Hotronic Heated Footbeds

[tibikefor2]

Well I suffer from cold feet, but who doesn't.

I tried the Hotronic Heated Footbeds. The footbeds have a heating element under the balls of one's foot. A flat wire then runs out of your shoe to a lithium ion battery pack. The battery pack has 3 settings, which will heat the footbeds from 7 hours up 18 hours (depends upon the heat setting).

With temparatures in the low 20s, I tried the footbeds with a pearl izumi amfib booty and a thin pair of wool socks. With the controls set on medium, my feet lightly sweated and never got cold. Once more riding through frigid temperatures has become pleasurable.

I have the flat wire extension, so that it runs underneath my tights, up my leg and the battery pack clips onto my tights. This takes a little getting used to.

So far 3 rides and I am sold on this item. They are not cheap, as a full setup costs $165, but for me it is worth it, as I can now ride for several hours in comfort.

[cyccommute]

Well I suffer from cold feet, but who doesn't.

I tried the Hotronic Heated Footbeds. The footbeds have a heating element under the balls of one's foot. A flat wire then runs out of your shoe to a lithium ion battery pack. The battery pack has 3 settings, which will heat the footbeds from 7 hours up 18 hours (depends upon the heat setting).

With temparatures in the low 20s, I tried the footbeds with a pearl izumi amfib booty and a thin pair of wool socks. With the controls set on medium, my feet lightly sweated and never got cold. Once more riding through frigid temperatures has become pleasurable.

I have the flat wire extension, so that it runs underneath my tights, up my leg and the battery pack clips onto my tights. This takes a little getting used to.

So far 3 rides and I am sold on this item. They are not cheap, as a full setup costs $165, but for me it is worth it, as I can now ride for several hours in comfort.

I glad they work for you but at $165 there are other options that are much cheaper...and work without batteries.

First, the Amfibs aren't really an insulating shoe cover. Neoprene ones from Performance (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17558) do insulate and are very rugged. I've been riding the same set for nearly 5 years now and they still don't show any wear.

Second, I just got a pair of these shoe inserts (http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=29800&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=54&iSubCat=257&iProductID=29800) to replace a pair of old insulating inserts that have worn out. I tried them for the first time yesterday and, not only are they warm but they are deliciously soft and comfy ;)

And finally, try over the knee socks like these (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0016404811788a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=wader+socks&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=wader+socks&noImage=0). Even with your warmers you might find them more comfortable. I find that if I keep my leg warm from the knee to the toe, I can ride in much lower temperatures more comfortably.

[tibikefor2]

I glad they work for you but at $165 there are other options that are much cheaper...and work without batteries.

First, the Amfibs aren't really an insulating shoe cover. Neoprene ones from Performance (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17558) do insulate and are very rugged. I've been riding the same set for nearly 5 years now and they still don't show any wear.

Second, I just got a pair of these shoe inserts (http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=29800&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=54&iSubCat=257&iProductID=29800) to replace a pair of old insulating inserts that have worn out. I tried them for the first time yesterday and, not only are they warm but they are deliciously soft and comfy ;)

And finally, try over the knee socks like these (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0016404811788a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=wader+socks&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=wader+socks&noImage=0). Even with your warmers you might find them more comfortable. I find that if I keep my leg warm from the knee to the toe, I can ride in much lower temperatures more comfortably.

I can not use the Performance booties, as my cleat placement causes the rubber sole to rub against my crank arm. I tried trimming a pair, but to no benefit.

The fleece inserts look interesting, but my road shoes are too snug to fit them. I do not like using mountain bike shoes not want to go one size larger in my road shoes, as this has caused me problems in the past.

I have tried the long socks and my feet still got cold (My blood pressure is 92/52 and I have problems with my extremities getting cold).

Believe me, I have tried everything under the sun, and the heated footbeds are the only thing that has worked for me, so that I can be out in the cold for a century and not suffer.

[Galoot]

When I add up all that I've spent on various attempts to keep my feet warm, I wish I'd just gotten the Hotronic foot warmers! Thanks for the good review.

When I rode to work on Friday, it was 12 deg F, and my left toes were going numb from the cold when I got there. I had two pairs of warm winter socks (outer pair is smartwool, inner pair is similar but a bit lighter). Over that, I wear a big pair of winter snow boots, the sort you can buy at the local Farm and Fleet store for $25. They're rubber lined with thick felt.

I'm running out of ideas for how to keep my feet warm. I could spend $75 on a pair of NEOS overshoes, but they would be big and heavy and I'm still not sure they'd keep me warm.

And I know with the Hotronics, my feet would be warm.

[Lionheart]

I have problems with my extremities getting cold.

Believe me, I have tried everything under the sun.

I'm the same way. Booties alone just don't cut it.

[jit5]

Sidi makes a nice pair that have the battery integrated into the footbed and the warming pads are operated by a remote control similar to a cars remote key fob.

http://www.sidiusa.com/winter.html#a

[robtown]

I can not use the Performance booties, as my cleat placement causes the rubber sole to rub against my crank arm. I tried trimming a pair, but to no benefit...
Bingo! Usually the performance booties are only a nuisance to put on. During the Seagull in October mine were squeaking so much that I finally removed them.

Check out the Road forum - one poster showed the Lake CXZ301 road boots - and they were immediately identified as acceptable only for Herman Munster. :eek:

[vger285]

I can not use the Performance booties, as my cleat placement causes the rubber sole to rub against my crank arm. I tried trimming a pair, but to no benefit.

The fleece inserts look interesting, but my road shoes are too snug to fit them. I do not like using mountain bike shoes not want to go one size larger in my road shoes, as this has caused me problems in the past.

I have tried the long socks and my feet still got cold (My blood pressure is 92/52 and I have problems with my extremities getting cold).

Believe me, I have tried everything under the sun, and the heated footbeds are the only thing that has worked for me, so that I can be out in the cold for a century and not suffer.
Have you tried a set of these???(http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/pedalspacers.asp) They might give you enough room for booties!

[tibikefor2]

Have you tried a set of these???(http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/pedalspacers.asp) They might give you enough room for booties!

I wear booties, but just can not wear the performance booties. I might give those a try. Thanks.