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Evening all,
Switched back to flats this year - all good...except...my bloody feet are going numb!
I’m a regular size ten and wearing a pair of five ten impacts (size 10). Got really numb feet to start with but ridden them a load of times and backed off the lacing (they are practically big slippers now). Still getting numb feet, although not as bad.
Never, ever had anything like it before when I was riding clipless
Questions:
Should I size up with five tens?
Anything else from other manufacturers worth looking at?
Could it be down to pedal position (feet are a little further back than with spds)
Could it be down to saddle/knee position?
Get yourself into an LBS and get your foot arch measured. I was getting really numb toes until I got them checked at work. Pretty much solved the numbness for me.
I get numb feet in my 510s as well,I've never sussed out why either but I have plenty of room in them.I Never have the problem when wearing my old Shimano am's.
What pedals do you have?
Do you always get numb feet or only on long rides?
Some pedals have sharp-ish edges, which combined with a smaller platform can create pressure spots
Impacts have brutally stiff and thick soles, not to mention their weight! Which are great for damping down vibration and impacts, but not so good for arch support and comfort.
Freerider Elements (I have both) are better comfort wise (no numbness), an all-rounder, but not as good at shielding your feet from hard landings. Obviously they aren't as robust, or as robust as they look and are discontinued anyway!
Pedals are DMR vaults.
Usually starts about 10 minutes in. Then kinda eases off until a bit later. When it gets worse. Definitely helped by thin socks but doesn’t cure it. The impacts feel a bit cramped in the toe box but there’s not much heel lock to keep my feet back without cinching them up. Which makes my feet go numb! 😂
Ok, forget what I said about the pedals then
I would have a look at your foot position, normally with flat pedals you move your feet forward compared to spd pedals not back.
LBS measuring your foot arch? Seriously bruv? 🤔
Usually starts about 10 minutes in. Then kinda eases off until a bit later. When it gets worse. Definitely helped by thin socks but doesn’t cure it. The impacts feel a bit cramped in the toe box but there’s not much heel lock to keep my feet back without cinching them up. Which makes my feet go numb! 😂
Sounds like you're compensating for the poor fit of the shoes by cranking down on the laces, thus limiting bloodflow.
I get sore feet in five tens too. Have the laces so tight the lace flaps are almost overlapping. They are a weird fitting shoe.
I'm embarrassed to admit last year I was having issues with flats and foot pain.
It took far too long to realise the pain was from the fact that the sole had worn so thin, I was feeling the pins in my right foot....
Took a long time to get better too...
I know, I know 🙄
Get feet checked at LBS and probably end up with some insoles. I had the same issue when I went to SPDs from flats, no issues I have insoles in.
LBS measuring your foot arch? Seriously bruv? 🤔
maybe in one of them there fancy rapha roadie type shops but I'd be tempted to see either a podiatrist or try a proper runner's shop for some decent insoles.
maybe in one of them there fancy rapha roadie type shops
My LBS had a specialized mat style thing which you just rest your feet on and the heat transfer would make it change colour, from this you could see the arch type. Worst case you can do this in the bathroom when getting out the shower with wet feet and looking at the print you leave and comparing it to pictures on the internet as a guide. Either way you dont have to go to a super fancy roadie store for this
They are a weird fitting shoe.
For you.
K prefers the stiffer sole of the Impacts to the other 5-10s she’s got. It’s a bit of a knife edge thing - too soft soles are definitely an issue on flats - i ride round London in Adidas Stan smiths and too flexible is more of an issue than too firm.
Look at the Specialized 2FO - just pieced up a pair and finding them very comfortable. Grip is impressive now and probably better made than 5-10!