Fifty Plus (50+) - Waterproof socks.

I was bought a pair for my birthday -at my suggestion by my daughter. Used them last week and they were good. In keeping the feet dry- they kept them warm. The make by the way are Sealskinz- and they do gloves and hats aswell. Obviously had to wash them and I tumbled dried them after washing. They say do not wash or tumble dry above 40deg C so that was what I did. After drying them- I went to put them on this morning. They are waterproof allright- I had just put my feet into soaking wet socks. The waterproof membrane had not allowed the inside to dry out.

So any others of you that have had a pair of these socks and not used them yet- Turn them inside out before drying them- Or Don't wash them at all.

Or Don't wash them at all.


:roflmao:

I believe neopreme shoe covers are the best option for keeping the feet dry. I have yet to find anything truly waterproof and breathable. What is waterproof causes me to sweat--- and I end up wet from the inside out. What breathes eventually leaks water. Neopreme works relatively well, since there are layers of air that allow better venting and breathing.... my waterproof socks have not been used since.

I believe neopreme shoe covers are the best option for keeping the feet dry. I have yet to find anything truly waterproof and breathable. What is waterproof causes me to sweat--- and I end up wet from the inside out. What breathes eventually leaks water. Neopreme works relatively well, since there are layers of air that allow better venting and breathing.... my waterproof socks have not been used since.

Now try the covers in ankle deep soggy mud, and try to make certain that the cleats are never covered by the covers- and try walking over rough ground for any distance without damaging or mislocating the covers. Perhaps that is why you never see them in use with mountain bikes. There was a mountain bike specific cover that used to be available- normally secondhand- but they do not take the use that Mountain biking gives them. Now for the road bike- I have been thinking about a pair.

I rode 35 miles yesterday in temps around 20 F and in constant blustery winds that more than once blew me off my path. Over all it was pretty slow going - and there was not another bike within sight during the entire ride. I was trying out some of the stuff I received for Christmas. Electrically heated gloves and socks from under last year's tree - I didn't have D cell batteries, so just wore both without any power, a new riding outfit designed to keep me warm, long johns, and my new foot covers.

I was never in doubt as to whether I could keep my arms, legs, and trunk warm - the question nagging me concerning those body areas was whether I would be too warm. My concern was my 'finners and toes'.

As it turned out, there were times when I could feel one or the other starting to get really cold, then, either I would have a change in direction or effort, and I could actually feel a numbing thumb start to rewarm itself inside the glove - same for my toes at varying times throughout the ride.

Had I installed batteries, no doubt I would have had some but less discomfort at those times when things started to go cold.

My experience with the electric gloves/socks is that they do not generate enough heat for my peace of mind, but, I doubt I would ever actually experience a dangerous cooling of my fingers or toes while using them unless the batteries went dead.

I am looking at a new product from Zippo based upon an old concept. Zippo makes a fuel powered but very slim hand warmer. They claim it to be perfect to fit inside a pocket or glove.

My question is whether or not the fuel will continue to burn if stuffed inside a glove. If so, that would seem to generate plenty enough heat to give me peace of mind.

I can't find them locally, so will probably have to order them online.

Anyone have any experience with fuel powered hand/foot warmers?

I have looked more than once at chemical hand warmers - I just have a problem with them being a once and done, on and over solution. I know that a fueled hand warmer will expend fuel, but, you could go somewhere, let it die out while you took a break, then, rekindle it for the ride home. Chemical warmers are doomed to totally expend themselves once you "turn them on."

The shoe covers seemed to do their job, as this was my first extended ride in frigid conditions using cleated shoes - before that, I used water-proof insulated shoes and never had a moment's worry about the temperature of my feet or toes.

All in all, a good ride and an interesting experience.

Caruso

Sealskinz, huh? I'm off to google Sealskinz. Stephenson Warmlight used to make vapor barrier socks, but they were ill fitting, and not very comfortable. Kind of like stuffing your foot into a large sandwich bag. Thanks for another tip, Stapfam.

Sealskinz, huh? I'm off to google Sealskinz. Stephenson Warmlight used to make vapor barrier socks, but they were ill fitting, and not very comfortable. Kind of like stuffing your foot into a large sandwich bag. Thanks for another tip, Stapfam.


Couple of sites for info.

http://www.mtbbritain.co.uk/sealskinz_gloves_socks.html

http://www.danalco.com/htmls/products/products.shtml

These Socks feel funny- As if they have a plastic bag in them. Don't care what it is but these have been comfortable, and it works. Todays ride I had on two pairs of Cycling specific socks- one pair supposedly water resisitant. First puddle and the Feet felt cold- by the end of the ride they were cold and taking the socks off at the end of the ride- Front of foot was as wrinkled as a walnut after 4 hours of immersion in water. Last weeks ride and no wrinlkling and no cold feet.

And Whilst Searching----- For you Golfers out there- Please tell me you Don't wear this gear.

http://www.golfknicker.com/index.html

REI carries them also.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?storeId=8000&vcat=REI_SEARCH&query=sealskinz

I have been using Sealskinz for acouple of years now, even got a new pair for Xmas.
they are brilliant. They come in different thicknesses for extra warmth. But be careful with tumble drying you can shrink the liner.

They keep my feet warm and dry whatever the weather.

a big +1 from me.

george

Would not the sweat from your feet just make your feet wet with this type of sock? Wet feet are the pits but wet feet from the inside are worse.

Would not the sweat from your feet just make your feet wet with this type of sock? Wet feet are the pits but wet feet from the inside are worse.

Only had a couple of rides so far and dry feet completely so far. Apparantly they breath and I believe the Marketing Hype- so far.

I always wear my Shimano sandals, this time of year with socks, then wool socks, then Rocky Goretex socks. Goretex is famous for letting moisture out, but not in, and these socks work very well for me. I use the delicate setting on my dryer for them.

Waterproof is easy - watertight is harder to achieve.

As a backpacker of 35 years' experience, my Goretex-lined boots are waterproof until crossing a stream where the water sloshes in - then the damn boots are wet forever, it seems like. So I've tried Goretex socks in Goretex shoes but that is more damp than dry under same conditions. Now I just wear good wool socks and change them daily.

I've heard about Sealskinz for years but never tried them. A friend was cycling in Colorado in fall with unexpected snow, wind & rain. Their group put plastic bags in their shoes & gloves after a day of frozen appendages and that worked fine. Sometimes the simplest solution works best but then how would we get to gerbil around in bike shops & outdoor stores and what would anyone ever get us for Christmas?

.........................

And Whilst Searching----- For you Golfers out there- Please tell me you Don't wear this gear.

http://www.golfknicker.com/index.html

I don't golf any more but This Outfit (http://www.golfknicker.com/bys01.html) would be just the thing for riding my fixed gear..... no cuffs in the chain woes.

:D :D