride London on sunday!

[@nickcrescenzo6751]

Answer: No, absolutely not. No one should have arch support. If you have bad arches, you should hunt for a physical therapist who can teach you how to improve your arch.

[@roshanbagga1401]

Wow free arch support replacement? This guy’s great