My issue on today's ride

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Sandra, here's a thought....

When i first put on PowerGrip straps, I was so delighted that my feet no longer were able to slip off the front of my pedals when I was careless or when my shoes were wet..... I was so thrilled in fact that I began to ride more aggressively, with my toes pointed down. I revelled in my secure straps, and used to try to mash up hills on my pointed down toes. My newfound "power" went to my head, and I became a "powergrip demon".

This way of pedaling aggressively with toes pointed down naturally pushes your feet forward in your shoes, and pushes your toes against the end of your shoes. This can lead to burning/numbing toes. Not sure if this is what is happening to you, but do try to keep your feet flat while pedaling. Be more aware of when you are pushing your feet against the toe of your shoe. Also, if you are trying to pull up on the straps when you are pulling your pedal stroke up- your feet might not be used to this new thing yet and it may be interfering with your foot circulation. Keep your PG straps a bit loose for a while as you get used to them. There is plenty of time to slowly get used to them and snug them up a bit at a time.
Try to pedal for a while as though you don't have the straps on, without pulling up on the pedals or pointing your toes down....just remember the straps when you are starting and stopping, of course!

In hot weather our feet can swell, especially when we start doing longer and longer rides. Lace your shoes a bit more loosely, or wear a thinner sock.

[sandra]

I'm going to have to pay attention and see if there is a pattern. The shoes I love to wear don't lace (they look like they have laces, but they just stretch and don't tie) so they stay the same. I wear them barefoot because they've always been cool and comfortable like that. That is probably bad. I'll try a sock and a different shoe next time.

My power grips are still loose. We did ride further and harder today. Sometimes when I'm riding but resting, not pedaling and pushing myself as hard, (coasting) I may put pressure on my feet there. I'll have to be aware of this.

At least I know that I'm not the only one that has experienced it.

[pll]

I use SPD clipless pedals and I had the same problem (numb toes and even some pain) once my rides started to get longer. My solution was to use some insoles, since I use them for running, too. Specialized has some specific for cycling. Also, I have tried to wiggle my toes periodically. I have had only one, mild, incident of numb toes this season, towards the end of a century ride. With the clipless pedals, save a major biomechanical issue, I think it is simply easy to keep putting pressure and not move our feet enough.

Since you use power grips, I wonder if you use cycling shoes, with a stiff sole. Perhaps the flexibility of the shoes you are using is creating pressure that takes a toll over a long ride. I have friends who use MTB shoes even though they do not use clipless pedals. And, since you usually ride "sockless", be wary of socks that do further restrict your toes...