MONGO!

On my last couple of rides I've noticed that after 15-20 miles my left foot starts to go numb/tingly.

I was riding Shimano M520


So today I try some A520:


Still tingly, maybe even came on sooner.

Is it the pedals?

Anyone else have this problem?

scottdude

my foot used to go a little numb when i ran but when i changed shoes it stopped, maybe you should loosen or tighten your shoes and see if there the problem.

grahny

Cleat positioning could be the culprit. What is going numb? The whole foot? I had a big toe going numb on me until I adjusted the cleat.

Luwin1026

+1 on adjusting the cleat, and trying to figure out what's causing the numbness or if you're getting hotspots. You can also try inserts like Specialized Footbeds - I have the blue ones and like them alot.

MONGO!

It's mostly the ball of the foot, where it contacts the pedal.

I don't think it's the tightness of the shoe, I made sure to loosen it when I felt the numbness coming on.

I'll check and see if both shoes have the same cleat adjustment, my right foot is fine.
It could be that my left foot is larger than my right, it definitely doesn't feel as comfortable in the shoe before I start riding.

1inamil600

+1 try cleat position...

Sir Real

I have the same issue with my left foot. My right foot never has any numbness, but my left foot goes numb after a few miles. I know it's not shoe tightness and I've adjusted my cleats several times with no luck. I may have to give those footbeds a shot.

kuan

Sometimes too spongy a shoe fit will cause numbness. Also, go to a running store and get a pair of metatarsal pads.

merlinextraligh

A really stiff cf shoe should make the pedal and cleat positioning largely irrelevant.

What shoe are you using?

Sir Real

Mongo, I'm not trying to hijack your thread, honestly.

I'm using the Specialized Comp Road shoe and the Shimano PD540 pedals.

Longfemur

Before changing anything else, try moving your cleats back on the shoes a little. The ball of the foot over pedal rule of thumb shouldn't be applied too religiously. Even half a centimeter can make a big difference. Also, when using clipless pedals, there is a tendency to just keep pushing down all the time. You should give your feet a break every once in a while, either coasting and physically unweighting your feet, or occasionally pulling up on the upstroke.

SDRider

SPD pedals do that to me too. Since I switched to LOOK Carbon KEO pedals I no longer have that problem.

Hammertoe

Definitely try moving the cleat back a little...

This will move your foot forward on the pedal and may relieve some of the numbness...

Make sure the shoes are not to tight...

Another option would be better insoles for your shoes...

Sometimes a metatarsal pad to support the transverse metatarsal arch can help prevent the metatarsal heads from compressing the nerves...

donrhummy

How stiff is the base of your shoe? Also, I'd recommend putting some cotton under the ball of your foot. That's where it gets pinched.

Second Mouse

Same pedals here (M520's) and same problems with just the left foot (not the right). I moved my cleats all the way back and that helped a little, but I just end up clipping out of the pedal and then shaking my foot for about 10 seconds, every 10 miles or so. That seems to take care of it.

MONGO!

Shimano M075



It's a MTB shoe, I need to be able to walk in them.

sgd26

I have experienced this off and on. I ride in Nike Altea shoes, Ultegra 6610 pedals, and SPD-SL cleats 6*float. One thing I found that helps to relieve this is to loosen the lower and middle straps on my shoes.

blanqui

I've had and continue to struggle with foot pain while riding. Unfortunately you may have to spend serious $ to resolve it. Some things to try in addition to what you've already done:
1. buy some expensive footbeds. The $30 ones I bought buy me an extra 30-60 minutes before the pain starts. I'll probably end up dropping a hundy on a custom pair.
2. Check your cleat position on the shoe. Move it forward and back and see if that makes a difference.
3. Try a different shoe.
4. See a podiatrist.

MONGO!

Just had a brain wave.

I twisted my ankle last week on that foot and it's probably still swollen a little bit.

Didn't have this problem before, so that's probably it.

Damn, I really wanted to throw some money at this problem

Sir Real

If you're really wanting to throw money at the problem, I'm still having it and I don't have a sprained ankle. Should I pm you my address so you know where to mail the check?

MONGO!

Of course dear friend.

Please be sending your SSN, bank account detaisl and phone number as soon as possible please.
I have a very large sum ($52m) that I need to deposit as soon as possible.

Son of former president Idi Amin of Uganda

predat0r

My big toes go numb and stay numb for a while after I ride. I have genius 5's and ultegra pedals.

Should I try moving the cleat?

San Rensho 

The balls of your feet are big bones that have nerves going between them. When you apply pressure to the soles of your feet while cycling, the nerves will sometimes get pinched, causing numbness.

The solution is to get a stiff insole and cut out a section where the nerve is, to keep pressure off of it.

xlrogue

Simple and relatively obvious, but make sure your foot is relaxed (i.e., no toe clenching) while you're riding.

justonwo

I noticed I clinch my toes when I ride and my left foot goes numb, just as with the OP. If you're clinching your toes, is it a sign that the shoe doesn't fit quite right? My Sidi Dominators seem to fit like they were custom made for my feet.