Numb toes

stewt
stewt Posts: 6
edited April 2014 in Training, fitness and health
Hi All,

Having been reading on the forum for a while and having now been back on the bikes for a couple of months, I've been suffering from numb toes after about 30-45 mins. This happens of both my Sirrus with clipless & my Trek mountain bike with flats, granted I have to ride at 8 on a Saturday morning and after during the week, so the cold and weather hasn't been the kindest of late. Had similar when I was training for London to Brighton a few years back.

I do wear cycle shorts with the 'padded pants'.

Can I ask for any ideas what could be causing this, short of the cold air!

Cheers
Stew

Comments

  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    stewt wrote:
    I do wear cycle shorts with the 'padded pants'.

    What's that got to do with having numb toes..?? Some idea of what you wear on your feet might be more useful...
  • nuggiebok
    nuggiebok Posts: 63
    I get this too but it isn't to do with the cold. I get it wearing trainers in the gym at a spin class, and out on the road in my Scott spd clipless thingies. Feels like a circulation problem?
  • stewt
    stewt Posts: 6
    Footwear is either running trainers on the mountain bike, specialised mountain bike clip less shoes in the sirrus.

    Was getting the numbness in a warm Saturday ride the other weekend, so not just the weather causing it.

    I will be investing in some tights to see if that helps. If it's circulation, any changes to the bike to assist or should I drink more wine to thin the blood to aid flow :P
  • nuggiebok
    nuggiebok Posts: 63
    I haven't found a solution :-( I just wiggle my toes until the feeling comes back. Are your shoes too tight? I think that might possibly be the cause of my numbness. Its not causing too much bother at the moment so not too fussed.
  • cswitch
    cswitch Posts: 261
    Could saddle be reducing blood flow? Do you have a different saddle you could try? I admit blood flow and saddles is usually an under carriage matter but you never know.
  • deveng
    deveng Posts: 132
    I have had this in the past from over-tightening one shoe (smaller foot and I was over-compensating with the straps).
    Wilier Izoard XP 105
    Saracen Zen 1
    SRAM/RaceFace 1x10
  • stewt
    stewt Posts: 6
    Thanks for your replies. With the warmer weather, I've still been getting numbness, although loosening shoes has helped.

    I think circulation Is the right call. Calves stared to cramp up on my 24 mile road ride at 18mph, with a bit of numbness in toes before this.

    I'm hoping the problem subsides as my fitness grows.
    cheers
  • josehernandez
    josehernandez Posts: 243
    Out of interest stewt, do you have any issues with lower back pain ?
  • Stalin
    Stalin Posts: 208
    stewt wrote:
    Hi All,

    Having been reading on the forum for a while and having now been back on the bikes for a couple of months, I've been suffering from numb toes after about 30-45 mins. This happens of both my Sirrus with clipless & my Trek mountain bike with flats, granted I have to ride at 8 on a Saturday morning and after during the week, so the cold and weather hasn't been the kindest of late. Had similar when I was training for London to Brighton a few years back.

    I do wear cycle shorts with the 'padded pants'.

    Can I ask for any ideas what could be causing this, short of the cold air!

    Cheers
    Stew

    No one ever suffered from numb toes when they wore plimsolls.

    Plimsolls were lighter than modern cycling shoes and more aerodynamic.
  • stewt
    stewt Posts: 6
    No lower back pain to speak of, other than the usual desk job stiffness.

    Plimsolls may not grip to we'll on the clip less pedals, does it matter whether they are lace or slip-on?
  • Stalin
    Stalin Posts: 208
    stewt wrote:
    No lower back pain to speak of, other than the usual desk job stiffness.

    Plimsolls may not grip to we'll on the clip less pedals, does it matter whether they are lace or slip-on?


    Slip on plimsolls are more aero. Ditch the clipless pedals and switch to old fashioned quill pedals. Don't use clips and straps. Plimsolls grip fine. Plimsolls and quill pedals are not only lighter but more aero than cycling shoe and clipless pedals.
  • CRAIGO5000
    CRAIGO5000 Posts: 697
    I cured mine by changing footwear. I'm now wearing Bont Vaypors which have a great toe box and allow for your feet swell. You almost don't need to strap in your feet in as the heel retention is so good.

    Try moving your cleats as far back as possible and do your usual ride.
    Ribble Stealth/SRAM Force
    2007 Specialized Allez (Double) FCN - 3

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