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Cleat Placement

This technique started back when I was involved with Project '96. I can't take credit for it's conception and I honestly don't remember who came up with it. It may be Ralph Ray? Any way; we would try to find the 1st met head by feeling for it trough the side of the shoe; then we'd do the same for the 5th met head. A diagonal line was drawn on the bottom of the shoe sole. Then a longitudinal line would be drawn through the center of the cleat area and the center of the heel. Where those 2 lines bisected we'd draw a perpendicular line to the inside edge of the shoe. That's where the pedal spindle should be.

At D2SHOE we needed a way to drill the holes in the proper position without the riders
foot in the shoes. Originally we would make the orthotics from a plaster impression
that was made by pouring plaster into the crush box foot impression. I would plot out
the same calculations on the plaster model of the foot; then transfer that to the orthotic; then to the carbon sole prior to installing it to the upper.

Next it became obvious that the 5th met head was irrelevant. It was all about placing the cleat in relation to the strongest part of the foot; the 1st metatarsal and the musculature associated with it.  After countless calculations it always worked out to 95% of the back of the heel to the center of the 1st met head. To achieve a smoother spin I always average the measurements form both feet and place the spindle at that point. 95% of the averaged heel to center of 1st length. This is the recommended starting point; then adjust accordingly for your riding style. 

Cleat Placement Tools

D2Shoe cleat measuring tools are the first tools to accurately place your cleats in the best position for you.

First we measure the heel to 1st length or both feet. Average that and find your perfect cleat position on the chart.

To transfer that position to your shoes you need our measuring tool. It measures from the inside of the back of the heel counter of any shoe to the outside bottom of the sole. This gives you the most accurate way to measure cleat position. No guess work anymore. The cleat is positioned in relation to your foot, not the sole of the shoe.

Cleat tool is anchored in the inside of the heel of the shoe. This means you can measure and take cleats from shoe to shoe regardless of manufacturer with precision:

Cleat tool has a sliding adjustment that allows you to find your placement down to
the millimeter and adjust angle of the cleat as well. Again allowing you to take cleats from shoe to shoe with precision:

This is the cleat placement chart. The chart will give you cleat measurements from 66% (Midfoot cleat) to 100% of heel to ball of foot.

Click the image for a larger view.

These tools are now available for purchase from D2SHOE for $95 including an Excel version of the Cleat Chart.
$125 with a posted sized printed version.
Just give us a call.
970-328-6870

Click for more detailed instructions.