Freezing feet!

[al3xsh]

It really does feel like winter now and the temperature seems to have plummeted over the last week or two. Usually my core is pretty easy to keep warm, but my feet really suffer!

Even with two pairs of socks + overshoes, my last couple of (quite short) rides have ended with frozen feet!

Does anybody have any tips for keeping feet warm? I'm considering getting some winter boots such as http://www.wiggle.co.uk/northwave-celsius-2-gtx-spd-winter-boots-wiggle-exclusive/ - but they are hugely expensive! Does anybody have experience with these, and are they worth the outlay?

Cheers,

A

 

[steveindenmark]

It gets very cold in Denmark and this is what I do.

I take my insoles out and cut a piece of thin cardboard to cover the SPD fitting and tape it in. I then make insoles out of kitchen foil, 2 layers for each shoe. they go into the shoe and the original insoles go on top.

I wear 24 denier women's tights under my cycling bib, but 24 denier or above, pop socks would do. On top of that goes a pair of Sealskin socks. I use neoprene over boots as they act like a wetsuit.

When it gets under -10 I don't wear SPDs. I put on flat pedals and use Gore-Tex hiking boots with covers.

You can even add an extra layer of very thin marino socks if it helps.

 

[AnthonyC]

That's very crafty Steve! I'd sort of agree, to me the answer lies in more layers and a very decent pair of thermal overshoes (and merino socks if possible). Sealskinz are definitely a good choice!

 

[Sharky]

With two pairs of socks - can you still wiggle your toes? If too tight, that can make them feel cold.
I've used a supermarket plastic bag on each foot inside the shoe in snowy conditions.

 

[steve50]

@steveindenmark has the answer, layers but loose layers that will trap the heat and keep it there.Tight layers will just result in cold feet again.

 

[steveindenmark]

@steveindenmark has the answer, layers but loose layers that will trap the heat and keep it there.Tight layers will just result in cold feet again.

Covering those holes in the bottom really helps.

If you want to keep your hands warm and dry. Here is the answer. The number of times I say this is surprising. I ride in -15 and these type of gloves work well. They may not be fashionable but when its that cold there is nobody to look at you.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0041L4...&ascsubtag=113880ea102bd9658e6ad97f11403146_S

 

[PhilDawson8270]

Tin foil and thermal shoe covers!

 

[al3xsh]

Thank Steve - will definitely try covering the soles of my shoes!

A

 

[Sharky]

Just googled this
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/k...rmediate-Keeping-your-feet-warm-on-the-bike-0

 

[al3xsh]

Covering those holes in the bottom really helps.

If you want to keep your hands warm and dry. Here is the answer. The number of times I say this is surprising. I ride in -15 and these type of gloves work well. They may not be fashionable but when its that cold there is nobody to look at you.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0041L4...&ascsubtag=113880ea102bd9658e6ad97f11403146_S

Also, it's funny that my feet really suffer but my hands are usually fine. I have some mountain bike gloves that come out in winter (cheapy from decathlon) and they seem to do a reasonable job.

A

 

[Ajax Bay]

Close to my heart (read digits) this one as I've frost bitten or hard nipped several toes and fingers.
First, have a read of these two threads from January:

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/toes.194667/
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/keeping-feet-warm.194952/

Lots of good footwear and clothing suggestions. Must still be room to wiggle your toes, remember.
Since the aim is to make sure the blood's still warm when it gets to and through your toes, your legs need to have insulation to reduce the blood cooling as it travels down there, so decent tights (and sometimes shin warmers as well).
If that's not enough, then chemical warmers are an option.
I bought a pack of foot warmers (one size - seemed about size 5 length) and, under the winter boot and 3mm neoprene overshoe (it wasn't wet)), they gave good warmth for four hours - and they were still warm when I took them out (ie warmer than 37degC).
But I would go for handwarmers rather than foot warmers, but use them under the insole or under the ball of the foot. A little less bulky and more versatile.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Hot...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=4SKMFBSNWE1H9EZ1KWQP

 

[mattobrien]

Winter boots and one pair of socks works well for me. I have the Northwave Fahrenheit GTX2, they are the best bit of cycling kit I own. Toasty feet, always.

 

[MichaelW2]

Clipless shoes usually have a metal plate to hold the bolts and transmit heat away from your feet. Cork insoles insulate well. Use larger sized shoes in winter, without the mesh upper. Wear merino wool socks.

 

[cosmicbike]

Just yesterday I moved into my winter boots which have thus far been in the cupboard since February. Since I commute daily they are a worthwhile expense for me. I wear Shimano MW81's, and either a single pair of thermal socks, or 2 pairs of normal ones.

 

[Dogtrousers]

A problem I suffer from. 1) Experiment with insoles. I have some that I made out of insulation that goes down the back of radiators. 2) Chemical foot-warmers. 3) And, I'm afraid, most important: Just get used to it.