Keeping feet properly warm

[DoctorRad]

I have a neurological condition which means that I don't feel temperature properly in my feet, and when they get cold, they feel HORRIBLE, and it's really not good when they start to thaw out.

It wasn't that cold today, but my feet were still getting a bit cold in overshoes / shoes / wool socks / coolmax liner socks. The rain obviously didn't help, but what tips have folks got for keeping feet properly warm when riding? Don't mind if they get wet per se so long as they stay warm.

Thanks,

Dr. Matt...

[Farawayvisions]

I feel the cold in my extremities - it doesn't have to be that cold either. I wear gaiters over my boots and was warm on today's ride.

[voodoo_simon]

Try walking, this helps to get the blood flowing again and make sure your shoes aren't done up tight as this doesn't help with circulation either.

Have you tried dedicated winter boots? Like the gore tex shimano style etc

[Trail-rat]

are your shoes big enough for wool socks and liner socks ?

if you crush too much insulation in you will cut off the circulation to your feet and they get cold quicker.

I have mt91s a couple sizes too big for winter use - fit thick socks in plus thermo insoles and over shoes over that. keeps the windchill off my feet :D

[Pirahna]

Today was Sock Guy Wooligan socks and North Wave GTX winter boots. This gives me a snug but not tight, warm fit.

Cold feet are a funny thing, if mine are too cold I get cramps across the arch of the foot. The same thing happens if shoes are too tight. I've got a wide foot, I know because I got is measured, and buy shoes accordingly.

[HaYWiRe]

I'm in a similar situation, poor circulation due to diabetes, almost wonder if anything will keep them warm if they're not producing heat in the first place

Best I've found so far is merino socks, loose-ish shoes and neoprene overshoes, still bloody cold but not painfully so.

Longer rides you need short sections on aggressive riding, I.e. Shifting weight between feet whilst standing, to help blood flow. Hiking sections help too, infact some of the origins of cyclocross come from adding running sections to keep feet warm in winter

Another thing I learnt is not to sacrifice breathability, as sweat can turn cold quick

[Adventurer]

Northwave winter GTX. They say but same size but I got one size up.
And I changed the foot beds because they are hard and no insulation.
Insulated foot beds help, or extra padded ones.

Liner socks and merino socks. If really cold the socks should be long.

You need warm legs for warm extremities/feet.

Try some vaude long waterproof cycling gaiters too.

[Justchris]

I have tried various things. Hers what i do, hope it helps. Firstly why are you wearing cool max liners. Yes they are great for wicking moisture away. But heat also. Constant evaporation.
You have one of two option. Dry heat or wet heat.
Dry heat is hard, esp off road in puddles, so I tend to use it on the road, but it may work for you. I use mudguards to stop water spraying onto my shoes. I use a pair of waterproof trousers to stop drips going on my shoes. waterproof insulated winter boots, sometimes with overshoes. Mine came with insulated soles.
Warm and wet. Wool socks, neoprene body boarding socks, normal slightly insulated shimano shoes with the insulated insoles from the other shoes. Sometimes I wear overshoes not to keep rain out but to overcome windchill a few seconds at speed will rip all heat away and make your shoes very cold. I use the insulated insoles as I find the metal pedals make your shoe soles very cold.

I don't use my winter spd boots off road much. As they get wet usually via the socks at the top and take ages to dry. Or they get wet cleaning them with a hose.

Wool is best touching the skin. It does have a warm when wet property. Wicking socks next to your skin cause coldness.

Hope that helps

[Scattamah]

I get numb feet regularly in the winter time...I've been trialling some Lizard Skins fleece lined overboots recently and so far, they've been really good. First time in a long time I've been getting home after a few hours out with feet I can feel. Considering ditching my MW81's after using them.

Greetz

S.

[jameso]

Flat pedals? That great big metal heat-sink that most SPD-compatible shoes have along with the holes for attaching cleats is the main issue I think. I can wear all sorts over the top and still feel that cold spot, even with winter MTB boots. Plastic road cleats aren't anywhere near as bad, they're just hopeless for anything but pedalling in. If I was going somewhere really cold there's no way I'd use cleated shoes.

Considering ditching my MW81's after using them.

Have heard similar from users of a few winter boots. I think my Shimano boots are good for wet conditions but they're pretty poor when it gets cold.

[Scattamah]

Funny you mention that James...it's more the toes I have trouble with, especially after a good dunking and the air is whipping through the mesh toe area onto wet Woolie Boolies. The Lizard Skins are keeping the wind off the toes and working well to keep the water from the front wheel out. I'll deliver a proper verdict on 'em once they've been out in the biblical kinda rain.

As for the MW81's...great for light/medium rain and with some lightweight gators to stop the neoprene from wicking, they're ok in heavy rain for a couple of hours. I have sheepskin inners on the floor of mine which are better than the original inners.

Greetz

S.

[ianfitz]

I can recommend north wave boots. Admittedly I don't have an issue with cold feet but they are toasty warm boots

[dlovett]

I also get very cold feet and ended up with a pair of Lake MXZ303's, I found them much warmer and better than NW boots. If it's going to hammer it down I wear seal skin socks over thermal socks. Supposedly rated to very, very cold, they feel like warm slippers. Really worth a look.

[ScotRoutes]

I've still to try out my Bontrager OMMs. Frankly, it's not been cold enough!

[voodoo_simon]

I've still to try out my Bontrager OMMs. Frankly, it's not been cold enough!

Worn mine all winter, but I'm a wimp! Been good for the UK but not sure how they'll fair in Scandinavian winters.

Had a ride or two where one of my feet has been freezing but think this is down to thick socks and over tightening the strap, so I don't bother with ankle strap now.

Worked well in rain and I've been happy with them this winter, certainly recommend them for the UK

[TheBrownDog]

Im late into this one so soz if anyone has already suggested them: felted wool insoles. They do an amazing job of keeping the cold out from the heat sink that are your pedals.

[Single Speed George]

thick seal skin socks, endura mt500 over shoes... works pretty well

[Templogin]

Are you wearing a hat?