New to cycling

[Donna Nelson]

Hi folks, a wee query, I'm new to cycling didn't think I would like it, thought about getting a bit more exercise and was surprised how much I enjoy it, I don't do roads but live close to a disused railway track, I have one issue it is that my feet are always numb any tips on how to overcome this, at this time of year it's the only thing putting me off any remidies would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in anticipation.

 

[Spinney]

Hi Donna - welcome to cyclechat

When you say your feed get numb, do you mean from the cold? Or do they get numb even if it's not cold?

You should have the ball of your foot on the pedal when you cycle - sometimes beginners have the pedal under their instep...

 

[shouldbeinbed]

1. Layer your socks.
2. toastie/outdoor socks (matalan does some that my son uses on winter army camps/cadet manouvres)
3. Proper winter cycling shoes
4. Overshoes
5. Plastic bags inside your shoes
6. Tinfoil toes

 

[Donna Nelson]

mostly in the cold, and yes I do use the ball of my feet.

 

[Donna Nelson]

Thank you I'll have a look and proper cycling shoes, I'm used to the cold don't normally have any problems, it's just on the bike...

 

[snorri]

Thank you I'll have a look and proper cycling shoes,..

Just a word of caution, proper cycling shoes may have stiff soles making it difficult to use them for walking.

 

[ScotiaLass]

I use thermal socks (I mean proper hiking type thermal socks) and my sturdy Trespass walking shoes (can't use proper cycling shoes due to medical reasons). I find both very comfortable and even in this cold weather I haven't had an issue with my feet being numb.
And I'm in Scotland

 

[MikeW-71]

Some nice wool socks and make sure your shoes are not fastened too tight. Tight shoes = cold/numb feet as it affects circulation. During exercise your feet will swell up slightly, so have your shoes feeling slightly loose when you set off.

Proper cycling shoes have stiff soles, which is better for pedaling, but they are also very well ventilated (for coolness in summer), so in winter you need overshoes to keep the wind out and your feet warm. Any normal shoe/trainer with a reasonably firm sole will do just as well for starters.

 

[tjones]

For the railway track near me in the winter I use 2 pairs of socks and an old pair of Clarks shoes. I did buy cycling shoes last winter and they were cold (very cold)

 

[Donna Nelson]

Thank you all, I'll try my walking shoes and walking socks, see if that helps.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Hi Donna and welcome!
As said above, proper cycling shoes are I bought a pair on special offer in September, think I'll wear them again in July ... maybe
Walking shoes, ski socks, thermal socks or 2 pair of normal socks should do the trick.
Excellent advice by @MikeW-71 about not fastening the shoes too tight.

 

[Gravity Aided]

If walking shoes are not working out, you may also try stiff insoles as well.

 

[Cycleops]

Hi Donna. Trouble is "proper" cycling shoes as suggested now mostly have cleats which clip into a special pedal, so you will need the pedals too, making it quite an expensive exercise. Plus you won't be able to walk far in them. See how you get on with your regular walking shoes, they should be fine.

 

[Cyclist33]

You might want to look at how you've got your trainers laced, if you have them tight up around the top then you might be cutting out some blood supply to your feet. Bear in mind the pressure you're putting on the top face of your foot as it goes round and round and round.

Stu