Shoe Problems - Help

[Jason]

I have been riding now for about 8 months (road) for fitness and have just taken the plunge and ditched the sandshoes and toe clips and bought shoes and clipless pedals. When riding with toe clips I used to have to nip the straps up tight to get some efficiency but this would make my feet go numb after about 1/2 an hour of riding. I was hoping that shoes and clipless pedals would fix this problem but they have in fact made it worse. My feet now start going numb after about 15 minutes in the saddle. The shoes are Shimano SH-R073 which are an entry level shoe and pedals are Wellgo MG9. The shoes felt comfortable when I tried them on in the shop but I now suspect that they are not a wide enough fitting for my feet and are therefore restricting blood flow causing my feet to go numb. Is this the likley cause of my problem or could other factors such as pedals, cleats and setup have an affect? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Jason

[Aztec]

Did you have a really wide foot or do you wear normal width shoes? I know some cycling shoes are wider than others (I seem to recall that some of Specialized's are wide).

Are you cranking your laces/straps, etc., too tight? Here's an experiment. Put on the shoes and sit around for awhile. See if they go numb when you are NOT on the bike.

[Jason]

Aztec,

Thanks for your reply. I don't think I have a really wide foot - I only wear normal shoes. The first time I rode in the new shoes I did the velcro straps up fairly firmly while sitting down i.e. my foot was not bearing any weight. I went for a ride this morning and I did the strps up while standing with full weight on the foot. I only put a minimum of pressure on the straps this morning as I thought that may have been the problem but it made no difference, my feet still went numb. I will try your experiment and put the shoes on tonight while watching TV and see what happens.

Thanks

Jason

[bgorton]

Most road shoes are narrow fitting so that the foot is constrained and power loss due to movement inside the shoe is reduced.

Aztec's suggestion is a good one and if the shoes are too small possible options are

1. New shoes 1 size bigger (therefore wider) and use an insole to take up some space in the toe box.

2. Change your pedals to an MTB type and buy recreational style MTB shoes. These are usually made on different lasts, are wider, and have GRP reinforced midsoles that are just as stiff as regular road shoes.

If you do decide to buy new shoes give them a try-out on a staionary bike in the store.

[MidBunchLurker]

Also try starting your ride with the straps really loose. As you start riding your feet expand, so possibly this is affecting the tightness?

[stevek]

Originally posted by Jason
I have been riding now for about 8 months (road) for fitness and have just taken the plunge and ditched the sandshoes and toe clips and bought shoes and clipless pedals. When riding with toe clips I used to have to nip the straps up tight to get some efficiency but this would make my feet go numb after about 1/2 an hour of riding. I was hoping that shoes and clipless pedals would fix this problem but they have in fact made it worse. My feet now start going numb after about 15 minutes in the saddle. The shoes are Shimano SH-R073 which are an entry level shoe and pedals are Wellgo MG9. The shoes felt comfortable when I tried them on in the shop but I now suspect that they are not a wide enough fitting for my feet and are therefore restricting blood flow causing my feet to go numb. Is this the likley cause of my problem or could other factors such as pedals, cleats and setup have an affect? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Jason
for me ater a bit this goes away. wait a week and see what happens.

[Jason]

I tried Aztecs suggestion last night. I sat in front of the TV with my feet on the ground and my shoes on. Bingo, after about 5-10 minutes, my feet started going numb. I guess this means that the shoes are too small. I think I will have to go one size up. Thanks for your help guys.

Jason

[M2cycler]

jason. my toe area goes slightly numb sometimes. is that a problem. i thought some numbness was usual

[Jason]

The whole front half of both my feet goes numb (ball of foot and all) and I find it VERY uncomfortable. I don't think that with my current setup that I can handle doing the longer rides that I need to increase my fitness.

[stevek]

Originally posted by Jason
The whole front half of both my feet goes numb (ball of foot and all) and I find it VERY uncomfortable. I don't think that with my current setup that I can handle doing the longer rides that I need to increase my fitness.
I have been wanting to try an insole in mine. part of it is the shoes are so hard there is no give to them.

[Jason]

Stevek

I also just spoke to my LBS and they echoed what you said i.e. that feet take a while to adjust to the new shoes and the stiffness of the sole. I will persist for a few eeks and see what happens.

Jason

[stevek]

Originally posted by Jason
Stevek

I also just spoke to my LBS and they echoed what you said i.e. that feet take a while to adjust to the new shoes and the stiffness of the sole. I will persist for a few eeks and see what happens.

Jason
I sure had numb feet for a bit. I sitll want to try an insole but I don't want to spend a fortune for them at the bike shop.
try wiggling your toes and feet as much as possible.