Penny4

Any tips for dealing with swollen feet during the hot humid summer months?

I have noticed on very hot and humid days my feet start hurting after about 25 miles. The pain is all over my foot, not on the bottom (hot spots) so I don't think adjusting cleat position will help. It feels a bit like my foot is asleep, but not quite so tingly.

My road shoes are pretty roomy (I can comfortably get thick socks on with them in the winter), and loosening the straps/buckles during the ride definitely helps for a while.
Today, I ended up with the straps as loose as they could go, but my feet were still hurting at the end. My feet don't hurt after I take my shoes off.

Aside from loosening my shoes periodically, any other tips?

bassjones

Insoles help a LOT. Not cheap Dr Scholls (unless those do actually work for you), but see your bike fitter for some recommendations.

Penny4

It seems like insoles would take up more room, making swelling worse? Or would they help prevent it from starting in the first place?

blacknbluebikes 

Consider a longer footbed in your next shoes.
My first shoes were "correct" in size (I thought) but over time, as I increased my distance, I started getting a variety of pains, especially toe-ache and hot-spots. I didn't think the first pair were too short, and I certainly never noticed my toes specifically touching. I still wear them as my backup/rain shoes. BUT, THAT said... my current, favorite, "don't know I'm wearing them" shoes are 1.5 EU sizes bigger (i.e.: 45.5 versus 44). When I put them on, they seem somewhat like elf shoes, but once I'm riding, I never think about them, or my feet, again. Suggestions: first, look for shoes that have a reputation for comfort, which are usually not the cheapies. second, look for shoes that come with different inserts to better match your arch. third, look at websites that give extra effort about shoes and fit (like Art's), third, look for dealers with free returns, order two different sizes, and try them on in the house on the living room carpet (don't mount cleats, don't scuff or scratch 'em) then return the pair that seems "a little less right."

again, think about a longer footbed in your next shoes. search around here, I think you'll find lots of advice.
happy feet, happy rides.

TrojanHorse

Everybody's feet swell over the course of a long ride. If you can loosen your shoes and keep riding, then do that. I think numbness is unusual and should be addressed though. You may need better shoes or shoes that fit better, hard to tell from here.

I seem to develop a sharp pain under the ball of my left foot after 50+ miles and the only thing I can do about it is physically remove that shoe for 5-10 min. I have a plate in that foot so who the heck knows what the issue is but I'm no racer and can generally spare 5 shoeless minutes to solve my problem.

Wingsprint

Its normal to have some swelling during longer rides. High salt and sugar intake can make feet swelling worse. This could be an symptom of a medical condition as well, you might want to discuss this with you doctor.