Going Backwards: My Experience w/ Mid-Sole Cycling Cleat Position

www.triandcatch...
My Experience w/ Mid-Sole Mounted Cycling Cleats
Pros: More sustained medium-high power, more comfort, lower saddle height, better running off the bike.
Cons: Expensive if you buy custom, drilling your own shoes can be a sketchy, you lose some high end explosiveness (this can be offset slightly by using Osymmetric or Rotor Q-Rings), toe overlap
Shoes used:
-2012 Sidi T3.6 w/ SP Specific Drill Pattern (6mm of rearward movement vs standard)
-Specialized S-Works Road Shoes w/ Speedplay Rearward Adapter (15mm of rearward movement vs. standard)
-Sidi Ergo 2 w/ Custom Drilled 3-Hole Pattern
-Sidi T2 w/ Custom Drilled SPD Pattern
By: Kevin Taddonio - Professional Triathlete
Follow me on Twitter: kevintaddonio
...or on my website: triandcatchme.com

[@surlyswede]

Since developing neuropathy that weakens my feet and my legs below the knee, I began moving my cleats progressively farther back 5 or 6 years ago. I've ruined some shoes, and toe overlap limits maneuverability, but otherwise I'm happy.

[@richardbarton7]

playing with this because of big toe arthritis. The way forward for me for sure. Thanks for your take on it all Kevin.

[@SuperJohnnyO]

Did mid-foot help you?

[@richardbarton7]

@@SuperJohnnyO somebody gave me a pair of shoes with normal cleat position last week tried them , instant agony , rode the following day with my old mid foot cleated shoes , instant peace !

[@SuperJohnnyO]

@@richardbarton7 That's great! Glad you found a solution!

[@vaponte8541]

I read the same article some years ago; midfoot feels more comfortable and more powerful for me. Plus it eliminates any discomfort or burning below your metatarsals.

[@nihonbunka]

I am a s. cyclist, doing about 100km a week on my carbon road bike for the past 5 years or so. Whenever I forget my cycling shoes, I find myself using my pedals even further forward on the toes of my shoes. I had never thought of putting it on the middle. It seems to me that toe means you use your calves, and mid means you use your thighs as you say. For triathletes, the calves are used more in running so mid is good. But for people want to stay fit and do not run, toeing uses whole leg.

[@Lumbar87]

This is a helpful video. After 4 surgeries, the ball of my left foot is too painful to ride. I have a stash of old cycling shoes, so I'm going to give this a try.

[@30bananaguy]

you rock brotha, you gave all the details and answered all my questions, thanks!

[@bretwhitman2989]

Check out Balestra Cycling shoes they can adjust you cleat position to any part of the foot

[@BMCamping]

Did you have to lower your seat to coincide with going mid foot?

[@luissantiagocorreia]

Yes - Usually average is 40% of cleat set back. If you set back your cleat about 15 mm the previous position, you must lower your saddle about 6mm. Need a new drilling? Check: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/-/152455458004?

[@edalbagem]

If you change the cleat position should you compensate for that by moving the saddle more towards the front?

[@AlvarWahle]

Great info! I wear us12.5 shoes myself, and struggle with lousy ankle dorsiflexion. Do you think there’s a connection between longer feet and power transfer? I also find it challenging to engage the posterior chain in the pedal cycle

[@nihonbunka]

I generally own do one ride - to and from my beach house 25Km in 41-52 minutes depending on wind and speed. This means it is pretty sprinty and there are a lot of traffic lights - stops and starts. I find I can use my calves for this length of time. People who have a lot of time to cycle, and go for long rides, may well (I believe you) benefit from this position. But those of us who just about find the time to ride... why not use calves too?

[@ppplab5784]

you may gain power but it is efficient power? have you and SpinScan comparison. Are you a triathlete? how is your run pace after loading the quads up with lactic acid?

[@CyclingSpiritvideos]

How has the midfoot position been for you? power increase? better run time? Thanks!

[@supergoat3385]

I guess this would be good for those who suffer from cramps.

[@luissantiagocorreia]

Calf muscles say thanks to this kind of solution. A lot of gain with no pain! www.ebay.co.uk/itm/-/152455458004?

[@DevelopingNL]

Do you use a special insole too? High arch?

[@potenzaintertradeco.ltd.6970]

I have high arch, next week i will experiment the midfoot, almost mid with the patrocleat. I just tried to pedal without clipping in in midfoot and leg feels very not loaded on the knee

[@verwey007]

Nice video... But if u r trying to get rid of some shoes I am looking for some Sidi's... I also ware the same size as you...

[@potenzaintertradeco.ltd.6970]

Toe overlap is an old friend you ever stick with on track bikes. Don’t think so much peoples , if you overlap is because you too slow lol

[@KevinTaddonio]

There are some serious drawbacks from midfoot. Try turning your front wheel in a crit with size 13 shoes. A lot of toe overlap

[@gweflj]

That's a problem with crappy short front centre lengths on road bikes.

[@tomtomuser8364]

@@gweflj that's absolutely true - i crashed first time in 20 years on my roadie trying out a new bonts which i couldn't mount the cleats forward enough - so i had toe overlap in a tight turn and crashed - real bummer.

[@waqidj]

Midsole is middle of arch. You aren’t totally midclest.

[@netfischer]

Try sprintig with a midsole cleat and seehow that goes...yeah thats right. Forefoot cleat allows you to recruit your calves and have more punch. The downside is you also need your calves to a greater degree to stabilize while normal riding. Triathletes are not the center of the world and road shoes are made mainly for road racing... edit:well watched the video to the end. Since you answered your question yourself I wonder why ask in the first place?!

[@ILOVEDEFENDINGTHE1PERCENT]

This comment needs to be revisited.

[@Numeriwar]

Speeplay pedals are crap. The contact surface is very narrow and feet lack stability