Why Do Older Cyclists Get Burning Feet on Long Rides?

"Last Updated: January 4, 2026 Older cyclists often assume burning feet are "just part of aging," but the real cause is usually nerve irritation from sustained pressure - not temperature and not age. Heat can make it worse, but even in cool or cold weather, hours of pressure on the same spots of your feet can inflame nerves and restrict circulation - creating that fire-on-the-soles feeling."

"When the burn shows up after a predictable number of miles (not a predictable temperature), that's a pressure/nerve problem. I used to blame summer heat because I did most of my touring in the summer. Then I did a multi-day October tour - freezing mornings, cool afternoons, over 100 miles per day - and the burning still showed up. That's when it clicked: this isn't a heat problem."

"Constant pressure irritates nerves. Most pedaling force goes through the ball of your foot. Hour after hour, the same small nerves get compressed. Irritated nerves don't ache - theyburn. Feet swell during long rides (even in cool weather). Shoes that felt fine early on can gradually squeeze nerves and blood vessels later. Older riders often notice this more because swelling can come on faster and feel more intense. Clipless setups concentrate force. Cleats focus pressure into a small area."

Burning foot sensation during long rides is usually caused by sustained pressure irritating small nerves in the forefoot, not by age or ambient temperature. Most pedaling force passes through the ball of the foot, so nerves there become compressed hour after hour, producing a burning rather than aching pain. Feet also swell on long rides, which can turn previously comfortable shoes into sources of nerve and vessel compression; swelling often appears faster and feels more intense for older riders. Clipless pedals and cleats concentrate force into small areas, further increasing localized pressure. Burning feet signal nerve irritation and should not be ignored.

Read at Theoldguybicycleblog