Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Hotronic Heated Footbeds.

During the winter 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 use Hotronic heaters in my ski boots – they work great and I also wear wool socks. For cycling, I use Defeet 100% merino wool socks, Sidi shoes with Sugoi booties. Do not use socks that contain any cotton or other synthetic fabrics mixed in with the wool or special fabrics that claim to wick away the moisture. When you cycle, your feet perspire. Once your socks are damp, it is checkmate – cold feet. Cotton and synthetic fibers lose their insulating properties when wet. Wool insulates even when wet and wicks the moisture away from the skin! I am sensitive to wool, but the merino wool is fine for me. To keep feet even dryer and potentially warmer, spray with deodorant. My feet are okay at temperatures in the mid 30s. If you search on the Internet using wool, sock and insulating, you will find countless links for skiing and cycling discussing the merits of 100% wool socks.

Here's what works for me on my long winter rides. :)

http://www.machka.net/whatworks/coldfeet.htm

Has anyone tried battery operated hunting socks on a bike?