toe pain/numbess-shoe suggestion

[newbie]

I am having an off/on problem with toe pain and toe numbness. My toes HURT and then go numb. It was doing it on longer rides but it did it on shorter rides too

I'm not wearing clipless shoes (or whatever they're called) and don't plan to. I'm wearing regular tennis shoes.

If anyone has ANY suggestions...shoes, foot position, inserts etc... on how to "fix" this problem it would be great! I'm training for a longer ride so I need to correct this issue

thanks

[newbie]

neither I use regular peddles...like on a normal regular bike. I don't like the cages or clipless peddles/shoes at all.

I tried harder sole shoes (like they can't get any harder) and it was worse.

[BarbaraJo]

This is my 3rd season riding. I started with a hybrid bike with out clip in shoes and wore my tennis shoes. I then decided to go with a lighter bike because I was riding on the road more than trails. I kept my tennis shoes and had the same problem with numbing and almost like dead feet, and then the pain would go up my leg. I went to several bike stores and they all told me I needed clip in shoes. I converted! I was also told to purchase them one half size up, like a runner, so you have room when swelling occurs. I went with a MTB (mountain bike shoe) I prefer those to road bike shoes for now and I have not had a problem with my feet. I also have noticed a significant increase in strength and peddling ability,and I dont get as tired. So it might be worth it to look into it further. They dont have to cost alot either!

[AnnB]

you've probably done this, but I'd also make sure that your bike seat is adjust correctly.

[malkin]

I'm thinking bike fit, riding position, and/or saddle.

Numbness sounds like some nerves are involved so the problem might not be originating at your foot (or feet).

[Wasp]

I was having the same problem with the numb foot. Try adjusting your seat either forward or backwards. To make a difference you don't need to move it much, just try out slight adjustments and see what happens. For me all it took was the seat moved forward a tiny bit, and it's made the whole numb foot issue a whole lot better. Worth a try

[Deborah Y]

Could you have plantar fasciitis? This can lead to pain and numbness in the toes while riding. Stretching your achilles tendon can help.

[spokewench]

Maybe the stiffer soled shoe that you tried was not for you. Maybe it was too tight?

This really sounds like a shoe and shoe/fit problem. What type of shoe did you try that was stiff? Do you have wide feet, narrow feet?