Tingling feet

[Jen12]

I'm not sure if this is a common problem or one that is way out-there. I've noticed that my feet start to tingle in my cycling shoes about a half hour into my ride. At first, I thought it might be an adjustment issue with my bike. When I switched to clipless pedals I didn't readjust anything, but I wore the shoes to spin class today and the same thing happened. I don't think it's a sizing issue. The shoes are snug, but I can wiggle my toes...any ideas or suggestions?

[Owlie]

Is it your toes that are tingling? What kind of pedal system are you using? If you're using the same shoes for spin class, I imagine they're SPDs.

Go to a bike fitter and see about getting your cleats adjusted. The other thing I can think of is that it is in fact the shoes. Your feet swell as you ride, so what's comfortable normally may be too tight.

[Crankin]

Also, how thick are your socks? I am extremely sensitive to the tightness of my shoes and socks. I leave my shoes barely fastened, even though I have plenty of room, wide toe box, etc. and I mostly wear very thin wool socks for cycling. I miss my cool looking other cycling socks, but the difference is astounding. Also, I just can't use spd pedals. They cause immediate tingling. I put up with it a bit if I go to spin class, but that's it.

[Jen12]

They are SPDs. I purchased the cheapest shoes I could find because they're just so expensive and I didn't know if I'd stick with cycling. Eventually I'll make more of an investment and maybe size up if the issue is swelling. I wear thin cotton socks but I'll try some others. I'll also try making the shoes looser and see if that works. Thanks for all the suggestions!

[SadieKate]

Tingling can also be caused by mashing, as in only pushing downward and not working on a proper pedal stroke.

[roadie gal]

I had problems with tingling and my feet going numb until I put some good insoles (Super Feet green) into my cycling shoes. The tingling completely went away after that. I figured it was better foot positioning that cured the problem.

[murielalex]

Tingling can also be caused by mashing, as in only pushing downward and not working on a proper pedal stroke.

This.

I had problems with tingling and my feet going numb until I put some good insoles (Super Feet green) into my cycling shoes. The tingling completely went away after that. I figured it was better foot positioning that cured the problem.

And this.

I was getting tingling feet until I learned to even out my pedal stroke and not mash. Also, I got giro insoles with adjustable arch support since I pronate. I sometimes have to loosen my straps on longer rides, but I've not had a tingling problem since making those changes.