Anyone else's toes/feet go numb when working out?

I have this problem on the elliptical also. I noticed that if I made a real effort to wiggle my toes every couple minutes and switch to going in reverse on the machine and moving my weight to my heels every 5 mintues for 2 minutes or so, this helps too.

This is a very helpful thread! I have had this problem to an extent for quite a while. The first time I experienced it was several years ago, backpacking in professionally fitted backpacking-style hiking boots. I thought it was odd that the "best" footwear I owned gave me trouble with my toes. I think now it may have been a combination of my being overweight, carrying a backpack (but it would do it even if I was hiking without the backpack) and maybe lacing them too tightly.

I occasionally experience it in my running shoes, but I do find that loosening the laces usually helps somewhat.

Tonight I was surprised to discover it happening worse than ever when I decided to just do some random aerobics to get moving because there's black ice outside (no runnning outdoors) and the gym is closed (so no treadmill). I put Just Dance in the Wii for fun and had to stop after about 13 minutes because the toes on my right foot hurt so much! So I was surprised to find when I googled this problem that a lot of people were recommending barefoot running or Five Fingers shoes to fix the numb toes problem. Apparently that isn't the solution for me.

I think I'll talk to my chiropractor about it, since someone mentioned a nerve being pinched in the lower back, and try some arch supports. My running shoes are for overpronators like myself, but maybe there's more I could do. Thanks for the input! I'll try to remember to come back here and share how these things worked.

I get this when I am on the elliptical! No issues on treadmill, just the elliptical!

Posted this a while back on a similar thread...

You might try changing the way you're lacing your sneakers too. Sometimes the numbness is just from pressure as your foot swells from the exercise. That happened to me when I got a new pair of running shoes... 30 minutes into a run, my feet would start to go numb.

Here's what I do now, and I've had no issues since making the change:

http://www.altrazerodrop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaticContentView?langId=-1&storeId=15151&catalogId=18952&pageTitle=Alternate+Lacing&pageName=AlternateLacing

my heels do!

As most others have said, check the way you're lacing your shoes. If that doesn't help out I'd also suggest going to a proper running store and having them fit you for a pair of shoes. I used to have issues with my feet/legs when running, and after being fit for the right pair of shoes that all went away.

:noway: bump

It's amazing. When you come out and mention a problem, it's cool to see how many other people relate. I've experienced that too, mainly on the elliptical. I attributed it to standing in one place and moving at the same time. So, when I feel that numbing coming on, I will just shake my foot out a bit or re-position my foot on the foot plate thingy and that helps. But with the elliptical (thought I haven't done it in some time) I choose not to go for more than 30 min at a time. Because my feet do feel uncomfortable after some time. And as far as shoes, I bought some really good ones too - I have asics, arch support, larger size, all of that. I just think it's the elliptical, for me..

as far as what you can do, I suggest moving your foot around on the foot plate thingy as you are exercising, and limit yourself to 30 min at a time. Treadmills don't bother me like that, but I'd rather do home dvd workouts (Tae-bo, aerobics, dancing videos) and exercise outside (walking/jogging, jumping jacks, etc) because I don't experience those problems. My favorite cardio machine tho is the stationary bike.

So, for you, it may be that the elliptical and treadmill are good, but you should limit your use on them (not stop them alltogether tho) and explore other ways of getting a good workout (as you have been doing with JM and other things) :-)

I had the exact same problem, and as others have said, it was a lacing issue. I know, it sounds ridiculous but that's what cured this problem for me and allowed me to actually run.

Try lacing it the way they show for 'PROBLEM: High Instep' on this site - http://katierunsthis.com/2011/10/04/running-shoe-lacing-techniques/

It allows the laces to be nice and loose across the top of the foot while still having enough length left to actually tie them properly, lol

Sometimes my pinky toe would fall asleep. I think it's probably due to my sneakers, but it only happens on rare occasions so I'm not too worried about it. Also I found that I had to plant my feet differently during stationary moves.