OldBike876

Most of what I read/see on this topic assumes the rider wears shoes that clip in. I wear runners that fit and use platform pedals. For the past few years, my feet get really numb after 4 or 5 kms. If I can coast, stretching my feet out and it will be briefly ok.

I have had this issue through various pedals, seats, and seat height adjustments. I am probably the heaviest rider here, but this didn't happen the first year I went riding.

Anyone have similar experiences?

cyclist2000

I think the numbness is due to the flexibility of the running shoes. When I ride platform pedals I use some bike specific shoes that have a stiff sole, this tends to distribute the pressure across the whole foot not just at the points directly above the pedal

OldBike876

Thanks, that's an interesting point.

brawlo

Could also be foot swelling as you ride. As you get physical your feet will swell just a bit. Most people will do their shoes up snug before they jump on the bike and end up restricting circulation as their feet swell. When in bunches I see people messing with their shoe straps all the time. For me, I would always put my shoes on a little loose and then after 5-10min into the ride tighten my shoes up and I’m good for the whole ride. There’s other potential causes but seems like you’ve cancelled most out with your adjustments. Could also be your shoe stiffness as pointed out but I usually see that give “hot feet” not numbness

Inusuit

I've get numb and tingly feet. I weigh around 155, ride in bike-specific shoes on platform pedals. Couple of things that have helped me. Be sure my shoes are sized large enough to accommodate some swelling as I ride. Laces are not too tight. Changing the position of my feet on the pedals even a little bit helps. I usually don't have a problem until 15-20 miles. If all else fails, I get off and walk 25-30 yards.

m.c. 

New Balance had some shoes I used to wear for playing tennis, the 806, that was pretty stiff, compared to running shoes, and are available in a variety of widths. Something like that may be better than running shoes. Some companies make insoles with hard bottoms on them that don't flex this could help as well.

a_d_a_m

I get numbness when I ride around in my ratty old Converse Chuck Taylors. In my regular bike shoes (Five Ten Freerider) I do not experience this. I think the recommendation of a stiffer sole might be worth taking.

OldBike876

A new seat seems to have helped. It's a Brooks B17 Imperial. Not a complete answer, but it's much better.

m.c. 

I'm glad that you have found something that has helped. I'd be interested to know on how the saddle works out over time. I just ordered a standard B17.

HIPCHIP

If you are using toe clips they may be squeezing your feet enough to slow/stop circulation. If using toe clips you may need to remove them and just use platform pedals alone.

I had problems with my feet and found a podiatrist who also specialized with bicycling. He made me some orthotic inserts that helped significantly. Cycling shoes and clipless pedals seemed to help me in the long run.