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5 Replies Last post: Jul 2, 2007 7:29 PM by ussoccer  
Click to view bcc594's profile Pro 156 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
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Jul 2, 2007 11:14 AM

Numb toes

Hi everyone,
I have a 'newbie' question to you bike riders out there. Why do my toes seem to go numb while riding for more than about 45 mins to an hour? When I get off the bike, things get better, but then I can feel them going numb once I start riding again. Is there anything I can do to avoid this problem? I wear Shimano shoes, with clipless pedals, if that helps at all. Thanks in advance!

Bradley
Click to view ForceD's profile Legend 523 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
1. Jul 2, 2007 11:21 AM in response to: bcc594
Re: Numb toes
Do you have the Velcro straps on the shoes cinched to tight and restricting circulation in your foot/feet? It could even be a circulation problem beginning up at your seat. Ensure you seat height and angle is adjusted properly. Also, every few miles stand up on the pedals for a few seconds to get a little blood flowing.
Click to view Flip082's profile Pro 154 posts since
Apr 4, 2003
2. Jul 2, 2007 11:31 AM in response to: bcc594
Re: Numb toes
It's possible that your shoes are done up too tightly. Otherwise they may be an improper fit. Try adjusting them before you ride and see if it's more comfortable with a slightly looser fit! Hopefully that will fix the problem. If not, you may need to find a better fitting pair. Good luck!

Meg

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Click to view 3chilipeppers's profile Legend 696 posts since
Nov 3, 2007
3. Jul 2, 2007 1:34 PM in response to: bcc594
Re: Numb toes
I have the same problem, but my shoes fit great and are not too tight. It depends on the type of riding I'm doing. My toes go slightly numb if my feet are wet, but when I'm nice and warm, they are fine. I have also discovered they will go numb when I'm only pushing and not pulling up on the pedals (sometimes I forget I have cycling shoes on!) It is really a circulation thing. It doesn't bother me because mine is so slight, and I can get the blood flowing and they are fine.

Kelli
Click to view lisa83044's profile Pro 60 posts since
Jun 20, 2007
4. Jul 2, 2007 5:11 PM in response to: bcc594
Re: Numb toes
I also have that problem, but I don't believe it to be my shoes, because I get it running and biking and somtimes walking. I just chalk mine up to poor circulation and deal with it I guess... I haven't come up with any better method especially since i've tried every which way to tie my shoes and multiple different brands.
Click to view ussoccer's profile Legend 1,748 posts since
Dec 11, 2007
5. Jul 2, 2007 7:29 PM in response to: bcc594
Re: Numb toes
I agree with Flipster...

Try loosening the shoes. I know that when my shoes are fastened too tightly, my toes start to go numb. On long rides, since my feet swell, as will yours too, I have to loosen the shoes a notch or two. Last Sunday during Ironman Coeur d'Alene I had to loosen a few times on each foot. Within a minute the numbness goes away.

If that doesn't work, I'm guessing the shoes don't fit right. Or you need orthodics. Or ?