There is a school of thought that advocates the mid-foot position. A longtime friend of mine (and doctor) who does a lot of singlespeed, low-torque endurance riding brought the Biomac website to my attention back in 2009. Götz Heine is an Gotz is an ex pro, and chiropractor. Joe Friel has also favourably reviewed the Biomac shoes.

Personally I started migrating my cleats backwards from the ball of the foot in 2005 and it took four years to move them as far back as they will go in off-the-peg shoes. It hasn't made a difference to my feet; the cleat nearer the arch causes no pain when used with a stiff (carbon-soled) shoe. Subjectively it does however ease the stretch in my calves and I now get less cramp during 12 and 24-hour solo race efforts.

I realise that's hardly scientific evidence, but the cleat range on off-the-peg cycling shoes won't allow you to move the cleats far enough back to harm yourself, so trying it for yourself is perfectly feasible. Be aware that it does take time for your muscles to adapt to the new position and your feet to learn where the pedals are, so just going out for a couple of hours isn't the basis for making the decision.

There is a school of thought that advocates the mid-foot position. A longtime friend of mine (and doctor) who does a lot of singlespeed, high-torque endurance riding brought the Biomac website to my attention back in 2009. Their developer Götz Heine is an ex pro, and chiropractor. Joe Friel has also favourably reviewed the Biomac shoes.

Personally I started migrating my cleats backwards from the ball of the foot in 2005 and it took four years to move them as far back as they will go in off-the-peg shoes. It hasn't made a difference to my feet; the cleat nearer the arch causes no pain when used with a stiff (carbon-soled) shoe. Subjectively it does however ease the stretch in my calves and I now get less cramp during 12 and 24-hour solo race efforts.

I realise that's hardly scientific evidence, but the cleat range on off-the-peg cycling shoes won't allow you to move the cleats far enough back to harm yourself, so trying it for yourself is perfectly feasible. Be aware that it does take time for your muscles to adapt to the new position and your feet to learn where the pedals are, so just going out for a couple of hours isn't the basis for making the decision.