Cycling training has gotten complicated with all the different methods and technologies flying around. As someone with extensive cycling experience, I learned everything there is to know about this topic. Today, I will share it all with you.

Dealing with Corns on Your Feet (From a Cyclist’s Perspective)

Developed my first corn after a 60-mile ride in new shoes. Didn’t even know what it was at first — thought it was a blister that healed weird. Turns out that constant pressure from ill-fitting cycling shoes creates the same foot problems as regular footwear. Here’s what I learned.

What Actually Causes Corns

Friction and pressure. That’s it. Your body thickens the skin as protection — which sounds helpful until the thickened area starts hurting more than whatever it was protecting against.

For cyclists specifically, the causes include shoes that compress your toes during hard efforts, cleats positioned in a way that creates pressure points, and riding sockless (I tried this once during a triathlon phase — never again).

Activities involving repeated pressure on the same foot spots accelerate corn formation. Long rides. Standing climbs. Sprint efforts. If you have foot quirks like bunions or weird walking patterns, you’re more prone to them.

The Different Types

Hard Corns

Most common type. Shows up as a small, concentrated hard spot on toes or the side of your foot. Usually hurts when pressed. The center sometimes has a dense core called a “seed.” I had one of these on my pinky toe for months.

Soft Corns

Develop between toes. Rubbery texture, white and moist from foot sweat. More painful than hard corns and can get infected easily because of the moisture. That’s what makes these endearing to absolutely nobody.

Seed Corns

Smaller and usually painless. Found on the bottom of feet. Often caused by dry skin or blocked sweat ducts. Less of an issue for most cyclists.

Signs You’ve Got One

The obvious symptom is a thickened, hardened patch of skin. Might look waxy or dry. Hurts when pressed, especially during activity.

Other symptoms:

• Tenderness under the skin even when not pressing
• Flaky or dry skin around the area
• Redness or inflammation

Prevention (What Actually Works)

Proper shoe fit is everything. Should have room for toes to wiggle, especially in the toe box. Cycling shoes run small, so try them on late in the day when feet are slightly swollen.

Dry feet matter. Moisture increases friction. Good cycling socks with wicking properties help. Change socks on long rides if needed.

Moisturize daily. Dry skin thickens faster. Use foot lotion after showers — sounds basic but makes a real difference.

Trim toenails regularly. Long nails push toes into weird positions that increase pressure.

Take breaks during long rides to unclip and wiggle your feet. Small thing but prevents pressure buildup.

Treatment That Works

Over-the-counter salicylic acid products soften corns. Creams, pads, plasters — all work. Be careful if you have diabetes or circulation issues.

Soaking feet in warm water makes corns easier to address. Use a pumice stone gently. Don’t cut with sharp objects — that’s how you get infections.

Protective pads reduce friction. Place them around the corn, not on it. This takes pressure off while things heal.

If nothing improves, see a podiatrist. They can safely trim it and might recommend orthotics if foot structure is contributing.

When Things Get Serious

Ignoring corns leads to worse corns. They get bigger and more painful. Can lead to ulcers or infection, especially concerning for diabetics.

Signs of infection: increased pain, redness, swelling, pus. Get medical attention immediately. This isn’t “wait and see” territory.

When to See a Doctor

Go see someone if:

• The corn becomes very painful or inflamed
• You have diabetes or poor circulation
• Home treatment isn’t working
• You see signs of infection

A professional can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend treatment. Sometimes surgery is needed to correct structural issues.

General Foot Health

Your feet carry you through thousands of pedal strokes. Worth taking care of them.

• Check your feet daily for changes
• Keep them clean and dry
• Moisturize regularly
• Wear appropriate footwear for each activity
• Trim nails properly to avoid ingrown issues

Simple habits, big difference. Healthy feet mean more comfortable rides and fewer reasons to skip training.