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Really struggled with keeping the feet / toes warm last winter with temps regular down to -10 and below...especially when you factor in the wind and wet rides.
After lots of winter woes last year I splashed out on 2 pairs of winter boots. Northwave Raptors GTX for milder winter days ie slightly below freezing and full on Raptor Arctic GTX for proper winter days ie well below freezing with wet and ice build up on my feet. I've not tried the proper Arctics yet as temps have only been down to -3...but my feet still get cold after 2+hrs in the standard Raptors GTX's!
I'm a bit hesitant at cracking out the proper winter Arctics as I've read that in temps any higher than -10 your feet cook. I also bought them 1 size too big to allow me to get thicker socks in them without pinching my toes.
I suspect I'm just a cold feet guy but interested to hear what others do to combat the chill.
I usually wear 1 x pair of medium thickness merino socks and then either goretex socks (if its' a wet ride) or merino sealskin socks (if it's dryish). My Raptors GTX are a little tight with the second pair of socks on but it's doable.
Any wisdom welcome.
Sorry...just noticed the 'other' thread started earlier today re winter socks...that being said the suggested solutions don't work for me!
smartwool heavyweight wool.
and 45nrth wolvehammers.......... ;o)
i suspect if your feet are still cold in the Raptor GTX's then they won't cook in the Arctics; give 'em a go, better too warm than too cold when it comes to fingers and toes imho.
But also; your boots won't warm your feet up, all they can do is maintain what's in them. If your blood flow is already cold they can't reheat it. So as much as boots, consider insulating your ankles so they don't act as heat exchangers before the blood even gets into the boot. I wear ski socks with the feet cut off as a 'legwarmer' to give me an extra layer when it's proper cold (and I have been known to add a layer of clingfilm too, to prevent rain or spray getting inside)
your boots won’t warm your feet up, all they can do is maintain what’s in them
Now that's something I've never considered before and worth acting on. I guess it's the same as a sleeping bag, it doesn't warm you up, you warm it up. Why didn't I think of that before now?!
Longer socks now being invested in...all mine are just a shade above the ankle.
smartwool heavyweight wool
...now ordered...will pick them up on the way home...will check in tomorrow...@ £24 they better be good!
As said, keep your legs warm. If they're getting constantly sprayed by cold water from the ground then your feet don't stand a chance. Especially if the lycra covering them is now doing a good job of holding that cold water against the skin while a chill wind blows against it!
I've taken to using some lightweight slim fit waterproof trousers when it's cold and the trails are wet and can now wear much lighter 'legs' underneath along with less clumpy boots. I'm still warmer. As side benefits you can peel the outer layer off outside when you get home and water runs over your shoes not into them.
I always try to grab my woolie boolies when it's sub-zero.
And shoes that aren't too tight.
Are SPD boots colder in the sole than flat shoes? Put foil under the footbed maybe?
Yep - a lot to be said for warmer body / legs. If you're core temp is getting low then you're feet / hands will get cold no matter what they are wrapped in
I good - low bulk (so you feet don't end up squashed into your boots) option is a pair of Reed Chill Cheaters over a pair of football socks. Waterproof, warm, lots of overlap between to tops of the chill cheaters and whatever tights/trews you're wearing as they practically come up to your knees. I've never bothered with winter boots / ever shoes - I just wear them with my regular summer cycling shoes 🙂
I too suffer from cold feet, have about eight pairs of Smartwool heavyweight socks which are good but last winter walked into local farm supplies to see 80% merino wool socks for £6. Immediately bought two pair, warmest socks I’ve ever had, bargain.
2 x tesco poly bags, and 2 pairs of socks.
will check in tomorrow
So this morning isn't as cold as yesterday...maybe -1 or -2 with wind chill. Feet definitely felt warmer with smartwool heavyweight socks and that's with just my summer shoes on but only my usual 45min commute through the city. The socks come well up over my lower legs and felt lovely! Over a 2hr ride might change that. Now going for reflective / insulated insoles in my winter boots...every little helps.
2 x tesco poly bags, and 2 pairs of socks
That's what one of my pals does and swears by it (as does Sir Bradely Wiggins) if the above fails, then Tesco bags will be getting a go!