Winter Cycling - Keep heels warm

Anybody used a chemical heater to keep their heels warm?

I've had good luck w/ them for the front part of feet.

If I wear thick booties, have had too much sweat -->freeze.

Am thinking of trying chemical heaters outside the shoe between the bottom of the shoe and the bootie. This would heat and insulate. The cold temps are conducted right through the hard bottom of my road shoes.

Do Mtn bike shoes have a better insulated sole?

I have Shimano SPD shoes, and the cleat is a heat sink. That's one of the reasons I don't like riding clipless in winter. I use platform pedals and winter boots.

--J

I can't say that I've ever had cold heels while cycling. I do, however, wear Lake Mtn Bike shoes all year round, so perhaps their soles are better?

Have you read my article on cold feet? http://www.machka.net/whatworks/coldfeet.htm In it I mention using neoprene wraps, and also tucking a chemical warmer in between your heavy wool sock and the neoprene wrap at your ankle ... perhaps that might help. Have a look at the article if you aren't sure what I'm talking about here. I've got pictures and everything there.