Cold feet!

[wonderwheels]

Any advice on keeping feet warm when out on the bike? Mine go so cold they turn completely numb, and the thawing out process is extremely painful! I've tried thermal socks, but they don't seem to help much. I'm riding a regular hybrid type bike with ordinary pedals, and generally wear trainers. Have sussed out keeping the rest of me warm - it's just the feet that are the problem...

[Pedalling Pete]

If you are wearing trainers for winter riding, my advice is not going to be too much help, but you did ask! I use cycling-specific SPD fitted shoes. These attach to the corresponding SPD pedals via a cleat under the sole. I can then wear a winter overshoe that envelopes the whole shoe and ankle, leaving only the hole for the cleat attachment. The overshoe helps to keep the foot dry and warm.

In addition I wear two pairs of socks, the outer one being a thick walking sock. To accommodate the extra thickness, you'll need a winter shoe maybe one whole size larger than normal. If you try to stuff the extra thickness into the usual size, you'll probably make things worse but hindering the circulation of warm blood from the leg muscles to the toes! And of course the overshoe also needs to fit this winter shoe.

This combination works for me, but you'll still need to plan for a coffee stop every 90 minutes or so to get things warmed up again. The cheapo solution used by the racing guys is to stuff your toes into a bag of Walkers crisps, as their bags have silvered linings! I'm told the cheese flavour works well with the feet!

[bikepacker]

I have suffered with cold feet for many years and my next pair of shoes will be winter specific. For Christmas I got a pair of Ground Effect windproof socks, they seem to be okay but as yet I have not yet given them a good test on a long ride.

So far in extremely cold weather the best combination I have found is: Coolmax sock liner under a Smartwool Sock under a Sealskin Sock and worn with my Shimano Sandals. Yes I did say Sandals. Don't know why is works but it does.

[bikerdave]

There's no reason not to use neoprene overboots with ordinary trainers, the cutout for the cleats won't let heat out but it does stop them being totally waterproof.
dave

[wonderwheels]

Thanks - I'll check out the winter overshoes.

[virgincyclist]

For the budget conscious, plastic bags either on the outside of your socks or between two pairs works well, just trim with scissors enough to slip under your long trouser of choice, voila...

[Pedalling Pete]

Plastic bags may work in the short rides, by helping to prevent wind and water penetration. But after a while the sweat produced by the foot, unable to be vented by the plastic, causes the sock to become damp and you lose the insulation. You then move on to extra pairs of socks, with their own plastic bags! If you cram the extra socks into the original shoes you lose any benefits by restricting the circulation in the foot. A good overshoe, such as the Vision Repel, is both waterproof and insulating yet breathable.

[virgincyclist]

Strategic positionsing of the holes they put in plastic bags or a DIY hole punch allows some degree of breathability. many of these 'breathable' fabrics dont all live up to their high tech claims. From a budget approach i've found nothing else works as well.

[Andy Tallis]

STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS I HAVE FOUND SOMETHONG THAT KEEPS MY FEET WARM IN SUB ZERO!

Sorry to use caps but it's a real breakthrough. Helly hansen polypropylene socks, Carnac Passy touring shoes (from bike plus) and some very thich neoprene overshoes they recommended to go over them. I get chilly toes, but only when my water bottle freezes!

Andy