You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
I've nothing else left to try now , so I've read SPDs are the culprits? Thing is a pair of 510 daps and some plastic pedals aren't a cheap option to try and only find I still suffer ? 🙄If I try it which pedals ? DMR ? Burgtec , Race Face?
They can be part of the answer.
Warm legs (especially shins), insulated boots, warm socks, even wool insoles all help. I have Nukeproof pedals on a couple of bikes and they've been just fine.
Running tights under waterproof trousers, knee length Sealskinz and Shimano Waterproof boots a size bigger . Warm down to my ankles then feet are like blocks of ice 🥶
Running tights under waterproof trousers, knee length Sealskinz and Shimano Waterproof boots a size bigger . Warm down to my ankles then feet are like blocks of ice 🥶
SPDs are always a heat sink as its usually metal>metal>metal straight to the ball of your foot.
Burgtec are good and not that expensive (less than £40 if you shop around)
If you're moving from clips, it will take time to adjust so i'd just use any shoes/boots you have for now before you commit to some dedicated footware. (and 510s can be had for £50 with a bit of shopping about)
SPDs are always a heat sink as its usually metal>metal>metal straight to the ball of your foot.
only with the wrong shoes.
its unlikely that is the cause of the cold its likely that its because your SPD shoes are summer shoes.
Ive got shimano hiking boots , bonty oldman winters and the wife has wolvhammers that will all disagree with the statement that its SPD that is the cause.
its unlikely plastic pedals will help - its the constant airflow round your foot thats making them cold.
I too have suffered for years until I discovered these. https://www.halfords.com/camping/camping-accessories/hot-hands---foot-warmer-value-pack-116685.html?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istFeedId=367c5610-f937-4c81-8609-f84582324cd6&istItemId=pqwrpait&istBid=t&&_$ja=tsid:%7Ccid:17253532456%7Cagid:%7Ctid:%7Ccrid:%7Cnw:x%7Crnd:8477785597958680209%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:1007319&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-5a9BhCBARIsACwMkJ4k97UtcQC_01s71bbRBRubhrtU4JIdp6sirPvWEqJnGzCAH8WIyjcaAtf6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds. Merino socks with these stuck on top of my toes have been great this winter. Longest ride about 4 hours and still warm down to about 4c. You can bulk buy elsewhere cheaper.
I too have suffered for years until I discovered these. https://www.halfords.com/camping/camping-accessories/hot-hands---foot-warmer-value-pack-116685.html?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istFeedId=367c5610-f937-4c81-8609-f84582324cd6&istItemId=pqwrpait&istBid=t&&_$ja=tsid:%7Ccid:17253532456%7Cagid:%7Ctid:%7Ccrid:%7Cnw:x%7Crnd:8477785597958680209%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:1007319&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-5a9BhCBARIsACwMkJ4k97UtcQC_01s71bbRBRubhrtU4JIdp6sirPvWEqJnGzCAH8WIyjcaAtf6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds. Merino socks with these stuck on top of my toes have been great this winter. Longest ride about 4 hours and still warm down to about 4c. You can bulk buy elsewhere cheaper.
Posted a reply it's disappeared 😔
I too have suffered for years until I discovered these. https://www.halfords.com/camping/camping-accessories/hot-hands---foot-warmer-value-pack-116685.html?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istFeedId=367c5610-f937-4c81-8609-f84582324cd6&istItemId=pqwrpait&istBid=t&&_$ja=tsid:%7Ccid:17253532456%7Cagid:%7Ctid:%7Ccrid:%7Cnw:x%7Crnd:8477785597958680209%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:1007319&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-5a9BhCBARIsACwMkJ4k97UtcQC_01s71bbRBRubhrtU4JIdp6sirPvWEqJnGzCAH8WIyjcaAtf6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds. Merino socks with these stuck on top of my toes have been great this winter. Longest ride about 4 hours and still warm down to about 4c. You can bulk buy elsewhere cheaper.
I too have suffered for years until I discovered these. https://www.halfords.com/camping/camping-accessories/hot-hands---foot-warmer-value-pack-116685.html?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istFeedId=367c5610-f937-4c81-8609-f84582324cd6&istItemId=pqwrpait&istBid=t&&_$ja=tsid:%7Ccid:17253532456%7Cagid:%7Ctid:%7Ccrid:%7Cnw:x%7Crnd:8477785597958680209%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:1007319&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-5a9BhCBARIsACwMkJ4k97UtcQC_01s71bbRBRubhrtU4JIdp6sirPvWEqJnGzCAH8WIyjcaAtf6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds. Merino socks with these stuck on top of my toes have been great this winter. Longest ride about 4 hours and still warm down to about 4c. You can bulk buy elsewhere cheaper.
I use heated socks powered by re-chargeable batteries which have been a game changer for me
I too have suffered for years until I discovered these. https://www.halfords.com/camping/camping-accessories/hot-hands---foot-warmer-value-pack-116685.html?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istFeedId=367c5610-f937-4c81-8609-f84582324cd6&istItemId=pqwrpait&istBid=t&&_$ja=tsid:%7Ccid:17253532456%7Cagid:%7Ctid:%7Ccrid:%7Cnw:x%7Crnd:8477785597958680209%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:1007319&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-5a9BhCBARIsACwMkJ4k97UtcQC_01s71bbRBRubhrtU4JIdp6sirPvWEqJnGzCAH8WIyjcaAtf6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds. Merino socks with these stuck on top of my toes have been great this winter. Longest ride about 4 hours and still warm down to about 4c. You can bulk buy elsewhere cheaper.
This winter I've been riding in knee length waterproof sealkins, fox defend fire trousers and winter boots.
Fine for 3h or so. Still get chilly feet if is wet and loads of puddles. Less so in the snow as the snow just falls off.
2nd pair of winter boots since 2004 this winter. A pair of these bought in the CRC death sale.
https://singletrackmag.com/2024/01/fizik-terra-nanuq-gtx-shoe-review/
I too have suffered for years until I discovered these. https://www.halfords.com/camping/camping-accessories/hot-hands---foot-warmer-value-pack-116685.html?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istFeedId=367c5610-f937-4c81-8609-f84582324cd6&istItemId=pqwrpait&istBid=t&&_$ja=tsid:%7Ccid:17253532456%7Cagid:%7Ctid:%7Ccrid:%7Cnw:x%7Crnd:8477785597958680209%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:1007319&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-5a9BhCBARIsACwMkJ4k97UtcQC_01s71bbRBRubhrtU4JIdp6sirPvWEqJnGzCAH8WIyjcaAtf6EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds. Merino socks with these stuck on top of my toes have been great this winter. Longest ride about 4 hours and still warm down to about 4c. You can bulk buy elsewhere cheaper.
https://singletrackmag.com/2024/01/fizik-terra-nanuq-gtx-shoe-review/
This winter I treated myself to a pair of these. My last winter SPD boots lasted best part of 20 years. They were on sale, but still spendy. The furry inside is very slow to dry, but super toasty.
These with knee length seal skins, and fox defend fire trousers and I'm good for 3h or so. Longer in snow, less in rain or slush.
I should probably put a longer ankle on the trousers as water is running down my leg into the boots.
The previous solution was boots, gaiters on top then water proof trousers on top so the water ran off the trousers, on to the gaiter then onto the outside of the boot instead of trickling into the ankle.
Waterproof socks because they have a vapour barrier in them, and insoles with a foil face.
i never knew victor kyam was into mountain biking
Anyway, my solution is keep your legs and ankles warm, it made a massive difference to me. Then take a spare pair of socks in case the first get damp. But yes, summer shoes are no good.
It's like I didn't mention I wear Shimano Waterproof Winter Boots 🙄
In a previous life I did quite a bit of thermal analysis and testing. While riding along with freezing cold feet I have often thought about how perfectly the shoe-pedal-crank-chainrings happen to act as a heat sink.
If you were to intentionally design something to conduct heat away from your feet you probably couldn't improve it much.
Mostly idle musings but if I had a bit of time and access to the right kit it would make an interesting experiment.
As others have said some shoes are insulated and some aren't, but aside from that it would be interesting to compare different insoles, types of pedals, carbon vs aluminium cranks etc.
In what world is your flesh in contact with the cleat-securing plate in your shoes to create this heatsink? When I use SPDs there was an insole and a sock between my foot and the metal at least.
The cooling effect is exactly what’s been said already - the cold, moving air. Wind chill if you will.
overcoming this has also been described:
get shoes that fit properly
get shoes that do not allow air to flow through them
consider an external extra layer - shoe covers
keep a warm core and consider windproofing and possibly insulating your lower leg
good luck. Cold feet are no fun.
IME riding winter in 2FOs even with SealSkinz under is much colder than wearing waterproof hiking boots with just woolly socks.
If you were to intentionally design something to conduct heat away from your feet you probably couldn't improve it much
Full length metal plate actually in contact with your foot and then a transfer area larger than 2*4mm screws.
Feet are like hands, not enough muscle to produce their own heat. So as said above, the main thing to do it keep your core and legs warm so the blood gets to your feet warm.
Another thing to do is size up your shoes and wear warm socks. Cramming thick socks into your normal shoes actually constricts the circulation and keeps your feet cold.
so my recommendations are bigger shoes, warmer socks, thermal tights, base layer/vest and a pair of shoes without any breezy air vents. .
Some companies also make insulated insoles and I’ve noticed a massive difference in warmth (not biking) between my thin and lightweight Vivobarefoot trainers and my thicker soled running shoes. I’ve put thicker insoles in my Vivos and itms made them much warmer over winter, so I’m guessing the same will be true for biking shoes.
I love lambswool insoles in winter, but again you might need to size up your shoe to compensate.
Raynaud's sufferer here. I went from neutral Superstar Nanos to Deity Deftraps and absolutely noticed a difference. Great pedals and good value too. Combine them with knee length Sealskinz, trousers and 510EPS highs and it definitely helps stave off the pain for a while.
Raynaud's sufferer here. I went from metal Superstar Nanos to Deity Deftraps and absolutely noticed a difference. Great pedals and good value too. Combine them with knee length Sealskinz, trousers and 510EPS highs and it definitely helps stave off the pain for a while.
I find flat pedals are better in winter, possibly as you're 'doing' more with your feet. Although whether plastic flats are better than metal I couldn't say.
The only place I get cold is my feet. In winter I swear by toe warmers. Either on top of toes or under. Will not work if your feet get wet therefore waterproof boots and neoprene gators are essential. I keep dry and warm for hours.... I can even cycle through/stand in a department puddle and feet stay warm and dry.
https://www.gripgrab.com/collections/shoe-covers/products/cyclingaiter-shoe-cover-cuffs
And something like this;
The only place I get cold is my feet. In winter I swear by toe warmers. Either on top of toes or under. Will not work if your feet get wet therefore waterproof boots and neoprene gators are essential. I keep dry and warm for hours.... I can even cycle through/stand in a department puddle and feet stay warm and dry.
https://www.gripgrab.com/collections/shoe-covers/products/cyclingaiter-shoe-cover-cuffs
And something like this;
And… at the other end… brake levers made from something other than stoopid metal. Worth getting for cold weather?
I warm my spds up in the air fryer before going biking on a cold day 🤔😉😂🔥
I warm my spds up in the air fryer before going biking on a cold day 🤔😉😂🔥
2 posts, 1 for each pedal!
2 posts, 1 for each pedal!
And… at the other end… brake levers made from something other than stoopid metal. Worth getting for cold weather?
I had hays brakes with carbon levers 20 years ago. The levers made a significant difference in winter. Unfortunately the brakes broke and I couldn't get any new internals.
For a few years I put sugeru on the front tof the brake lever blades. It lasted about 6 months. It made a small difference.
And… at the other end… brake levers made from something other than stoopid metal. Worth getting for cold weather?
I had hays brakes with carbon levers 20 years ago. The levers made a significant difference in winter. Unfortunately the brakes broke and I couldn't get any new internals.
For a few years I put sugeru on the front tof the brake lever blades. It lasted about 6 months. It made a small difference.
And… at the other end… brake levers made from something other than stoopid metal. Worth getting for cold weather?
I had hays brakes with carbon levers 20 years ago. The levers made a significant difference in winter. Unfortunately the brakes broke and I couldn't get any new internals.
For a few years I put sugeru on the front tof the brake lever blades. It lasted about 6 months. It made a small difference.
As above, warm up your legs and are your feet insulated and dry?
Roubaix tights to keep the blood warm as it flows down to your feet.
Sealskins socks as a last line of defence.
WINTER BOOTS. There's zero chance you'll ever be warm if on the outside of some thin waterproof socks are two sodden wet shoes with the wind whistling through the vented panels. Overshoes work on the road* where the rain comes from above and mudguards protect them from below, but they don't work if you put your foot down in a puddle. Doesn't matter if it's Northwave GTX Artics or some walking boot shaped thing, it just needs to be waterproof and insulated.
Plastic pedals might work better than metal ones, but it's a marginal gain when you've left the other 95% on the table.
And don't underestimate the benefit of being warm all over. Decent riding kit and a buff over your head/neck will mean the body can spare some warmth for your extremities. LS baselayer and a decent windproof / fleecy winter riding top too.
Go all in on shoes and gloves. No one on a winter ride has ever complained their hands and feet were too hot! Don't piss around thinking "well the problem with these basically trainers that I'd wear in 40C summer days will be that I'm not stood on plastic pedals".......
* Or double overshoes, I wear some basic planet-x overshoes and then some windproof/fleece lined toe covers over the top to keep even more of the cold out the worst bit.
As above, warm up your legs and are your feet insulated and dry?
Roubaix tights to keep the blood warm as it flows down to your feet.
Sealskins socks as a last line of defence.
WINTER BOOTS. There's zero chance you'll ever be warm if on the outside of some thin waterproof socks are two sodden wet shoes with the wind whistling through the vented panels. Overshoes work on the road* where the rain comes from above and mudguards protect them from below, but they don't work if you put your foot down in a puddle. Doesn't matter if it's Northwave GTX Artics or some walking boot shaped thing, it just needs to be waterproof and insulated.
Plastic pedals might work better than metal ones, but it's a marginal gain when you've left the other 95% on the table.
And don't underestimate the benefit of being warm all over. Decent riding kit and a buff over your head/neck will mean the body can spare some warmth for your extremities. LS baselayer and a decent windproof / fleecy winter riding top too.
Go all in on shoes and gloves. No one on a winter ride has ever complained their hands and feet were too hot! Don't piss around thinking "well the problem with these basically trainers that I'd wear in 40C summer days will be that I'm not stood on plastic pedals".......
* Or double overshoes, I wear some basic planet-x overshoes and then some windproof/fleece lined toe covers over the top to keep even more of the cold out the worst bit.
Are you're shoes too tight and cutting off circulation?
I drip candle wax into the hole around the cleat to seal it, but can be removed easy enough to reposition/replace cleats. Depending on your winter boots it might be worth getting some proper winter insoles if there is room, something like these https://yoursole.com/us/shop/footbeds/active-thick-met-evaa , some people put a couple of layers of fail under their insoles, never tried that myself.
I have never rated sealskinz socks, I wear ski socks, the padding on the shins traps some extra air under roubaix tights.
I bought some Lake mx146 for winter. They're insulated and fairly warm. Despite the boots being insulated, a thick insole and thick merino socks, I can feel the cold at the contact point with the pedals after a few hours. Needs to be below 0'c though.
The rest of my foot stays toasty warm but I can feel the pedals after a while.
I was disappointed at first having bought the boots to keep me warm but it does kind of highlight how well the insulation works because other than a bit on the sole, my feet do stay warm.
I think SPDs will always make your feet cold eventually. Key for me is making sure your socks and shoes aren't too tight. If your shoes fit well with normal socks and then you go a whack a pair of thick socks in them, are you restricting the blood flow to your toes? That'll make you're feet cold no matter which type of pedal you use.
did you find that the free rider EPS fit the same as the free rider pros?
@oldfart plastic pedals are popular on fat bikes in very cold places in the winter, but I think you’d need some insulated shoes rather than standard 510. The battery powered heated socks would definitely work and you could keep your current shoes snd pedals.
Bigger shoes to let your feet move in thick socks. And toe warmers.
After decades of frozen feet, this works for me.
A pair of plastic pedals would be a fairly cheap thing to try imho. Having said that I'm a big fan of neoprene over bootees.
Quite enjoying this comedy thread. Below what the OP is currently wearing.
My advice would be walking boots and flats. That’s certainly the warmest my feet have ever been
unning tights under waterproof trousers, knee length Sealskinz and Shimano Waterproof boots a size bigger . Warm down to my ankles then feet are like blocks of ice 🥶
The reactive iron-oxide hand warmers can be useful, I find they're best placed on your inner wrist and tucked down your sock just behind the ankle on the inside. The theory here is that they warm the blood as it passes into your hands and feet, sounds like nuts science I agree, but I've found its pretty effective. Cold feet are no fun, hope you get it sorted.
My advice would be walking boots and flats. That’s certainly the warmest my feet have ever been
I have Shimano "winter" boots and they're nowhere near as warm as my Bontrager OMWs or my Fizik Terra Artica but for real warmth it's the Columbia Fairbanks boots and flat, plastic, pedals that rule.
I use plastic pedals and waterproof 5 10 shoes and I've not had cold feet for years. I've ridden down to -8 with this setup.
After 3 hours you might need some food to keep energy levels up tho?
Shimano waterproof boots ..... Are not insulated.
Bonty omw and wolvhammers are insulated. Including the insoles.
The absolute toastiest for feet is indeed flat pedals, flat pedal shoes designed for winter (I have some Shimano ones that are pretty good) get them a size or two up and wear thick socks. Some of my friends have had success with gaiters to direct shin splashes down on to the shoe (the Shimanos have waterproof tops). Or Sealskins with a warm sock underneath, as noted above get knee length ones to keep shin splashes out. I think one reason flats do better is that you can shift the point of contact around, thereby helping with circulation to the bottom of the feet.
Burgtecs are good plastic pedals.
But probably the most important bit is gettng shoes big enough to hold a warm sock without it squishing and losing its insulating properties.
Overshoes.
Failing that, introduce iron filings to your pedal bearings, friction produces heat.
I'm one of those who have tried everything over the years and come to a lot of the conclusions above. However I realized a while back that I was always getting my feet cold changing into kit before I set off so I started making sure I had warm feet before I left the house. Warm your feet before you set off!
I bought some Lake mx146 for winter. They're insulated and fairly warm.
I don't think that the 146 are insulated, it is the 304 and 400 that are the lake insulated winter boots, and the they have the problem that they build to the size and then add the insulation on the inside so you need to size up just to allow for the insulation and if you want to wear thick socks you need to go up 2 sizes.
Which Shimano boots have you got? I'm using an ancient (and tired) pair of MW80s; the newer MW502/702 seem much thinner and more lightly built. I'm certainly not aware of cold spots where the cleats are. (the cleat plate is well hidden under the midsole)
How tight round the ankles are the socks/tights/boot cuff combo? That's a lot of material there. You're not cutting off circulation slightly are you? (or even the cuff off the socks being tight round the back of your knees?)
The only time I've ridden (metal) flats recently was in the cold snap a couple of weeks back, when it was minus lots. I wouldn't say my feet were toasty warm, but they weren't cold either - the default Freerider Pro/Woolie Boolie combo, plus normal riding trousers.
I do wonder if the more flexible nature of flats means your feet are working more, so the blood gets pumped around better; likewise a bit of pushing might help generate some circulation?
Lambswool insoles.
My personal fix has been to buy shoes/boots for the winter that are a size too big, or half size if you can.
That lets you wear socks that are not compressed and still retain a good layer of insulation. I found that Sealskins waterproof socks are also really effective.
Pedals seem not to be the problem as I ride with clips or flats and the effect on my feet is the same.
Just to add that I alternate between a bike with metal flats and a bike with plastic flats (metal pins)in all weathers and have never noticed any appreciable difference in the warmth of my feet between the two.
I have never rated sealskinz socks, I wear ski socks, the padding on the shins traps some extra air under roubaix tights.
The Aldi ones are a significant improvement on the originals IME.
I wouldn't rate them as a solution on their own, but they do a decent job as a last defense on a crappy day. If it's just cold and dry then I'd agree with just going with warm socks.
I was thinking about this last night and did wonder if the Sealskins might be part of the problem - if your feet are getting clammy/sweaty and there's nowhere for the moisture to go, that might be where the chill is coming from? I had a couple of pairs years ago, and vaguely recall them being pretty unbreathable. As you're using waterproof boots, maybe try the wool sock/ski sock thing?
(personally wet feet don't bother me so long as they're not cold and wet)
It's like I didn't mention I wear Shimano Waterproof Winter Boots
You did, but
Shimano waterproof boots ..... Are not insulated.
I came here to say the same thing. They're wind and water proof, but then, so are plastic bags.
I use some old NW winter boots (GTX) have both road and MTB versions as it gets really cold here. Sealskins aren't that warm either. I have to wear some thermal socks underneath them in wet and cold conditions, or ski socks/merino cycling socks if it's just cold. Also have foil backed insoles in both sets of shoes (one came like it from new, the other they got added as soon as i realised they didn't have them. Also have some foam backed aluminium tape over the cleat patch on the MTB shoes (the road ones use a mostly plastic cleat).
So i even get sweaty feet down to about -5.
I've found the newer Shimano MW5 "winter" SPD boots cold, cramped (narrow) and sweaty - big disappointment compared to MW81 of old.
Now about 6 winter rides into some Lake MXZ120 and finding them the great - well insulated, easy to walk in and lots of room (for toes to move and wear thicker socks if needed but without going oversize on length). The price made me hold off for a year on buying them but very glad I finally did.
For total overkill cold on flat pedals (and OK for mud but probably not pouring rain unless you run gaiters or overtrousers) we've just had our second trip to Finland in these, biking down to -19C without cold feet. Also stayed warm walking around at -28C! Again lots of sock room without them having to be sized over-long. Think I'd melt using them in 99% of UK conditions.... Also kept dry feet snowshoeing and walking in deep snow for hours.
https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/snowdon-extreme-mens-snow-boots-p36390.aspx/black/
I bought some Lake mx146 for winter. They're insulated and fairly warm.
I don't think that the 146 are insulated, it is the 304 and 400 that are the lake insulated winter boots, and the they have the problem that they build to the size and then add the insulation on the inside so you need to size up just to allow for the insulation and if you want to wear thick socks you need to go up 2 sizes.
The 146 are definitely insulated. Just not as heavily as the 304s (I have both). I think its 200g vs 400g.
With decent socks and dressed appropriately for winter, the 146 are good into low minus figures.
It was minus 1 when I started my ride a couple of weeks ago and didn't get above 2 degrees all day. My feet were quite happy with a pair of Woolie Boolies (and tights, and trousers).
It's like I didn't mention I wear Shimano Waterproof Winter Boots
Oh, i saw it. But...
Shimano waterproof boots ..... Are not insulated.
I came here to say that too.
Insulated boots, decent socks, sealskins are mostly waterproof, not warm. May as well put plastic bags on your feet...
Foil backed insoles, and maybe aluminium tape over the cleat pocket (i've done that on a couple of pairs of boots over the years.)
I use NW GTX, both road and mtb versions.
For when its proper cold, like around zero kind of cold I use a pair of the Northwave Celsius winter boots and a pair of merino socks, always with SPD's and rarely do my feet get cold enough to warrant any form of discussion.
For when its proper cold, like around zero kind of cold I use a pair of the Northwave Celsius winter boots and a pair of merino socks, always with SPD's and rarely do my feet get cold enough to warrant any form of discussion.
I finally bought my first pair of winter boots ~5 years ago, those yellow Planet X Das Boots, wish I'd done it sooner!
Also ~5 years ago, I discovered a thin pair of summer socks under a ~£10 pair of 3mm neoprene socks from Amazon was brilliant in cold dry weather, not just in the wet!!
Just to add that I alternate between a bike with metal flats and a bike with plastic flats (metal pins)in all weathers and have never noticed any appreciable difference in the warmth of my feet between the two.
Only when it's sub-zero with snow on the ground, then I think I can feel the cold coming through my aluminium flats.
Otherwise, same as you - can't tell any real difference when using nylon pedals.