We've been riding recumbents since the early nineties and have
experienced different types of foot pain. My wife and I switched from
toe clips and straps to clipless pedals (Shimano, Speedplay, Look, etc)
and since then, much pain is gone. We are using specifically Shimano
pedals and cleats and even then it can take some experimentation to get
the best cleat position for comfort.

On a trike, your feet are typically higher than on many other designs of
recumbents, which can result in different blood flow concerns. We've
gone through a number of designs, each one with a lower bottom bracket,
although our current stable of trikes do have a higher angle for our
legs and feet.

With a trike and similar designs of two-wheel recumbents, you could be
fighting yourself and causing your own pains. In order to keep your feet
on the pedals as you spin, you are pushing the un-powered foot to keep
it on the pedal. If you switch to clipless pedals, shoes and cleats,
you'll probably find that your speed increases, especially on uphills.

fred
--- In usarecumbents@yahoogroups.com, "B Merritt" <bmerritt811@...>
wrote:
>
> Greetings all:
>
> I'm a brand new trike rider, and I'm experiencing some pain in the
> balls and under-arch of both feet.
>
> I'm very new, and experienced this pain on the first ride. I've used
> different shoes - Merrell mocs, Nikes, etc, and have found no
> difference. I keep the pedals adjusted so that there is just a small
> crook in my knee when the pedal is fully extended.
>
> Is anyone here familiar with this type pain? And any suggestions re:
> how to get rid of it? Different shoes,etc?
>
> I'll be grateful for any input.
>
> Many thanks - BMerritt
>