Numb Feet Causes? | Golden Skate

Numb Feet Causes?

AquaAxolotl

Spectator
Joined
Sep 11, 2024
Hello!

I’m an adult who’s been skating for about 2 months now. I’ve noticed when I’m practicing a new skill (and some that aren’t super new) for 1/2 hour or so, my toes/the front of my feet go a little numb. It doesn’t tingle or hurt, just goes numb. It feels a little better when I stand on 1 skate and wiggle my toes and almost instantly better after a few seconds of foot stretch/wiggling when I take the skates off. I don’t have flat feet, I use 2 pairs of socks (high and ankle), but I do have a tendency to curl my toes when balancing (which tends to increase my arch too).

The numbness isn’t as bad as some people I’ve seen on here, but it does seem to be indicative of a problem that I’d rather get figured out early on.

From what I’ve seen it could be a few things:
1) I’m tying the foot/ankle area too tightly & thus cutting off blood flow.
2) I’m putting too much pressure on the balls of my feet when I skate/Incorrect form.
3) Overall poor fitting skate (I do have wider feet).
4) The small muscles of my feet are not used to so much strain and are getting tired, resulting in the numbness.

I’m not sure how to know which one it is except for the 1st (at which point I then wonder how tight is too tight vs too loose).

I’m using rentals right now (situation is such that I am able to use rentals for free). I tie them such that I make sure they don’t really wiggle at all when I move my ankle side to side. I am a 9.5 normal shoe, wearing 9 Figures.

As for getting my own, I’m hesitant since my rentals are free right now. Also, while I’ve heard Jackson’s are better for wider feet, I’m worried about buying the wrong skate/brand + getting it sized incorrectly/such that it needs adjustments as the nearest pro-sizer is about 5 hrs away. Any tips on how to make sure to pick the right one?
 

Minz

It's not over till it's over
Record Breaker
Joined
Nov 13, 2020
Country
United-States
I'm not an expert here but there are a couple of things I can say and someone who's more qualified can help me out if needed.

Your toes shouldn't feel numb. My best guess is that the cause is due to a combination of the factors you mentioned, but want to focus on your skates since I think that is probably the biggest factor (and I'll touch on some other stuff as well)

First off, do you have a coach? If you're trying to do more than skate around the rink, then you need a coach so you can learn proper technique and get real-time corrections. Not only is this critical if you want to progress, but proper technique is essential to avoiding injury.

With that in mind, if you are actually interested in progressing at all, you will need your own skates. I know the rentals are free, but you need to get your own skates that fit you properly. There is a massive difference.

Speaking of fit, we can help guide you in the right direction and provide some suggestions, but you will need to see a fitter. If you let us know where you live, we can reccomend some reliable fitters.
 

AquaAxolotl

Spectator
Joined
Sep 11, 2024
Thank you!

I have a LTS coach, but they aren’t super experienced and don’t really know how to help with the finer tuning of the skills (like exact technique or what muscles/areas of the body I should be focusing on vs letting up on).

I live in Mesa County, Colorado and the most reputable one I’ve found is near Denver
 

IceM

Rinkside
Joined
Apr 15, 2024
As someone with wider feet as well, I would suspect tying your skates too tight especially around the forefoot/toes area. That, and the boot not being quite wide enough for you. You can try to lace the boots almost completely loose near the forefoot, and just tie them tightly around the instep near the hooks, and if that helps, then you've likely located your problem.
 

FlossieH

Record Breaker
Joined
Dec 2, 2022
Country
United-Kingdom
There is a fitter on here from Colorado, who knows all the places in the area, but I can't remember their username. Can anyone else remember who it is?

lc3Rabbit will know of fitters as well, but can be very busy and isn't always able to check threads.
 

Ic3Rabbit

Former Elite, now Pro. ⛸️
Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 9, 2017
Country
Olympics
Sorry that I'm seeing this really late, very busy this time of year.
Thank you!

I have a LTS coach, but they aren’t super experienced and don’t really know how to help with the finer tuning of the skills (like exact technique or what muscles/areas of the body I should be focusing on vs letting up on).

I live in Mesa County, Colorado and the most reputable one I’ve found is near Denver

There is a fitter on here from Colorado, who knows all the places in the area, but I can't remember their username. Can anyone else remember who it is?

lc3Rabbit will know of fitters as well, but can be very busy and isn't always able to check threads.

Bruce Hurd, Colorado Springs. Living on the Edge Pro Shop.
good luck!
 
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