While this might seem a design flaw, it’s actually intentional and biomechanically advantageous, complementing the differences between seated and out-of-saddle pedaling foot dynamics. Because of the variation of pieces and attachments, there is little to no risk of overcorrecting.Īdjustability aside, the other feature that makes the G8 such a fantastic model is the fact the plastic supports are initially rigid, but mobile under heavy load.
This à-la-carte approach satisfies both the neurological trigger and structural block strategies, depending on your needs. It’s unique system approach matches the height and fore-aft placement of your arch, and can be catered to a given activity - all within a single box. G8’s variable height arches can be placed medially and fore-aft as needed Thomas McDaniel / Immediate MediaĪustralian-brand G8 has created a premier customisable, adjustable system that allows you to take the speculation out of finding your ideal arch support. Regardless of this, the flimsy foam insert that came with your shoes is likely to be insufficient.So, here are five great footbed options that will help you find your best support. The magic recipe is off-bike strengthening exercises, combined with a minimalist approach to supporting the arch and good contact between shoe and the entire foot (for pressure-distribution purposes). Additionally, the block approach can eliminate all movement of the arch while pedalling, which is not ideal. The functional difference between the two is that the block approach requires more support and can easily lead to overcorrection, which has its own set of problems. Meanwhile, newer riders or riders who dismiss corrective exercise and strength training are best served with a mechanical block.
Typically, the more off-bike strengthening exercises you do, the more likely a neurological trigger will be sufficient. I’ve witnessed riders benefit from either approach, depending on their lifestyle off the bike. The nuances and arguments of each philosophy have been debated for decades and there’s no end in sight. There is an infinite sliding scale of arch height - make sure your choice of insert mirrors your foot shape Thomas McDaniel / Immediate Media The first is to serve as a mechanical ‘block’ of arch collapse, and the second is to behave as a neurological trigger, to potentially enhance the signal between the nervous system and our muscles. That said, there are two philosophies to how arch supports can function. While I obviously advocate exercises that encourage the natural protection and function of our arches, the ability to control the lower leg via hip musculature while on the bike is rare. This deficiency means we fail to fire the proper muscles at the proper times when we pedal, promoting an inward collapse of the leg. The result is a very weak signal, or none at all, between the nervous system and our muscles. When you are cycling there is no ground contact but there is a loading phase.
When the signal or muscles fail, the upper leg rotates inward (medially), taking with it the lower leg, the ankle and subsequent collapse of the medial arch. From the landing phase onwards, the arches are capable of adapting to the ground underneath our feet, adding a small movement here and there to keep our bodies upright.įoot strike (when walking) signals for the hip, knee and ankle muscles to work towards a stacked and stable leg. While this might seem complex, all these features serve to create a soft landing, add adaptability to our gait and create a lever to propel.Įvery time we take a step, the strike of our foot is complemented by mobility in the arches - they act as a leaf-spring to absorb impact. These systems are comprised of a synchronous system of 26 bones, more than 30 joints, and a massive network of muscles, tendons and ligaments. Technically speaking, we have three distinct arches in the foot - medial, transverse and lateral. When our arch is not sufficiently supported muscularly or structurally, an inward collapse of the leg can bring on an injury in the foot, ankle, knee or hip Thomas McDaniel / Immediate Media
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