Numb Toes

[Dianyla]

It could very well be the cleat positioning. Some other ideas...

First, are you sure that your bike shoes are wide enough for your feet? One test is to just put them on and put your feet up while reading on the couch. If your toes go numb anyway, then they are probably too narrow.

If the width is ok, then the problem may be that you need stiffer shoes. A sole that flexes too much can cause numbness or a burning hot hellfire feeling. Some folks swear by a larger cleat/platform such as the Look design, but my opinion is that a stiff enough bike shoe will distribute the pressure evenly. I use Sidis (which are stiff) and SPD cleats (which are small) and have not had any problems with even pressure distribution.

[Brandi]

I did myself a favor and went to a foot Dr and told her the problem I was having with my toes. I am so happy i did cause my feet feel so much better. And it was a simple cure. i would go and see. It is easy to guess what it is but mine was genetic when i thought it was something i was doing. It had nothing to do with me really.

[Minty]

The foot doctor is probably the way to go.

It might be related to when I fell over, blind drunk while negotiating a cobblestone path during my first week of university. That was 13 years ago now, but I am sure that I broke some bones in my foot at that time - I couldn't walk for a week, but was never x-rayed.

You will be pleased to know that I didn't spill my drink.

[chickwhorips]

because of my bunionettes (bunions on my little toes) my feet would go numb, and then would be very painful also. i didn't own any shoes that were wide enough.

i'm hoping now that i'm in the process of fixing them that this problem will go away.

[EBD]

My toes go numb on the bike, too, at least after 45 minutes or so. I never worried about it, because for years (before I got a bike) my toes would go numb on the stairmaster as well. So it must be my feet (or something else I'm doing), not the shoes. It's annoying, but it doesn't hurt, so I doubt I'll seek medical attention - but I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one!

[SouthernBelle]

My toes go numb on the bike, too, at least after 45 minutes or so. I never worried about it, because for years (before I got a bike) my toes would go numb on the stairmaster as well. So it must be my feet (or something else I'm doing), not the shoes. It's annoying, but it doesn't hurt, so I doubt I'll seek medical attention - but I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one!

Toes going numb on the stairmaster is a pretty common complaint. Almost anybody who goes longer than 30 minutes will have that problem if they don't shift their feet.