Overshoes...

drewesq

Hi all

Maybe there should be a 'kit' forum? Maybe there is and I haven't found it.... anyway

Since getting my carbon 'dale last summer along with SPD SL pedals and shoes (Northwave Jet Evo) I have always suffered with numbness of the toes after around 45 minutes. I had just learned to deal with it though but now recently with the weather getting colder I really suffer in about 30 minutes (work is a 21 mile ride in hilly Devon!)

I always thought my shoes were a size too small so I got some £25 DHB shoes from Wiggle but a size bigger and they're loads better but they still get a bit numb after an hour

I do use BBB overshoes which are neoprene but they don't seem to keep my feet warm, I also wear merino wool socks.

I really think I need better overshoes so what do you all use to keep your feet warm please?

jamie77

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19782071#p19782071]drewesq[/url] wrote:

I have always suffered with numbness of the toes after around 45 minutes.?

Do you wiggle your toes as probably most folk will get a little numbness in there toes.

drewesq

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19782079#p19782079]jamie77[/url] wrote:

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19782071#p19782071]drewesq[/url] wrote:

I have always suffered with numbness of the toes after around 45 minutes.?

Do you wiggle your toes as probably most folk will get a little numbness in there toes.

I try to wiggle my toes as often as I remember to!

sloppyschleckonds

Shoes too tight? Check your circulation
Ive got some of the Gore Softshells for when its cold.

drewesq

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19782104#p19782104]SloppySchleckonds[/url] wrote:

Shoes too tight? Check your circulation
Ive got some of the Gore Softshells for when its cold.

OK, I'll try them a little less tight!

Do your Gores keep your feet dry too in the wet?

Do you ever get numbness?

bendertherobot

To be honest, if that little combo won't keep you warm, then there aren't many things to try. But, here we go:

The Northwave are quite ventilated so you will lose some heat there, they are designed for summer.

The overshoes are pretty warm, there isn't a considerable difference between overshoes per se.

Socks are important, some people swear by brand X or Y. Others hate brand X or Y.

You could use all in one shoes:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/northwave-fahrenheit-2-gtx-winter-road-shoes/

Or use different socks, try some foil on your feet, in the soles of your shoes, or swap to different overshoes, such as windstopper.

bendertherobot

http://www.prendas.co.uk/prendas-ciclismo-winter-airtunnel-overshoes.html

Always found those pretty good as well.

drewesq

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19782111#p19782111]bendertherobot[/url] wrote:

To be honest, if that little combo won't keep you warm, then there aren't many things to try. But, here we go:

The Northwave are quite ventilated so you will lose some heat there, they are designed for summer.

The overshoes are pretty warm, there isn't a considerable difference between overshoes per se.

Socks are important, some people swear by brand X or Y. Others hate brand X or Y.

You could use all in one shoes:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/northwave-fahrenheit-2-gtx-winter-road-shoes/

Or use different socks, try some foil on your feet, in the soles of your shoes, or swap to different overshoes, such as windstopper.

Interested to know if those shoes are worth the money, with most things I'm happy to pay more for stuff if it is worth it.

I probably won't this winter but if they're good I would probably invest for next winter...

northpole

What works for me is a pair of Woolie Boolie thick merino wool socks, normal road shoes (Sidi Ergo or Spesh S Works), and a recent addition is Grip Grab thick neoprene overshoes. These replaced a pair of Rapha neoprene overshoes and they feel considerably warmer to me. They don't look as good, but I'll take that for improved comfort. I was out for a couple of hours on Sunday when the temperature hovered just below zero and my feet did not feel cold at any time. I'm prone to cold hands and feet hence I'm much impressed with the combo of socks and overshoes. Both can be sourced from Wiggle.

Peter

izza

If your shoes were too tight the lack of circulation would cause a problem straight away. The feeling of numbness kicking in after a delay is more symptomatic of nerve issues - i.e. 'hotfoot'.

Have a look at:

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/knowledge/article/izn20141104-Physiotherapy-Foot-Pain-on-the-Bike-0

Irrelevant of what brand of shoes I wear I always use Specialized footbeds - eradicated the issue straight away

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftr/shoes/shoe-spare-parts/body-geometry-sl-footbeds#features

drewesq

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19782133#p19782133]izza[/url] wrote:

If your shoes were too tight the lack of circulation would cause a problem straight away. The feeling of numbness kicking in after a delay is more symptomatic of nerve issues - i.e. 'hotfoot'.

Have a look at:

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/knowledge/article/izn20141104-Physiotherapy-Foot-Pain-on-the-Bike-0

Irrelevant of what brand of shoes I wear I always use Specialized footbeds - eradicated the issue straight away

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftr/shoes/shoe-spare-parts/body-geometry-sl-footbeds#features

This is definitely worth a try! I bought some insoles before but the NW shoes were too small I could fit them and my feet in there!!

Only problem is I don't think I'll fit my Woolie Boolie socks and the insoles in my new DHB shoes...

Guess I'll need to do a bit more experimenting!

Thanks for the tips guys

blahblahblah

I suffer terribly with cold fingers and toes. I've tried so many overshoes but last winter I bought these http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/northwave-fahrenheit-arctic-2-gtx/aid:814348 and they're fab. If I wear them with merino socks my toes stay really cosy and I can't recommend them enough.
Prior to getting them I was putting handwarmers that my boyfriend was given whilst working on oilrigs in my shoes I was so desperate to keep warm - these boots are worth every penny.

70\ʹspenguin

You could try a set of toe covers underneath the overshoes. They are pretty cheap and I find the extra layer makes a big difference They are great on their own in spring and Autumn too.

redvision

In winter the trick is to wear shoes which are not too tight (idea being you want a little pocket of air around the foot), nice merino wool socks are a must, and decent overshoes.
Might also be worth trying an extra pair of socks (perhaps a liner sock).

Plus, check your shoes to check there are no vents underneath which may be letting air/water in.

Finally, make sure you have enough layers on your core and your tights are warm. Even though your body may feel warm with your clothing, if your feet and hands get cold despite wearing good gloves, socks etc then, provided there is not an underlying medical condition, it can be a sign that your core is not layered/protected enough.

yertez

Friends of mine swear by their winter shoes.

I tried the foil trick, so wool socks then foil then outer sock then Shimano SPD-SL shoe then BBB neoprene over-shoe. Temp was between -1 and 3C. Feet were pretty much OK for a change.
Only issue was the foil turned into confetti when I took my boots off (55Km ride).

I also do winter dinghy sailing, so have ordered a pair of Rooster Hot Socks " the titanium impregnated reflective layer is sandwiched between the neoprene and the interior nylon lining, this lining reflects radiated heat back to the body"...

Will let you know (haven't got them yet)

gsk82

A lot of people forget to make sure they're warm before they go out. If your feet are cold when you put your socks on there's no heat for them to retain. Same goes for hands. I always make sure i wash my hands with hot water after i've chamois creme'd up. Gets the hands nice and warm before the gloves go on.

keef66

gsk82 wrote:

A lot of people forget to make sure they're warm before they go out. If your feet are cold when you put your socks on there's no heat for them to retain. Same goes for hands. I always make sure i wash my hands with hot water after i've chamois creme'd up. Gets the hands nice and warm before the gloves go on.

Me too, and I put gloves / socks / shoes / overshoes in the airing cupboard the night before, or on a radiator for 15 mins to get them warm before putting them on.
Ditto the rest of you; if your core gets cold the body will restrict circulation and hence heat to your extremities. Sometimes when I choose too light a glove my hands stay cold till my core really warms up, then all of a sudden they are toasty. Noticed the same when I'm dog walking; cold hands on the outward leg, having to take gloves off and unzip coat coming back!