My first long ride, cold feet

[Veganpower]

I did my first long ride this afternoon and I'm feeling pretty proud of myself, here's the strava. Now that my bike is set up a bit better it was a really good fun. My bum feels a lot better than expected. The real casualty was my feet. OMG they were like two blocks of ice. My cycling shoes are great but they seem to have a lot of vents. For the return trip I borrowed some tin foil to wrap around my toes (It was on you tube) but that didn't make the slightest bit of difference.

I'm defiantly going to get some of them over shoes boot things. It was nice that all the other cyclist said hi as passing.

I tried my jersey and bib for the first time. I really looked the part (maybe a bit tight) but difficult if you are in a hurry to take a leak!!!

 

[DiddlyDodds]

Overshoes , they are the law in winter, i would not go out of the house on a long ride without them.

Life savers , keep your feet toasty warm

 

[Biker Joe]

You did very well there.
Over shoes will certainly help.

 

[Cuchilo]

I had the same thing a few weeks ago and invested in a pair of these over shoes ...http://www.enduraequipe.com/products/overshoes/superstretch_thermal_overshoes.aspx

 

[Cuchilo]

Forgot to add , ive also taped over the vents in the shoes .

 

[SteveBM]

I'd recommend these overshoes in terms of effectiveness and cost
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CLPXOSH/planet-x-neoprene-overshoes

On a really cold day, I've also been known to wear these under my overshoes. http://www.prendas.co.uk/details.asp?typ=typ&fkid=17&ID=448

I'd recommend the overstocks for dry and chilly days on their own too

Hope that helps

 

[nappadang]

I agree with all above. You might also consider Sealskinz stocks, I find them really effective both for warmth and that extra windproofing through the vents.
I found some thermal socks in Aldi that were reduced to 99p a pair and they are brilliant. I only bought 3 pairs, had I known how good they were I'd have cleaned them out.
Also worth remembering that you shouldn't have your shoes done up too tight, wool socks need room to trap and heat up air.

 

[PaulSecteur]

Be carefull about over tightening your shoes, it lessens the supply of warmer blood to your feet.

 

[Accy cyclist]

I was going to post my OZZO overshoes recommendation but i think you have enough to decide about. Get yourself some overshoes you'll feel the difference!

 

[youngoldbloke]

Merino socks, plastic sandwich bags over. Block vents in soles with blue tack. Endura neoprene overshoes. Wind proof. No overshoes are 100% waterproof, they have to have holes for your cleats after all, but if you wear merino socks your feet will stay warm (sort of) even when wet . Recent floods were a real test of this.

 

[Melonfish]

i think it's been said pretty well but, wiggle them toes and don't over tighten your shoes.
i'll happily ride in winter sans overshoes but good socks are a must have, thermal is best. for long rides i do like to stop occasionally and have a walk, returns a lot of blood flow (big hills help with this )

 

[Crankarm]

For winter riding you need winter boots preferably insulated and Gore-tex Shimano MW80 ideally, one size larger than your usual shoe size and use the layering system - thin Endura Coolmax liners, then mid layer sock such as an Endura or Smart Wool sock then a thick outer sock preferably one made of merino wool such as an Icebreaker Mountaineer sock or Feet Heater socks (2.3 togs) £5 from Wickes at the moment. Don't use plastic bags as your feet need to breath as surprisingly they sweat like any other part of your body and if you use plastic bags your feet will drown in their own sweat, yuk. HTH.

 

[youngoldbloke]

For winter riding you need winter boots preferably insulated and Gore-tex Shimano MW80 ideally, one size larger than your usual shoe size and use the layering system - thin Endura Coolmax liners, then mid layer sock such as an Endura or Smart Wool sock then a thick outer sock preferably one made of merino wool such as an Icebreaker Mountaineer sock or Feet Heater socks (2.3 togs) £5 from Wickes at the moment. Don't use plastic bags as your feet need to breath as surprisingly they sweat like any other part of your body and if you use plastic bags your feet will drown in their own sweat, yuk. HTH.

That might well be true for you, but I really do not experience any such problems on rides up to 4 hours or so. I think it is really important not to make your shoes tight by wearing socks that are too thick or by trying to wear two or more layers if your shoes aren't big enough. I would agree that the best solution is probably winter cycling boots as described by Crankarm.

 

[Kbrook]

I have tried everything, I have overshoes, I've tried heat holder socks, bought some castelli merino wool socks, nothing works. It is the only thing spoiling my riding, in fact today I haven't gone out for that reason alone. I went out yesterday when it was nowhere near as cold as today and my feet were completely numb on return. Any other suggestions, anybody tried heated socks are they worth a go?

 

[jowwy]

I have tried everything, I have overshoes, I've tried heat holder socks, bought some castelli merino wool socks, nothing works. It is the only thing spoiling my riding, in fact today I haven't gone out for that reason alone. I went out yesterday when it was nowhere near as cold as today and my feet were completely numb on return. Any other suggestions, anybody tried heated socks are they worth a go?

invest in a pair of good winter goretex boots, from the likes of northwave or shimano - they really are a god send on cold winter rides and you might get 3 winter seasons out of a really good pair.