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Foot Numbing?

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Old 07-15-11 | 07:32 PM
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Foot Numbing?

I've noticed that when riding, usually around the 6 mile mark the part of my foot that contacts the pedal is numb. I can pull it off the pedal and it tingles... Usually have to stop and get off the bike for a few mins to get some feeling back in it. Me still being a noob, is this something that just goes away over time?
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Old 07-15-11 | 07:33 PM
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i did get it until i adjusted my seat and cleats a bit...hot spots or numbness or both?
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Old 07-15-11 | 07:38 PM
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I had the same problem, only after 15 or so miles usually. Stiffer soled shoes took care of it. I was wearing tennis shoes that were a few years old and worn out, so "stiffer" doesn't necessarily mean cycling specific shoes.
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Old 07-15-11 | 07:41 PM
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First of all make sure your shoes are not too tight, if they have velcro straps loosen them a bit and if you have laces, moving the laces up from the bottom one hole might give you some extra wiggle room. I spent $300 on nice Sidi shoes to get rid of my numbness but unless I put arch supports inside them, the numbness came back. If I wear thicker socks my feet will go numb again. A lot of the issue is going to be trial and error. Everyone is different.
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Old 07-15-11 | 07:58 PM
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I would bet its a matter of shoes being to tight OR ur pedals are not aligned properly. Or even both. When your foot is clipped in position your foot at 3 or 9 o clock (which ever foot is in front) and see where your pedal lines up to your shoe. General rule of thumb is to have it line up with the inner metatarsal of your shoe.
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Old 07-15-11 | 08:15 PM
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i get the same problem i but the other guys i ride with say i might just need to get used to it. I have the ball of my foot pushing down directly over the axle of the pedal, thats how i feel more comfortable but iv noticed that my clip on my left foot has moved bak a bit so i am pushing a little more on my mid-foot area and that foot went numb a lot faster and when i fixed it, it got a lot better. Is there a particular position your foot should be on the pedal?
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Old 07-15-11 | 08:17 PM
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Are you running clipless pedals? Check foot alignment angle, for/aft position and leg extension.
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Old 07-15-11 | 08:56 PM
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i have clipless road pedals and i did not check my fore-aft. Is that when you align the v part below your knee with the middle of the pedal axle?
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Old 07-16-11 | 05:37 AM
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You might benefit from footbeds in your shoes. I had some hot spots and numbing after getting my new bike set up and fitted, and the footbeds fixed it. I would recommend a good fitting first, then go to footbeds.
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Old 07-16-11 | 06:32 PM
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Originally Posted by riderlife
i get the same problem i but the other guys i ride with say i might just need to get used to it. I have the ball of my foot pushing down directly over the axle of the pedal, thats how i feel more comfortable but iv noticed that my clip on my left foot has moved bak a bit so i am pushing a little more on my mid-foot area and that foot went numb a lot faster and when i fixed it, it got a lot better. Is there a particular position your foot should be on the pedal?
Riding with numbness or hot spots is not something you should just get used to.
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Old 07-16-11 | 06:35 PM
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Originally Posted by bianchi10
Riding with numbness or hot spots is not something you should just get used to.
I never knew HTFU had exceptions. I've been experiencing sit bones pain, but I don't whine.
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Old 07-16-11 | 06:47 PM
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The tips of my big toes usually get a bit numb. Kind of odd, but doesn't seem to be an issue.
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Old 07-16-11 | 06:53 PM
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Originally Posted by FactVord
I never knew HTFU had exceptions. I've been experiencing sit bones pain, but I don't whine.
huh????

Last edited by bianchi10; 07-16-11 at 11:31 PM.
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Old 07-16-11 | 10:47 PM
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Originally Posted by FactVord
I never knew HTFU had exceptions. I've been experiencing sit bones pain, but I don't whine.
Don't listen to this guy.

Pain is a clear indicator that something is wrong. Make sure your shoes fit your feet properly (i.e. not too narrow), be sure they aren't overly tight, experiment with different footbeds and socks, etc. Keep trying new things until you get it right.
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Old 07-18-11 | 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by ilovecycling
Make sure your shoes fit your feet properly (i.e. not too narrow), be sure they aren't overly tight
Good point. I bought the "mega" Sidi's which are designed for people with wider feet. Cycling shoes tend to be built narrow anyway. Long story short, I no longer have numb feet.
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