cold feet!

[brownm4]

Hi

The recent cold snap really brought home the fact that wearing 2 pairs of socks alone does not prevent you feeling like Captain Oates in the toe department. What are people's suggestions for keeping their tootsies warm when it's below zero?

[sqwheeler]

Neoprene shoe covers. I put up with freezing feet for years and years, and when I finally bought some couldn't believe the difference! I have Endura ones which are great for mountain biking, but there are others e.g. Altura too.

[Si]

i tried overshoes on the mtb but didn't like them - if you do find some muddy patches and have to put a foot down, then the hole for the cleat gets full of mud ad goes all icky. Of course if it's a really cold day when all the mud is frozen then they'd be OK.

I'm currenlty using goretex thermal socks. They make things bearable rather than tostie. Another alternative would be tewinter specific MTB boots but they cost a bit.

[Michael R]

Seven weeks and it will be March and your little toes will be warm again.

Never mind chilblains wear off!!

Nice 37 miles today. Tootsies a little cold but warmer than last week.

[fozzy17]

i use sealskinz socks

[NewHorizon]

No cold toes at all this year with Specialized Defrosters. Its as much about the socks as the shoes - generally cycling socks are overpriced and under designed - walking shops have a much better range and are better suited to keeping feet warm. Wool or merino wool in the mix pays dividends.

[hamster]

I've had it for the first time this year. Thin insulation between the sole of my foot and the metal SPD cleat was the problem. I added an extra insole - bit it depends on if you have the space in your shoe.

[brownm4]

Thanks for all your tips. I went for the waterproof socks option (Sealskinz - on offer in the CTC shop) when taking part in the Helly Hansen Challenge event in Pirbright last Sunday. Despite freezing temperatures and some seriously wet terrain, my feet remained cosy and warm throughout. Definately a good investment.

[beachcomber]

I too suffer from cold feet whist on the bike. I use Seal skinz socks and neoprene over shoes. Some days I still have cold toes.
I read that circulation to the extremities can be improved by including ginger in the diet. The article in a cycle mag stated ginger helps to open up the capillaries improving circulation and therefore heat transfer to the toes and fingers.
My winter pre ride drink or mid ride when carried in a thermos flask is made from a piece of ginger about the size of the a thumb from tip to first joint. Peel and cut up into v-small pieces. Put into a jug and pour in about a pint of boiling water. Leave to stand until cold.
Strain off ginger 'bits' bring to liquid to boil add fruit tea bag, when required strength achieved, remove bag and pour. Honey can be added to sweeten.
A find it a refreshing drink to carry in a flask as it doesn't 'age' as some drinks can.
It also has a warming kick when you drink it.
I can't swear to any huge improvement in foot warmth but I think it's helping. Might be all in the mind

[DougieB]

plastic carrier bags. rustle a bit (well the Sainsbury ones do).

[Si]

plastic carrier bags. rustle a bit (well the Sainsbury ones do).

I used to use sandwich bags - smaller and more manageable than carrier bags. Sandwich the sandwich bag between two pairs of thin socks and make some holes in the underside of the bag. Worked extremely well considering it cost nothing. But did make the socks get a bit pongy.

[DougieB]

oh, I'm not quite as sophisticated as that. just socks on, carrier bags on, shoes on. I still get cold feet, but at least they don't go numb.

[stoobs]

Cling film sandwiched between 2 layers of socks!

[Britabroad]

Been experimenting throughout the cold snap and finally cracked it ... just as the weather turned milder (Doh!)

tubular ski socks (keep my calf muscles lovely and warm too), neoprene shoe covers with Altura waterproof/windproof covers over the top. Bit bulky, but oh my word my feet are in snug heaven!

[gilesjuk]

Winter bike shoes. Northwave do them, waterproof and have goretex lining. Very toasty.