I need to increase my miles on the bike for better brain chemistry .Don't ask why but I often cycle in winter with Big Rigger boots type footwear so I can go anywhere without problems (I don't care about performance/ fashion etc anymore as too old!)
My only issue is cold feet .. even with double socks and room to move the toes they are often cold . Waterproof socks cause sweat which = cold and massive boot covers aren't ubiquitous (to stop wind-chill ).
I have tried several of the cheap chemical pads ..both in gloves and boots with very disappointing results and I am aware re they rely on oxygen but have found most just don't produce any worthwhile heat and are frankly useless .They mostly seem to use the same ingredients and I check they are well in date but so far .. none I have tried have been good ..even in gloves .
Is this a common experience ? Are they crap and why don't they often work as purported ? (or is it just bad luck ).
Any sources of pads that are reliable would be appreciated.
If they don't get oxygen, they don't continue to react. Under foot, in socks etc they just don't get enough oxygen in my experience, so don't work well at all.
Edit: they do work well dropped down between top layers, backs of gloves etc.
I've got some battery insoles as I suffer from cold feet. Give an hour or two of warmth and I use them in a pair of slightly oversize boots. Toasty feet even below freezing. Not all day warmth but do me OK for work and back.
Link below although I was given them so not sure on the retailer and that may not be the correct size:
https://www.primrose.co.uk/wireless-rechargeable-battery-waterproof-heated-insoles-by-warmaweartm-small
I have battery insoles. Good for a couple of hours toe defrosting. Link below but mine were a present a couple of years ago so don't know what size or retailer they were from. Work OK though.
What about heated socks? Sarah Moore over at PinkBike raves about hers (and she lives in snowy Canada.
I think they’re tech ski socks but apparently they’re great (I know a few friends who have them coming for Xmas presents).
I stick the disposable ones to the top of my feet over my toes. They seem to work better that way.
I also spray my feet with antiperspirant before going out to try and minimise the effect chilling of my sweaty feet.
