Feet going numb on the elliptical

Yep, this happens to me too. According to Dr Oz the laces are indeed too tight. He suggested tying your laces the opposite direction - or should I say LACING your shoes the opposite direction so they tie at the toe. I'm sure it'd look awfully odd, but I do need to try this myself! It's typically just my toes though - and very, very annoying.

This happens to me when my laces are too tight. Especially at the front of my foot (near my toes). And if my feet aren't placed well and I am relying on the balls of my feet. So I adjust. And use reverse as well.

I have the exact same issue! My hubby makes fun of me all of the time. I have loosened my shoes to the point where they felt like they were gonna fall off and my feet still go numb. I have no idea why!

I will +1 all the people who mentioned weight distribution. Something about the elliptical motion makes you lean forward/push with the balls of your feet typically. What I usually do is:

1) Lift feet off of the pedals slightly at the top of the motion for a little bit.
or
2) Purposely lean way back so you're forced to use your heels
or
3) Lift toes/ball of foot off of the pedals for a minute or so, periodically. Only your heels should touch the pedals for this period. Kinda difficult at first.

All of these things relieve the tingling almost immediately.

I remember in my cycling class the instructor asked this question and her recommendation was to get a hard soled shoe, one that is not made for impact. I kind of have a 3 tier shoe system. I buy shoes for running, when I need new ones my current ones get bumped down to all other exercise, and then to elliptical and cycling.

I think because of the cushion which is made for impact your foot doesn't come off the pedals to allow circulation. At least I have found this to be true for me.

This sounds like problem and the solution! Nice input.
I'll try tennis shoes instead of running shoes on the elliptical to see it it helps me, thanks.

I've had the same issue - as I do when I run. After many dr's visits to many different tests, specialists, etc etc - my massage therapist pin pointed the problem for me.

My piriformous muscles gets tight - rubs on my sciatic nerves and feet go numb. I do a big series of exercises for stretching my hip flexors, piriformous, and glutes, and this helps a bunch. Had nothing to do with how tight or shoeless I was. My elliptical at home I went barefoot on, and it make no difference.

I work now on strengthening my hips and butt to try to give my overworked piriformous a break.