What on earth is Arch Support? - CYCLING SHOE GUIDE - Part 2

[@MrJaroslavf]

G8 are great if you have them set up correctly. Could you please make a video on how to set up the G8?

[@TheClairvoyent]

Figure it our yourself - it's not that hard! Sheeesh.

[@yutiros5174]

​@@TheClairvoyent sounds like you've had a bad day

[@Dustydayzz]

@@TheClairvoyent Have the discipline to ignore things you don't add value to rather than be churlish

[@jameslockley7737]

⁠​⁠@@TheClairvoyent This is just un helpful. The G8 footbed is marketed and sold as an arch training tool, they encourage you to progressively increase the support to re introduce the arch into your foot. This is different to James’ recommendation of leveraging its modularity as a proprioceptive aid. It is therefore reasonable to ask for more guidance. It is also reasonable for James to refuse, given his business is to provide a bike fit. In previous videos James has suggested starting with the level 3 arch, and that walking would feel uncomfortable at first, that’s a different recommendation to the one you’d assume when attempting to “figure it out yourself”. You’d try make it comfortable, which may not help, so you could get 20k into your ride and think you wasted your money. Then what? Nothing wrong with asking for advice.

[@luma3163]

Yes, James a setup video is needed! Looks like bike fitters use the insoles different to what G8 had in mind? Please tell us your way of using the 2620ˋs. Thank you!

[@owensnicholas]

I bought a set of G8 insoles on your recommendation. Combined with shoes that fit me comfortably, they were a game changer. I went from thinking a 30-mile ride was a long day in the saddle to doing 8 hour rides in mountains because nothing hurt any more. 😊

[@paulflory3532]

Custom cycling orthotics here. Got there a different way. Terrible hammer toes, arches fell, pain flareup in both feet, unsure I'd be able to walk, podiatrists eager to operate, saw a nonsurgical rehab Dr instead, got custom orthotics in my regular shoes, things improved. So I thought why not get orthotics in my cycling shoes as well? A local fitter sent me to the orthotic factory he used, they took a mold off my feet, I gave them the stock inserts from the shoes (Shimano S-Phyre) to use as a template, and that outfit made me a set of cycling orthotics to the fitter's specs. No heel lift, not needed for cycling. Total comfort, don't even think about feet while riding. Around $200. I often wonder why pro cyclists don't do this (or do they?). Another trick is to use orthotics even at home. A pair of trainers dedicated to indoor use, pop my regular orthotics (not the cycling ones) into those rather than slop around the house in flat slippers. Improves mobility and comfort.

[@leerichy6489]

The bikefit films certainly opened my eyes to the fact I wasn't paying enough importance to my feet and shoes. I bought the G8 and they did improve my foot comfort. I know I will not be buying another pair of shoes without travelling to somebody like this guy, it's too hit and miss. Finding the right shoes is harder than frame sizes for me.

[@GMICHAELG62]

It helped me tremendously, and yeah like James said, it will feel slightly invasive when you put them on. I'm comfortable for many more miles now.

[@CatManDoSocial]

Thanks, James. I've had the G8 in my cycling shoes for a couple of years now on your recommendation and they're great.

[@kevinlyon9501]

Very comprehensive description, and I can testify they do work.

[@duncand6408]

used specialized green footbeds (their highest arch support) for years - switched to these G8s when I started getting foot problems (getting old) - could not believe the difference - has to be felt to be believed - feet feel SO much more planted and can't really explain it but the shoes just fit better - awesome product. Also immediately stopped my left knee coming in at the top of the stroke which it's always done and no amount of heel shims fixed

[@sazridesbikes]

Yes, along with correctly sized shoes, my saddle sores are no more. Nobody does it better than James.

[@AdamJStoryDC]

Is there a way to get the G8 to have a wider forefoot? I use the wide Lakes and the G8 is narrow. I can feel the little toe falling off the edge of it.

[@witepa]

Layer medical adhesive tape to build out the area you need to be wider. This is what G8 support recommended I do when I cut an insole a bit too small.

[@AdamJStoryDC]

@@witepa thank you

[@michaelhiggins8123]

Great videos James keep up the good work. They always have alot of information.

[@questgivercyradis8462]

I was having toe numbness, and just started to develop a morton's neuroma... and popped in some Sole orthotics with arch support. Dunno how it has changed my seat, but it definitely has changed my feet! No more neuroma or numbness. It feels weird (not used to it yet) but good, mostly. My right arch now seems more prone to plantar fasciitis again, although that could be due to change in my foot-PT habits (got lax with my arch strengthening exercises)

[@georgbrantegger5208]

I was wondering what your take on the Lake-Syksol moldable custom insoles is? I am not sure what to make of them. On the one hand lake seem to be an excellent manufacturer with ergonomics as a key focus, but on the other the moldable insoles seem a bit sketchy 😅

[@standardh_]

You got me on these and I love them!

[@tompike2628]

I find the G8 don’t fit in cycling shoes without a fair amount of modification have you worked with Sidas insoles ?

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Very good to know. Thanks.

[@zbigniewnykiel]

Is those G8s are good for large guy who loose A lot of weight and had really flat feet, but the arch after loosing weight is showing off?

[@antonpeterson1245]

One question I would like to know is how long do the G8 insoles last? I am coming up to around a year of wearing them and I'm currently on the 4th highest arch support they have on both feet.

[@charliecook6909]

Hi james wondering if the g8 would benefit it me with blowed legs , feels like most of the pressure goes through the out side of my foot when pedalling

[@ericpascual9154]

Can you use G8s on a Bont Cycling shoe?

[@brianpurcell9058]

Nice one James 👍

[@darrenhill8503]

On point as always.

[@Alessiodiani]

Thank you james. I went to multiple “bikefitters” and they move my contact points a lot every time. Thanks to your videos i lower the saddle by 3cm and started doing myself, bought G8 and now my position is a lot more comfortable. Thank you for every bit of advice!!

[@MrJhockley]

I keep trying varying arch support but i'm not seeing improvements. Heel support has worked. Maybe it's not for everyone?

[@chad.765]

Wish you were in the US

[@ehuremovic526]

Can arch support cause any problems? (e.g. Pain on the outside edge of one foot after 1-2 hours of riding)

[@permlastoc]

great video, thank you !

[@fpgamemearray]

in your experience, what can be the cause of bloodflow related numbness in the front of the feet? i recently purchased a set of bonts which fit the shape of my feet really well although, depending on the level of toe-pointing that i do, bloodflow is somewhat restricted especially on the top part of the foot. if i loosen them, the issue immediately goes away, but comes back after re-tightening.

[@pinoycarnbikeguy8888]

Would people with wide, flat feet also benefit from arch support?

[@antonpeterson1245]

Yes. I currently own a pair (along with some Lake cx238/mx238 wide fit shoes and rhey are great.

[@mintymilkk]

I get that this does take pressure off the saddle which is of course a good thing, but my impression of arch supports is that long term you'll end up with weak feet. I used to think I had flat feet for example, but after regularly running/walking in barefoot shoes for a couple years my feet got way stronger and my arch way higher/springier. Turns out if you put your feet in what is effectively a cast (stability oriented shoes), the intrinsic muscles of the feet will atrophy. With my foot strength and stability now being what it is, I can't imagine why I would give that up by using aggressive arch support. I have the Lake MX176 since it was the widest I could find without buying £400 Bonts, and actually found I was better off removing the insert to gain an extra few mm of width. Curious to hear people's thoughts on any of this

[@markusseppala6547]

The G8's are actually very flexy and offer no stable support. They even say it promotes movement of the foot and strengthens it.

[@Kermit_Von_Henderson]

My question is why dont any barefoot shaped cycling shoes exist. Since starting to wear Altra running shoes im so aware of how much my toes are squashed in all other footwear. My lakes are comfy but a wider shaped toe box, and i dont just mean a wider shoe, would be great. I saw some very expensive 3d printed shoes made to a scan of peoples feet and they clearly have a wider rounder toe box shape. It makes sense to me.

[@hellogandara]

And for flat foot?

[@frankcastora8348]

G8 is a game changer.

[@Cycle.every.day.]

I get on ok with Sidi but their insoles are terrible , i take them out straight away and put in generic cheap aftermarket.

[@isabelrennie]

Any suggestions for mega flat feet, like feet that suction to the floor flat 😳

[@ShreddyPrugger]

Love my G8'S

[@brianwalworth6016]

Any sugestions about using an insole like the G8 and a moldable shoe like the Lakes? SHould I fit the insole first then mold the shoe? I would asume I would need the insole in when I mold the shoe to my foot but will the heat mess upthe insole (speficly the G8)? My main issue is I get "hot foot" after rideing 6+ hours but I still havn't molded my Lake CX242's and was wondering if an insole & molding the shoe would help. Thanks

[@jfbeecher]

The heat from the Lake’s when fitting didn’t seem to have any effect on the G8’s in my experience. I’ve since switched to Bonts, and the G8’s weren’t affected then, either. I take the manufacturer’s insole and cut the G8’s to match, fit the arch support (truly life changing) and insert them into the shoes immediately out of the oven. No warping, etc. Bought another set and they are in the gravel shoes, too. I am a Bike Fit James True Believer as everything I’ve done using his advice has helped a hard-to-fit 6’-6”, wide hipped, wide footed, lanky large man lol.

[@kingofbrushes]

It seems like g8 footbeds are only sold in the UK, have you any advice for the international audience? I'm trying green Superfeet soles and it feels like the arch is too high for me

[@gregp2477]

I also used to use Superfeet, but after watching Neill Stanbury (bike fitter) suggest Sidas, I went with those for my bike and running shoes. They have been exceptional.

[@jasonhurst2491]

G8 Performance is an Australian company and they have dealers in several countries. Have a look at their website to see how to buy a pair in your country.

[@architeki]

Would you fit one of these footbeds for a mtb-er with flat pedals?

[@chrisridesbicycles]

Talking about this connection foot-brain: In my CX238s, whilst they fit great around my forefoot, the heel cup sometimes feels a bit wide and floppy which makes me tighten the BOAs quite hard and this causes foot pain on long rides. Is there anything to mitigate that?

[@EmmanuelNataf]

It's an issue with Lake shoes in my experience. Too loose at the heel.

[@JanneRasanen2]

There are heel inserts for regular shoes so they could help make the Lakes for tighter.

[@francoistremblayfoisy3586]

Ok so are you saying every cyclist needs arch support or is it like regular shoes and it's only a percentage of the population who needs it??

[@Loddog]

@Bikefit James , If i know which Size and Width i need based on, for example, Lake Shoes and their Sizing procedure, how does the Sizing change with the Intend of using a g8 2620 right after getting the Shoe ? First could be to go half a Length larger, for example going from a meassured 44.5 to a 45 or Second look that there is a bit more width left than needed, for example, i have a 111mm Width Foot and the Shoe gives me 115mm of Room. Thanks for spreading the Knowledge James ! 🙂

[@Team5TL]

I just bought a pair of CX333 narrow and was measured for them without my G8. Putting my G8 didn’t change the sizing for me. The only issue is I have to rework where the arch support is since these shoes fit my feet (especially width) where my others didn’t. I also had to trim my G8 since I actually went a half metric size down.

[@DaveyMcCall]

Genuinely the worst arch support insoles. Lost credibility for this channel when I saw you recommended this horrible product.

[@stephensmith2820]

Arch support is nonsense. Have a look at the Maasai tribe, how much arch support do they have? Inspect your bare feet, have you got arch support, no. Now put something under your arch & stand on it. Severe pain. It's all bollocks.

[@SashaTromsa]

Don't think the tribe cycle though)

[@Bikefitjames]

@@stephensmith2820 do trolls use arch support? 🧌

[@leerichy6489]

This is the most bizarre reason I've seen for not using insoles.....damn if only I'd known. That's it for me, it's barefoot cycling from now on. I'll superglue my cleats to the bottom of my feet.

[@richiejames928]

If it’s all bollocks it sounds to me like your gravitating towards the nose of the saddle. your reach is probably way to long and your saddle too high.. it should never be all bollocks. book a fit with James if it’s still all bollocks after making those changes. 🤡