Re: Catalyst Pedals?

On Wed, 23 Apr 2025 23:57:52 -0000 (UTC), Ted Heise <theise@panix.com>
wrote:

>
Hi all,
>
I've had a tailor's bunion much of my life, and it's really gotten
painful the last week or so.  On closer attention, it seems the
Bontrager shoes I wear are one of the main culprits in aggravating
it (a pair of sandals is another).  I've ordered a ball and ring
shoe stretcher to alleviate the pressure on the affected area.
>
In looking for solutions, I also came across something caled
Catalyst Pedals.  They are platforms that are larger than most and
also have pins to aid grip between shoe and pedal.  The main
benefit is ability to wear optimal athletic shoes.  Here's more...
>
https://naturalfootgear.com/blogs/shoe-footgear-reviews/catalyst-pedals-review
>
Has anyone ever used these and have experience they could share? 
I've ridden on clipless for 30 years, so I'm not sure if I could
get used to platforms (though I do have Campy Super Leggeri pedals
with toe straps on my fixed gear bike).

I used clipless pedals for years. Several years ago, I began having
lots of pain in my feet as I rode and then I had pain just walking in
regular shoes... 

Foot doctor said I had corns on several of my toes.

This is what I bought for when I had the corns on my toes.

https://store.bicycleman.com/products/plastic-adaptive-pedal-with-weights

I removed the weights that kept the pedal facing upwards because I
ride a recumbent. I also removed all the straps. I thought, at first,
that I needed something to keep my feet from sliding forward on the
pedal, but I turns out I don't.

I bought oversize sneakers to wear with them. Note that the axle of
the pedal is under my arch rather than under the ball of my foot as it
was with clipless pedals. It did change my pedal stroke quite a bit.
It put different muscles into play.

I debated about going back to clipless now that the corns are gone,
but wearing bike shoes for clipless pedals is probably how I got the
corns, so I haven't changed back. Now I can ride wearing any old shoe.
I've ridden in sandals a couple of times. I live in Florida, sandals
are my usual footwear.

I rode barefoot up and down the street in front of my home just to see
if I could do it. No problem.

--
C'est bon
Soloman