Solution for cold feet

littledove44

Being a newbie this year I have never ridden a bike in cold or wet conditions.

Yesterday, it rained, the road was wet, and the temp was about 10c. Feet got wet, dirty, and cold as my Specialized Tahoes got soaked going through puddles on my hybrid.

Today it looked dry, so I charged out on my road bike. 7c and dry, but toes got numb from the cold.

So, how to solve this?

Full overshoes?
Toe-covers only?
Both?

And if so, what model and make?

Don't care about the price. I will pay anything to be comfortable! However, I hate things with big logos so those ones with the Scorpions are out, else I get accused by the kids of having "all the gear, but no idea" . Black, no logo, no gloss etc. allows me to be an incognito MAMIL.

oxoman

Just get some overshoes, get a pair with a decent front sole in toe area. My first pair wore out at the front with walking to and from the bike shed at work. Finding overshoes transformed my commute and riding in winter, i used to wear ski socks and thin walking socks under them and still had cold feet. They wont keep your feet dry in the worst wet weather but they will keep your feet warm. I would always get a pair with reflectives on as i use SPD without reflectors and my commute in winter is always dark and i want to be seen. Currently using Altura nightvisions, previous pair was XLC's. The neoprene XLC's kept my feet warm down to well below freezing without taking into account windchill.

nochekmate

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/ZXW ... ter_bundle

Planet X overshoes - not the sleekest by design but they do seem to last! On the second winter with my current pair (although they are a bit tatty as a result of a fall last winter)

MickTheMove

Some people just suffer more than others with cold feet and fingers, I have got two pairs of socks and full neoprene overshoes and my plates are still cold! Now awaiting full winter boots and will still put overshoes over them.

paultrueman

When it's really cold I use my overstocks and then over shoes ontop .... Toastie

rickeverett

Watch your shoes aren't too tight as this can cut down circulation and make your feet cold

Biscuiteer

I had my Craft neoprene toe covers on for my ride today, Great for the first half while it was still light but when the sun set and the temperature dropped a bit more I was wishing I'd just put my full overshoes on before setting out.

I've got Endura overshoes btw. Having quite big feet, for me the choice of overshoes for me was simply down to which pair don't burst their stitching as I pull them over my shoes.

Bordersroadie

When it's really cold and wet, you have two options:

Option 1.
Get shoes with space so you can wear two pairs of socks/one thick pair and still have wiggle room. Then put plastic food bags over your shoes. Then put on thin overshoes. Then put on thick neoprene overshoes (BBB are excellent). You will be amazed how effective this is but the hassle factor is significant especially if commuting.

Option 2.
Wool socks + Northwave Celcius Arctic winter boots. Toast.

rolf_f

Bordersroadie wrote:

When it's really cold and wet, you have two options:

Option 1.
Get shoes with space so you can wear two pairs of socks/one thick pair and still have wiggle room. Then put plastic food bags over your shoes. Then put on thin overshoes. Then put on thick neoprene overshoes (BBB are excellent). You will be amazed how effective this is but the hassle factor is significant especially if commuting.

Option 2.
Wool socks + Northwave Celcius Arctic winter boots. Toast.

Or combine both of the above which, in my case, still doesn't result in warm toes

Navrig

Endura Equipe - unfortunately they are well btanded but they work.

Be careful when buying for the Tahoes, they are slitghtly bigger that Road shoes meaning the fit can be a bit nead. I've Tahoes and Specialised Elite shoes. My overshoes are very tight on the Tahoes and a pefect fit on the Elites.

oxoman

Most manufacturers do MTB overshoes in the same style as road ones so just get them. Ps im using serfas MTB style commuting shoes with my nightvisions.

northpole

Found this quote on another forum which may prove helpful to those with poor circulation:

There is still hope for heated insoles and a look to the outdoors/hiking world reveals a few possible products that could work well in cycling. We found the EXO2 HeatSole with a little searching. A cut-to-fit insole uses a FacRoc heat panel that self-regulates to 45°C. It's powered by small Li-Ion batteries that last up to seven hours. They’re expensive though, at £90.

Peter

kentphil

I've read about wrapping your feet in tinfoil. Might try it when it gets colder. I was thinking socks/tin foil/socks.

charlie_potatoes

Rolf F wrote:

Bordersroadie wrote:

When it's really cold and wet, you have two options:

Option 1.
Get shoes with space so you can wear two pairs of socks/one thick pair and still have wiggle room. Then put plastic food bags over your shoes. Then put on thin overshoes. Then put on thick neoprene overshoes (BBB are excellent). You will be amazed how effective this is but the hassle factor is significant especially if commuting.

Option 2.
Wool socks + Northwave Celcius Arctic winter boots. Toast.

Or combine both of the above which, in my case, still doesn't result in warm toes

I use these.....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mycoal-foot-warmers-from-94p-per-pair-/221207882841?pt=UK_Sporting_Goods_Sports_Clothing_LE&var=&hash=item3381046c59

Works for me.

keef66

Shoes large enough to accommodate Woolie Boolie socks, coupled with the cheapo Planet X neoprene overshoes keep my feet warm, if not completely dry, from about now till April.

ToeKnee

KentPhil wrote:

I've read about wrapping your feet in tinfoil. Might try it when it gets colder. I was thinking socks/tin foil/socks.

I have done 'socks/corner cut off a carrier bag/socks' before which helped keep the toes alive/warm while letting the rest of the foot breath ... now I use Woolie Boolie's which are excellent.

pgrhodes

I have just started using the wetsuit type material covers from BBB. I find them excellent. Complete waterproofing and excellent warmth. Reasonable price too, expecially if you can find them at a discount...which shouldn't be too hard!

ytchi

+1 for woolie boolies - fantastic sock that kept my feet warm without overshoes on a frosty early start this sunday