General Cycling Discussion - Toe numbness during rides ?

I started riding about 1 1/2 years ago. I only ride about 20 miles avg, so nothing real long, but after awhile, my left big toe starts to get numb. Obviously somehow blood flow is getting cut off. Anyone else have this problem and any ideas to correct?
rwj

The first things to check are tight legs in your shorts or tight shoes. Probably the most common cause, AFAIK, is the shoes. Especially if you're more mature (as most bent riders in the US seem to be,at least,) your shoes might be just right when you start out, but as you ride your feet swell and then the shoes are too narrow.

It could also be something more ominous like peripheral artery disease or the results of diabetes.

......your shoes might be just right when you start out, but as you ride your feet swell and then the shoes are too narrow.
+1

I used to have problems with numb feet too, until I figured out my shoes were too tight.:o

Cleat position maybe if you have cycling shoes. Or maybe you just need some cycling shoes. My feet would get numb all the time wearing sneakers.

Traps'll do it, too, if you're using those.
It's one reason why I'm making the switch to clipless

Thanks all ! I haven't switched over to cleatless yet - sneakers in toe straps. I'll loosen up my shoes a bit and see if that helps. The weird thing is the numbness only effects my left foot. Thats why I was thinking about a pinched blood flood down that leg.
rwj :)

Thanks all ! I haven't switched over to cleatless yet - sneakers in toe straps. I'll loosen up my shoes a bit and see if that helps. The weird thing is the numbness only effects my left foot. Thats why I was thinking about a pinched blood flood down that leg.
rwj :)

I had some of that when I wore sneakers on platform pedals. Then I got MTB cycling shoes, and it made a world of difference. They're stiffer. I still don't use cleats.

Try some thin closed-cell foam insoles. This makes a world of difference for me.

If it only happens when you ride, most likely it's your shoes.

in addition to your shoes, you might want to do some research about the psoas muscle... apparently it's a common problem for cyclists. stretching and positioning are very important... i think getting an ergonomic seat helped me too, but everyone's different!

Shoes with really aggressive arch and metatarsal supports did it for me. bk

Thanks. I'll look into that.
RWJ

I've had some numbness in the southern region. But not THAT southern. :p

I can only wear very thin socks with my Sidi's and also have to readjust (loosen) the front velcro as the ride goes on or my toes go numb. I can get fatter socks on to fit in the shoe but once I get riding it's numb city. :(

Try loosening your laces at the toes, but leaving the lacing comfortably snug at the top.

Buy a pair of cycling shoes. My friend used to get numbness in her legs and feet wearing sneakers on her MTB until I got her a set of MTB shoes. Problem solved. If you check out Nashbar and peformance you can usually find a pair on clearance for under $30.

I thought about your problem when I was in spin class Monday. The spin bikes have the pedals that encase your foot and you pull strap into and I pulled them a bit too tight. Guess what, numb toes. Perhaps you can loosen you pedal straps a smidge and that might solve it?