Looking for a solution to the fixed flex-foot angle

[stf_con2row]

Newbie here,
If there were one enhancement I would ask of the design of the indoor rower, it would be the restrictive geometry of the foot rests and flex-foot restraints.
When I was born, I had what is referred to as "congenital hips", where when my knees were pointed forward, my feet pointed several degrees outward.
As a baby, I was placed in booties with a metal bar, and the booties were pointed inward.

Now at almost 65, I am having pain attempting to get close to the machine on the return stroke, unless I go "strapless" (ha ha to me), and point my feet outward, but then I don't get an advantage of using my leg muscles on the return stroke.

Is there a modification available that provides for rotating and fixing the foot angle other than parallel to the seat slide?
There must be many other users out there that have the same issue, and one would think this great company would have some accessories to address ergonomic issues like this and others.
Thanks,
S.

[p_b82]

Welcome,

I had the opposite when I was a baby and my legs pointed in - also to a degree that needed correction via booties.

I mostly row strapless as i generally find it more comfortable - unless I'm cranking the rate up higher on the shorter stuff.

There isn't anything official to change the footplates - but I'm fairly certain there have been other folks that have posted DIY modifications if you have a bit of a search.
Essentially widening the base area so that one has more freedom to postilion feet wherever.

[Ombrax]

I'll second what has already been said - for me the straps are 100% superfluous, and I never use them. (also, if you find that you HAVE to use them for anything less than a super, super hard effort that means that you probably have an issue with your technique).

In your case I would strongly recommend trying to go strapless full time. If that solves your problem, great!

Good Luck

[JaapvanE]

Here another strapless rower. My feet's natural position is also rotated outwards when knees are straight. So strapping in feels extremely uncomfortable. Started rowing strapless 3 years ago, and I can only echo Ombrax's position. If you can do without the straps, do so as it is much better for your technique and is way more comfortable for me. Pace will suffer a bit, but as most here are rowing for general fitness, who cares?

[Cyclist2]

I don't have the physiological conditions you describe, but I do row strapless a lot of the time. Good for technique.

However, the flex feet hurt my heels, so I made my own footplates, sort of duplicating the original Model A and B wooden footplates. If you are handy with saws, drills and such, I'm sure you could build some custom footplates to suit your anatomy.

[stf_con2row]

Thank you to all that have responded.
OK, I am not interested in competitive rowing, just thought my thighs and calves would benefit from strapping in, and using the legs on the return stroke.

I'm satisfied with going "strapless"... My wife got a kick out of that one!