Freezing cold feet

cyclinggirl

Went out today on bike and my feet where just freezing cold. I had 2 pairs of socks on but I only cylce in trainers.

I was just wondering if there is anything good that anyone can reccommend that may kep my feet a bit warmer.

Thanks.

hammerite

Something like this could help.

http://www.prendas.co.uk/details.asp?ID=1774

pompey-dude

Goretex socks is what you need, not only will they keep your feet toastie warm, but if it gets wet, they will keep them dry as well.

duckiciao

I think I'm gonna have to wait until Christmas until I can get some overshoes

andyp

Merino wool socks keep my feet very warm. I have Assos ones which are superb and have friends who swear by the DeFeet Woolly Bully socks.

giant_man

Wooly Booly socks are very good, as are Sealskinz. Get some overshoes or better still, get some proper winter 'boots' which are very good, depending on which ones you get.

Monty Dog

Training shoes have open mesh sections which are fine for letting hot air out when running, but let the wind whistle through your feet when cycling. Problem is that many windproof cycling overshoes are designed for close-fitting cycle shoes - so you might struggle to get them to fit over trainers - try before you buy. As previously suggested, a pair of waterproof socks might help - but they have a downside in that they don't let your feet breath enough and can end up clammy and cold. Perhaps trying to find a pair of windtopper socks - keep the wind off, but don't get clammy, as well as the aforementioned merino wool socks.

cyclinggirl

ok thanks, will look at getting some warmer socks

Dunedin397

Whilst better socks will help a little, you really need overshoes. As said above, overshoes are designed for cycling shoes, not trainers, so you may want to buy a pair that are for larger size than you wear.

Dunedin397

sward29

I think that Ribble are doing Woolie Boolies for about a tenner at the minute. I bought some a few weeks ago and they're great. You'll still need overshoes though. The PRO neoprene one's were tested in CW and got a great review. Ribble are also doing them for about £25 at the minute.

And before anyone asks - I don't work for Ribble.

Cajun

Your normal (summer) cycling shoes are sized to accommodate thin, coolmax type socks.
and stuffing thick socks into these shoes is useless. Without air-space, the heat will just transmit the outer shell of the shoe.
My advice is to purchase Winter style cycling shoes (SIDI, Northwave, etc.) at least ONE full size larger than the Summer ones...even going 1.5 larger is not going to be noticable riding or walking....the thick wool sock will take up the additional space. ALL insulating material requires air-pockets of some degree...wear ONE pair of Merino wool socks (or other Hi-tech style) and your feet should be happy campers I doubt that your feet will be cold, but should you have a tendency to have colder feet than the average person, donning some chemical toewarmers should suffice.
Another tip: apply a very light application of Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to your face before going out....this will protect your face from the sting of the cold...
http://www.sidiusa.com/winter.html

Quick estimate for Chill Factor: Subtract the wind-speed (in mph) from the temperature (degrees Fahrenheit) and you'll be within a few degrees of the calculated Chill Factor...close enough to dress properly...and remember: it's better to be a little chilled when beginning your ride; you'll be toasty after riding about 15 minutes..

jimmythecuckoo

Cajun wrote:

Another tip: apply a very light application of Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to your face before going out....this will protect your face from the sting of the cold...

Swollen bleeding lips as a result of training today mean this advice has come a day too late for me...

Crapaud

jimmythecuckoo wrote:

Cajun wrote:

Another tip: apply a very light application of Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to your face before going out....this will protect your face from the sting of the cold...

Swollen bleeding lips as a result of training today mean this advice has come a day too late for me...

You could also use a ...



... instead. I use it all year round. Stops the lips drying out and cracking. 79p and you can keep it in your back pocket for re-application if you're out for a long time or it wears off drinking from a bidon! Lasts for ages!