A Shoe & Pedal Problem

Manuel Greenland in Brazil has just started and he has been having problems with numb feet, he has done the best thing by buying a pair of very good quality shoes and clipless pedals. He is still having the problem and he wants our help. He also wants to know what people mean when they tell him to “keep the pedals lubricated!”

Question:
I only started cycling six months ago. I noticed that after about 90 minutes my toes would start feeling numb because of the circulation being cut off by the pressure exerted by pedaling on my feet. So I got a good pair of Shimano cycling shoes and clipless pedals – and the problem seems to be worse. Maybe I have the cleat positioned incorrectly – it is on the very front of the ball of my foot. Any ideas? Also, when people say “keep the pedals lubricated” – do they mean the actual part that the cleat fits into, or the spring loaded mechanism in the pedal? Would appreciate the advice.

Hi Manuel,

I’ll answer you second question first as its probably easier! When they tell you to keep the pedals lubricated they probably mean two things, first the bearings on the pedals should be free running and should be oiled regularly. With older pedals you used to be able to strip them down and re-grease the bearings, now this is in most cases impossible, so the best you can do is to keep them clean and spray oil into the bearings from the pedal side and if possible from the outside of the pedal as some still allow access. The other thing they are referring to is; a little bit of oil on the back and base of the pedal, where the shoe plate fits, will help clipping on and out of your pedals, especially in dry conditions or after bad weather and you have cleaned the bike. Just spray a little oil on the points of contact with the shoe plate.

Now the problem with your numb feet; it could be that your plates are too far forward, the ball of your foot should be over the axle of the pedal. Find the ball of your foot when it is in the shoe and mark it with a pen (that you wash off later) then with your foot clipped in this mark should be above the center or slightly forward of the center of the pedal axle. This should allow you to press with all your effort down on the pedal, but still allow free movement of your toes.

Are your shoes too tight across your foot?

When you are pedaling to you also pull up with your foot on the up stroke of the crank? This helps to allow good blood circulation through your feet and, of course, makes your pedaling more efficient, if you don’t already do this then try it, it takes a little practice, but you will notice a difference and it uses more muscles.

We hope this helps, please, Manuel tell us how you get on.

12 Responses to “A Shoe & Pedal Problem”

Diane Morean August 17, 2009

Hi,my problem is similar to Manuel’s in that I get ‘hot feet’ about 3 hours into my rides. I have been told that foot inserts could help, but have had real difficulty finding them specifically suited for cyclists. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Diane

Clinton Slayton August 17, 2009

Shoes are a very personal thing, and unfortunately they can feel great in the store and bad on the ride. This is because the side pressure and toe box are crucial, depending on the shape of your feet. Example: I have extremely narrow feet, and the correct side fit typically only comes when the toe is hitting the front (too small in length). When the toe is clear, the sides are frequently too loose and require “bunching” when pulling all the straps (too large in width). This may not apply to you, but it is an example of the dimensions that have to be considered, and you can get numbness from any area where it is too tight, and blisters/hot spots where it is too loose. You can got volume fillers in the form of orthotic wedges for shoes that are purposely “too large,” but you can do nothing with shoes that are too small, so consider that your shoes may not be quite right. I rode Shimanos and was pleased with the compatibility of cleats, etc, but never quite got that perfect fit. Brand to brand, the sizes on the box mean little, but Specialized BG and Sidi (quite expensive) come in the largest range of sizes and even come in widths. You have to find very well-stocked stores to test them. A large city may have enough stores (I recently did this in Atlanta) to provide the range for testing.

Ken Wilkes August 17, 2009

I agree the editor, I find when I get hot spots on the soles of my feet, I find I am mashing on my pedals, not spinning them. And I may have my shoes too tight. But here are some other suggestions. Try different insoles in your shoes. Flat feet or high arches and the wrong insoles can cause problems. I have a cycling friend who switches pedals (from Speedplay to Shimano)and this eliminated his hot spots problems. How is your fit in your cycling shoes? The fit should be tight, but not to the point where your toes are cramped. Your toes should wiggle freely. All shoes are built on different lasts- the mold that shoes are formed on. Your Shimano shoes may not fit the form of your foot and a different shoe may help.

Michael James August 17, 2009

Manny,cleat position is very important and you have it wrong. As you were told middle of pedal axle in the middle of teh ball of yoru foot for starters. I recommend getting a full pro bike fitting, soup to nuts. They will measure ALL of your angles and instead of years of trial and error and painful mistakes, pay the money and have ALL of your body set up on the bike, you are not serveral parts working as one, you are ONE part made up of several pieces and each one affects the other. Seat height could even affect how your feet feel if a nerve is being pinched. Welcome to our world, keep turning thhose pedals brother. MJ

Laura August 17, 2009

Manuel,Numb feet can also be from your spine. I spent years going to foot doctors and the problem was in my spine. If the cleat correction doesn’t help, consider getting your back checked, and maybe a nerve conduction study. That proved it for me.Good luck,Laura

george argiris August 17, 2009

Also, I replace my shoe insoles with a better/cushier one. Spenco, etc.

Justin August 17, 2009

I generaly find this happens because of one of two reasons.1. The cold air rushing in through the vents eventually can make your feet numb on a cold morning, wearing booties or shoe covers can stop this.2. The shoes are done up to tight, sort of like in ice hockey where you do your skates up so tight you can’t feel your feet after about 45mins. Try loosening off the straps towards the toe of the shoe. Often if you do your shoes up really tight before you start exercising your feet swell as you warm up and then your shoe is to tight.

Dave August 17, 2009

Manuel, You might think of re-aligning the seat on your bike at a different angle. Your feet could become numb possibly due to a pinch nerve pressing on on your ass or hip. Re-angle the seat sightly nose down. Try this and let me know if your numb feet condition improves. Best wishes, Dave

Von M Creek August 17, 2009

Move cleats back, till pain stops,Works for recumbent riders with high crank sets. Worked for me on road bike.

John Impeduglia August 17, 2009

I agree with the comments that were already posted, plus I would like to add a few things that I experienced and feel eliminated my foot numbness. 1. Make sure shoe size is correct, that is, toe box is large enough to accomodate some foot swelling which is normal into a ride.2. I found that adding an off the shelf in-sole added some needed padding to protect the nerve that runs inboard of the ball of the foot. I had a doctor prescribe ortopedic insoles (I would have went to a specialist who would have fabricated custom soles) but the off the shelf version did enough.3. Develop good spinning technique, don’t hammer. I realized that my form had become bad and when i focused on spinning, the load on the foot is better distributed.I hope that helps.

Diego August 17, 2009

As absurd as it may seem, I tend to agree with Dave, at least in my case, re align the angle and even height of your seat. Some times when to high it can prevent you blood from circulating past your groin. Its also a good idea to work on your pedal stroke, make sure you are drawing circles, so that that brief moment you lift your sole you allow the blood vessels in your feet some juice.Diego. Mexico City

jean September 6, 2009