Cold Feet

dave35
dave35 Posts: 1,124
edited December 2007 in Workshop
How can i stop my feet getting so cold whilst riding?
At the moment i'm going out with- silk sock liners, merino wool socks and a pair of neoprene overshoes and i'm still cold, if it's poor circulation what can i d about it?

Comments

  • pedro_d
    pedro_d Posts: 34
    Loads of tips here mate...
    http://www.roadbikerider.com/warmfeet.htm
  • guinea
    guinea Posts: 1,177
    I had cold feet for weeks until this morning.

    A pair of regualr M+S ankle socks, woolen socks and some altura overshoes that velcro very easily at the back did the trip. On the first 20 miles I was actually convinced my feet were maybe too warm. However, by the end of the trip they were just about right.
  • Tom Butcher
    Tom Butcher Posts: 3,830
    Try two pairs of overshoes - buy a pair a size larger to go over the top of the first - works for me.
    it's a hard life if you don't weaken.
  • nathanb74
    nathanb74 Posts: 270
    also try a pair of neoprene toe caps over your socks with overshoes as well.
  • Cajun
    Cajun Posts: 1,048
    Are you using your regular (Summer) riding shoes? If so, you are limiting the air space in the shoe by wearing thick socks; thereby 'conducting' any/all heat from your feet to the exterior. Purchase a pair of Winter shoes (SIDI, Northwave, etc.) at least 1 FULL SIZE larger than normal and wear 1 pair of KNEE LENGTH merino wool socks...your foot should feel just a little loose in the shoe; thus telling you that there is some air space within. (the knee length socks help keep the blood in the lower leg area warmer).
    If you feel that your feet are still not as warm as you like, purchase some Chemical toe warmers...they last for about 6hrs.
    http://www.icebike.org/
    Insulation basics: http://school-for-champions.com/science ... lation.htm

    There is also a product called 'Toasty Insoles'...these doesn't create any warmth, but keeps the cold from transmitting from the shoe soles/cleats.
    http://www.sahalie.com/jump.jsp?itemTyp ... ailsAnchor
    Cajun
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    You might also try not having your shoe straps too tight. Can cut off circulation.

    Dennis Noward
  • twowheeledwriter
    twowheeledwriter Posts: 129
    How about ginger?

    http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/nutrition-ginger-boost--13310

    Haven't tried it myself. I'm hoping to go out tomorrow morning in the cold so will test it then.
    "Tyres down on your bicycle, your nose feels like an icicle"
  • clanton
    clanton Posts: 1,289
    To echo Cajun and Dennisn - initiaylly I tried squeezing as many layers as poss under summer shoes and really struggled with clod toes. The I tried "less is more" and used thin liner socks under seal skinz socks but with an overshoe and this was a significant improvement. I've recently invested in Shimano MWO2 winter shoes and this is by far the best yet - warm toasty toes this morning!
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    To have warm feet in winter, you must have extra space in your winter boots/shoes. Ideally wearing shoes which at least one size too big and using thick winter socks to create some warm air space.

    Too tight and your feet will remain cold.
  • twowheeledwriter
    twowheeledwriter Posts: 129
    Crystallised ginger half an hour before I set out this morning didn't seem to make my ride any warmer. Yes, even in the south of France we get cold weather - snow and frost still lingers in the odd corner sheltered from the sun. Even wearing as many layers as I could was not enough. I hope that's of some comfort to you in the UK.

    But I did find that pushing hard for a couple of miles increased my core temperature and subsequently that warmed my extremities... for a while. It was only towards the end of 40 mile ride when the sun was out that I started to feel properly warm.
    "Tyres down on your bicycle, your nose feels like an icicle"

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