Make the most of your health fund before Dec 31 rolls around and win a little something something!!

The Pedaler community knows we love to give back at this time of year. We have been offering our ‘no gap’ second set option for every year since we kicked off here in 2015. This year marks the 10th anniversary of The Pedaler at Milton. So, to add to the usual offer and to recognise that 10 years in business is worth celebrating, every client taking up their second set offering this year will go into the running to win one of three prizes.

Prize 1. Full Custom Bike Fit or Running Assessment

Prize 2. One pair of Bont Riot or Lake CX238 road shoes (the option that fits best for you).

Prize 3. Full Race Team Attaquer Kit - 2025 ed.

You can book online here or give us a call on 0731296331 to organise your ‘no gap’ set for 2024. If your foot molds are damaged, we will get you in asap for a recast and the offer is still applied.

Remember ‘no gap’ applies to clients with applicable health insurance that covers orthotics. If you don’t have health insurance that covers orthotics or your insurance doesn’t cover enough, we can still make you a second set for half price.

Time flys and it gets very busy in December so book now to avoid missing out. Prizes drawn Jan 2nd 2025.

Are my cycling shoes too tight?

This is a question we get every week at The Pedaler. With an increase in online information reporting the benefits of wider shoes for feet, we thought we’d inject a little industry driven information on the subject.

At The Pedaler, we have been looking after the feet of cyclists for over 10 years. We also have been working with cyclists as Podiatrists for around 20 years. In that time, cycling shoes have changed enormously. The shoe options are far more varied than previously and there are styles and brands that are much newer to the industry.

With all these extra shoes on the market, you’d think that the days of wearing tight shoes would be over. Think again!! As a sporting cohort, cyclists also fall victim to the aesthetics over function dilemma (regularly). So what actually happens when we wear shoes that are too tight?

Tight fitting shoes can cause a few problems. As with the use of a tourniquet, consistent foot compression can lend itself to some numbness. This may manifest with comprehensive foot numbness, patchy toe numbness or in some cases only mild symptoms. Each case is incredibly individual and some riders wearing shoes that look far too tight escape with zero symptoms. Others who wear far more appropriate shoes can end up with severe numbness. As usual, applying a generalist approach to any condition is entirely inappropriate and fraught with danger.

Prolonged use of tight-fitting shoes can also lead to more prolonged neural change and numbness. In this instance, symptoms may remain for hours or even days after the shoes come off. In very rare cases, there will be underlying change that remains hard to reverse.

Apart from numbness, tight fitting shoes are also more prone to causing pressure points and soft tissue lumps to develop. These soft tissue lumps can appear on toes and on other boney prominences on the feet. If left unchecked, these lumps can become very difficult to solve even when more appropriate shoes are used. This is a significant problem and not to be underestimated. Once a protuberance develops, even well fitting shoes can become uncomfortable. This is because the shoe will always ‘touch’ the widest more prominent part of the foot first.

Apart from these two issues that are consistently and accurately related to tight fitting shoes, the dreaded ‘neuroma’ emergence is often linked to this scenario as well. Now this outcome is not as linear as general information would suggest. Neuroma/bursal complexes are not purely caused by compression. There are a range of underlying soft tissue challenges and disease processes that create this outcome. Certainly, tight fitting shoes can often amplify the symptoms, but it’s overly simplistic to believe that they are the causative factor. We often see neuroma/bursal pathologies in narrow feet as well. We certainly see them in those who have never ridden a bike in their lives.

There certainly is an increased risk of flaring neuroma/bursal problems whilst cycling as this activity generates repeated plantar pressures on the foot for extended periods of time. The location of the soft tissue inflammation in neuroma type conditions extends from between the metatarsal heads and inferiorly towards the sole of the foot (adjacent to the plantar ligaments). Purely going to a wide fitting shoe will routinely not solve the pain. Some direct pressure relief (and occasionally a well directed cortisone shot) will usually be more helpful in sorting out these issues. It’s certainly a lot more complex than just going into wider shoes and we will cover this territory in a more comprehensive fashion at a later date.

So to sum it up, don’t risk wearing tight shoes! Eveyone responds differently, and you might get away with it but it’s certainly more rational to wear shoes that fit appropriately. If you have wide feet, look to Lake, Nimbl and Bont as some safer options. That said, don’t wear shoes that are too long to get the width, or shoes that are plain just too wide. This too can create fitment issues that generate problems as well.

Who figured cycling would be so tricky!

If any of these problems sound like you and your cycling shoes? You might benefit from seeing one of our cycling Podiatrists for a shoe fitting assessment. These appointments can help work out if your current cycling shoes are the problem and which shoes you might find more comfortable. You can book these appointments online or by giving us a call on 0731296331.

The New Bont Riot 24 has landed - is it too good?

Shoe tested - ‘All new’ Bont Riot 24

Price - rrp $329 (cheapest online - $299)

When we first saw the prototype for the all new Riot from Bont, we new that something special was on the way. The Riot has always been a popular shoe in the range for Bont, but its features and aesthetics sometimes set it aside from the premier shoes in the Bont collection. When the real deal landed on our desk, the upgrades and stylings had everyone convinced this may be the best Riot yet.

The new Bont Vaypor which we reviewed here, was a game changer for Bont. An all day shoe with superior comfort and a strictly lightweight race design. The new Riot has borrowed heavily from the design features on the new Vaypor but kept the price down at a ludicrously good level. Lets look a little closer at the Bont Riot 24 and see where the differences lie and who we feel this shoe is suitable for.

Visually, the new Riot looks very similar to the Vaypor. There are some minor differences in the patterning on the shoes upper, and the tongue is slightly thicker and firmer. The L6 BOA fit system dials are unidirectional and don’t have the feel of the top level Li2 BOAs on the Vaypor. The white on white and black on black visuals remain very clean and the closure system works very well for securing the foot in the shoe evenly.

The upper design on the new Riot is generally deeper and offers more forefoot and mid foot space than the Vaypor. In this regard, this is one of the deepest shoes on the market which is great for wider feet or those with high arch profiles that tend to struggle to fit into the waist of some shoes. The heel cup is super deep and firm which is typical of all Bont’s offerings. I’d love the Bont logo on the heel to be gloss white rather then black, but I guess its important to separate the visuals across the range (I’m a white on white with more white fan generally).

The sole of the shoe is a carbon composite that is a little thicker than the Vaypor version (4.8mm vs 3.6mm) but is seriously stiff. There is no penalty here verses the Vaypor and the new carbon weave appearance is superb. The same comfortable low carbon tub fitment system is at play here as well which was a design feature we first saw on the new Vaypor. This means less chance of pressure points on feet with ‘lumps’.

There is the standard road 3 bolt cleat fitment system on the sole of the new Riot. There is no scope for bolt movement on the new Riot so you will need to use the travel in your cleat system to finesse the final fitment. The cleat holes are situated more towards the rear of the shoe rather then towards the toe box. With this in mind, you should easily be able to slide your cleats far enough back for a more rearward position. We know this can be a challenge with other shoe brands, but we have fitted a number of these shoes already and have zero problems fitting cleats.

The insole is the base level Bont option and ticks the boxes. The upgrade insoles are always available to further tailor your fit. The new Riot is also heat moldable but I would caution users from molding the shoe until entirely necessary. Give it at least 4 weeks before you approach an oven!

The overall weight remains incredibly light only giving away 40-50 grams over the top level Vaypor. This is an amazing outcome for a supposed mid tier shoe. Many shoes in this price category are far weightier.

Overall, this shoe looks, feels and rides almost like the Vaypor (a little less supple perhaps), at a hugely competitive price point. It’s certainly a great shoe for big feet and those with wide or high arches. Within this category of shoe pricing (RC7 etc), this shoe is amazing value for money. For those wanting slightly cleaner aesthetics and an even lighter shoe, the Vaypor still reigns supreme, but damn its close.

Pros

Improved aesthetics

Lightweight

Low carbon tub construction makes it zero risk

Stiff and reponsive

Spacious for the wide feet (2 fit option)

Deep secure heel cup

Cheap!!

Cons

May be too roomy and deep for narrow slim feet

Unidirectional BOAs

Overall - 9/10

End of Financial year checklist.

Not words you’d normally hear from a health practice but we are all about getting organised ahead of tax time. For a select few insurance companies, EOFY is also their reset button for your extras.

As many of our loyal clients know, we remain able and willing to organise ‘no gap’ second sets for those using EOFY health funds before June 30. This includes AHM, Defence health, Navy Health and a few others. We need to get the ball rolling though so if you’re thinking of replicating or updating, please let us know as soon as possible just in case we decide to take a fresh casting as well. We run our own lab so we can tackle any insole issue from heel pain during soccer to burning feet after long rides.

Call our HQ at Milton or email us for more info. This offer is open to all our clients at all our locations including our co-locations at Nundah, Lutwyche, Everton Park, Keperra and Eatons Hill.

Keep those kilometres up as the weather gets cooler!

The Pedaler

The new Lake Cycling CX333 Road Shoe - reboot or upgrade?

The Lake CX322 was a beloved shoe by those who enjoyed the snug feel of the Kangaroo leather paired with a slimmer fit.  Of the entire Lake Cycling range, it was also the most popular shoe from an aesthetic perspective.  The pearly white outer with more minimalist styling was appealing to those who found the CX238 and CX242 a little more utilitarian.  Despite the slimmer width option, the wide and extra wide fits still allowed those with voluptuous feet to find a shoe that was suitable.  The later options of aqua and purple colour ways were also extremely popular especially with female clients.

The new CX333 has supplanted the CX332 in the range and brings with it some new features pulled from the top of the line CX403.  Does this make it better?  Well, it certainly makes it different.  So, let’s cover the pros and cons of the CX333 in detail.

The new CX333 has grabbed the new tongue design that first featured in the CX403.  The stitched tongue attaches to the medial (inside) aspect of the shoe and prevents annoying movement of the tongue during riding.  The CX332 tongue was certainly not the strongest feature of that shoe as the thin kangaroo skin would occasionally wear, and the tongue would drift or finish a little short of the desired position.  These problems have been solved comprehensively in the new model.  The wrapping effect of the new tongue also solves the issue of ‘pocketing’ on the inside of the shoe where extra material would gather and fold.  This was especially an issue in lower volume feet.  All these improvements are a huge plus for the CX333.

Along with the new tongue design, the CX333 also features a firmer carbon weave wrap in the midsole of the shoe.  This creates a firmer foot feel for the arch of the foot.  The added benefit of this feature is additional strength to the inner lining and better long term wear as well.  Aesthetically, it looks pretty good but for those who just want ‘white’ shoes, its adds a layer of extra visual distraction.

The new CX333 features the latest BOA dial offerings which are wonderfully light and have the best tension feel in the business.  These aren’t cheap, but they are the best in the industry and for high end shoes they are a must.

The new range whilst not yet offering the extra colour ways just yet, does come in a black offering for those who can’t be trusted with nice things, and a stock white CLARINO leather finish.  The harder wearing CLARINO option tends to hold its colour and shape better then the Kangaroo leather.  It also provides the option of white shoes with white BOAS that plenty of young lads desire.

The carbon race sole remains very stiff (as stiff as is required) and has the nice matt finish that replaces the original high gloss design.  As usual, Lake is very generous with the cleat hole locations and adjustability, and those seeking a more mid foot position won’t be disappointed.  The toe box is also borrowed from the 403 and is firmer and squarer then the previous CX332 model.  This gives the sensation of roominess the Lake is famous for.

The CX333 also retains the heat molding components from the CX332 to improve heel retention. Whilst this a nice option, I still wouldn’t rely on it overly to improve the heel tightness.  The grip around the heel on most lake offerings isn’t super tight compared to other shoes on the market but the gentle roominess is where the sweet spot remains for the company.

Aesthetically, the shoe is toned down with less Lake logos featuring on the upper.  This is certainly what most riders want.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but this shoe certainly looks very clean and tidy.  Some will still find it a little busy compared with some of the very minimalist designs but it’s certainly a solid 8/10 from me on the visuals.

There remains three width options, but slightly confusingly, these have been changed to narrow, standard and wide (previously standard, wide and extra wide).  This is a crucial change as those wishing to update from the CX332 need to adjust down a width accordingly.  If you were in a wide previously, it’s likely you will fall into the standard category now.  In general, this shoe feels roomier then the previous CX332 so it’s potentially worth getting resized if possible to double check the fit.  The narrow version certainly feels a little roomier than the standard CX332 offering from the previous model.  If you have a genuinely super narrow foot, then probably look to other shoes offerings.

The shoe comes with the standard Lake Syksol offering which we tend to upgrade to the Cobra9 SemiPro for most clients.  The factory insole is comfortable and has some arch structure and is perfectly suitable for a shoe of this level.

Overall, I’d give this shoe a solid 8/10.  It looks better than the CX332, tightens better than a CX332 but may just be a little roomy for those with slimmer feet that snuck into the CX332 previously.  This is certainly a reboot and not an upgrade. This shoe is perfect for those who want to ride long distances and not worry about compression and numbness. Let’s hope the Chameleon Purple is on the way!!

Overall 8/10

Pros

Improved Aesthetics

Better Retention

Updated BOAS

White on White - come on!!!!

Vastly improved tongue design

The MX333 fits the same for those playing at home

Cons

New Widths could be confusing

Not best in class for heel retention

Slightly heavy (300 grams sz 43)

New Shoe Review - Bont Vaypor V23

Bont V23

Shoe Tested - Bont Cycling Vaypor - White Sz 45 - Standard Width

Price - $629 RRP (Cheapest online Price - $549)

It’s been a while since we reviewed a shoe, but this shoe from Bont Cycling has created a lot of interest since it was released at the end of 2023. Bont is a renowned Australian cycling and rowing shoe manufacturer with a proud history of design innovation and performance. Bont also has a history of polarising riders with the lovers and haters separated by the design and manufacturing techniques used across the range. The new Vaypor promised to end that conversation. So we test rode a pair for three months to see if this was the case.

Bonts are the shoes many aspiring cyclists wish to ride. The company has always pitched itself as a maker of shoes for all foot types including narrow and wide feet. The anatomical shape of the shoes has been a selling point as this feature distinguishes Bont from many of the pointy toe offerings from Europe. I don’t want to do a review of all Bont shoes, but the singular challenge many riders have had with traditional Bont shoes is contact on the firm Carbon ‘tub’ that the foot sits inside. The softer microfiber materials in the upper sit above the foot so if your foot is placed inside the incorrect width, then pressure points can ensue. Heat molding can solve this challenge, but there are limitations and given carbon is not a flexible material, some riders will remain overwhelmed by that sense of innate firmness around their feet.

The new Vaypor seeks to keep the sense of structure around the foot, but release the forefoot into a softer pliable upper. The traditional and famous supportive heel cup remains around the heel, however, the carbon ‘tub’ height drops as it reaches the mid foot. By the time we reach the forefoot of the shoe, the carbon ‘tub’ sits in line with the 4mm insole ensuring there is no carbon bucket sensation around the ball of the foot or toes. Remarkably, the heel cup is still one of the best in the business at holding the foot firmly.

Once you grab a pair of these shoes it is impossible not to be startled by the weight.

Once you grab a pair of these shoes it is impossible not to be startled by the weight. These shoes are LIGHT! I mean, real light - we tested a pair at 190grams - beaten only by the old S Work EXOS single boa climbing shoe at about 170 grams in the same size. The closure on the Bont destroys the EXOS with a dual-dial BOA Li2 Fit System and a structured heel cup. Looking at the shoe it seems impossible that this much shoe can weigh so little.

The second feature which we noticed was the extremely thin carbon sole which remains incredibly stiff despite the 3.6mm stack height (this measurement provided by Bont). The foot feel into the pedal remains wonderful and responsive. There is slightly more flex in these two-piece constructed shoes compared to the monocoque chassis of the Vaypor S but when riding, it’s hard to spot the difference.

Bont V23

The upper closure on the Vaypor is plush and soft without any constricting elements. The eyestay mounted BOA Fit System is effective and remains relatively open upon tightening. Higher volume feet in the mid foot should find this shoe suits them well. In the last 3 three months of riding my foot has remained secure in the shoe and I have only had to tighten occasionally when riding, which is standard for me in all shoes.

The durability is superb. I haven’t treated my pair of Vaypors with any care and attention including walking for 2km on gravel yet they remain intact and relatively white. There is some mild discolouration which you would expect with frequent wet rides, yet they clean up very well with wet wipes.

The insoles in these shoes are 4mm dual density base level insoles designed by Bont and Cobra9. The insoles feature a thin flexible carbon shell for arch support and dual density foam for cushioning.

In summary, we have loved these shoes. The shape, weight and foot feel are tremendous. These shoes are perfect for the standard to wider feet who want to do some serious riding. Lovers of the Vaypor S shoes may find this offering a little too unstructured for their tastes however we promote this shoe as a kilometre-heavy shoe. One for the big days in the saddle where you want comfort and performance.

Pros

Light - seriously!

Comfortable

Adjustable

Attractive

Normal to Wide foot suitable

Cons

Not as stiff as Vaypor S for the devoted

Narrow feet might them a tad too roomy

Price Point may be too much for some

Rating 9/10

More Shoe Offerings at The Pedaler - Welcome aboard Bont Cycling

We are all about cycling and shoes at The Pedaler. We take the fitment and outcomes of shoe fitting pretty damned seriously as well. We only fit shoes by appointment. We do this as we don’t want average solutions or for clients to endure a ‘good enough’ fit mentality.

We have always loved fitting Lake shoes and we continue to stock and order in the complete and comprehensive range of these shoes as they tick every box. With the launch of the new Vaypor from Bont, we have now added this well known Australian brand to our cache of shoe options as well.

As for our shoe fitting process, we remain focused on fitting Bonts via appointment only. This ensures we get it right and allows us to guarantee the outcome. If its not working, its on us to fix it. It also allows us to ensure we understand the individual nuances of your feet that may direct us away from or towards certain styles or widths. Personal shoe fitting also allows us to tap into the entire range of each shoe brand we carry to ensure we aren’t cutting corners.

With the addition of Bont, we are looking to cater for those that want that Bont foot feel and also to assist those that have had potential challenges fitting these shoes in the past. We also perform follow up heat molding and even take custom Bont shoe casts as well.

If you’re keen on investigating the new Bont Vaypor, or another option in the range, make a time for a fitting appointment and let us set you up properly. We will endeavour to do a review on the new shoe soon, so watch this space for more information.

The End of the Financial Year is upon us. If you have AHM or Defence Health, now is the time to give us a call.

As the end of the financial year approaches, it’s a good time to make the most of our ‘no gap’ option on all second sets of orthotics for existing clients.

Every valued client of The Pedaler who has had orthotics from our lab in the past has the option of organising a ‘no gap’ set. AHM and Defence Health reset June 30th, so if you’re with one of those insurers, let us know ASAP so we can deliver your custom orthotics before the time runs out.

We are also excited to be taking delivery of the latest cycling shoes from Lake Cycling including the new 242 ‘problem solving’ shoe. These are available to order by appointment only but are fantastic for lumps, bumps, bunions or neuromas.

We’re here to help.

The Pedaler

lake CX242