Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Cold Feet...

I rode 25 miles yesterday in 28 degree weather (thanks to the 300 mile Asics challenge) and the last half of my ride my toes started getting extremely cold. For the most part I was bundled up pretty well but got cold when the wind started blowing by not uncomfortably cold. My hands where nice and warm which surprised me as I was wearing a pair of performance gloves. I had 1 pair of wool socks on, my riding shoes with Tosties over them. Would the full bootie make a difference? The tosties cut down on the wind but maybe they don't keep in any warmth? Also, this was my first ride with a beliclava. I ended up putting it over my mouth because breathing the supr cold air was uncomfortable for a mjority of the ride. Beliclavas aren't supposed to go over your mouth are they? Needless to say it took me 1 hr and 45 minutes which is way slower that I would normally ride. I am attributing that to not being on the bike outside since the end of November and I heard the cold weather kind of saps some of your energy as well. If I can fix this cold toes problem I would ride more in the cold weather.

A pair of nylon socks under the wool might help. I don't have a ton of experience in this issue, lol.

Seal Socks, or toe covers, or duct tape over the toe of your cycling shoes to cover the air vents if you are wanting to do it on the cheap, and above all, wear wool socks.

A pair of nylon socks under the wool might help. I don't have a ton of experience in this issue, lol.

It does help. Layering is good.

Also, for winter riding, the OP may want to switch to platform pedals and ride in hiking boots.

I find wool socks with the full shoe covers work well. I have not riden in sub-30 degrees yet, so that might be a different story.

I wear the booties they sell at performance over my bike shoes.. works well!

I just got some Nashbar Land Cruiser pedals (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=6000108&subcategory=60001181&brand=&sku=8042&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Platform%20Pedals) for riding in cold weather. By cold I mean I'm hoping to get down to 15 or 20 degrees F if there's no snow on the ground. I'll be pairing it with my boots with Toasy Feet insoles (http://www.polarwrap.com/default.aspx?pid=1&sid=37&show=), thick wool socks, and some fleece socks over the wools ones if there's room. From what I've read (http://www.icebike.org/Clothing/footwear.htm), the consensus seems to be to go with platform pedals and boots when it gets really cold. It all depends on what you're definition of really cold is. I can usually go to maybe 25-30 and still be fairly warm without boots, we'll see if the boots help.

Wool socks and polypro sock liners. Make sure that you have enough room that your feet aren't wedged in with all that sock, though. Poor circulation due to cramming your foot into a too-tight shoe will make your feet cold, also.

Toe covers are OK for chilly spring/fall weather, but not much good for sub-freezing temperatures.

There's a few options for full booties:

- GoreTex: Keeps you dry, retains minimal heat.
- Neoprene: Will eventually saturate in a heavy rain, retains heat moderately well.
- Fleece lined DWR: Takes longer to saturate, less constricting than neoprene, really really warm.

It does help. Layering is good.

Also, for winter riding, the OP may want to switch to platform pedals and ride in hiking boots.

+1
It definitely helps, and makes a surprising difference. I have a variety of very thin "summer" socks that I will wear under wool, and it's great. Sock Guy ones work great, but are expensive. If you are cheap like me, go for the "Starter" brand that wally world carries, great in the summer and great for layering.

Thanks for the tips everyone. The Tosties I was talking about are toe covers. I think I may go with the fleece lined booties. I was hesitant to wear a second pair of socks because of the room in my shoe and cutting off circulation by being wedged in. Since I went clipless last year, I can't bear to go back to platforms.

I ride down to about 20-25F in nothing but my cheap Diadora MTB shoes and one pair of wool socks.
Which of the below might best explain why I can do so and you can't:

A. You are wussy, I am beast.
B. I have plenty of space in my shoes to provide better circulation and air insulation.

:D

Make sure your shoes are large enough to give you plenty of room while wearing your thicker wool socks.
If you feel the need for booties or tow covers, great, but again make sure they are big enough to cover your shoes without compression of the shoe.

Here's an old football trick that works great.
1. coat your feet in vasoline
2. wrap your feet in a thin layer of saran wrap
3. put on the nylon or silk ski socks
4. one more layer of saran wrap
5. what ever socks you like

a football trick? How the hell would you be able to run with vasoline and saran wrap on your feet?

Also, this was my first ride with a beliclava. I ended up putting it over my mouth because breathing the supr cold air was uncomfortable for a mjority of the ride. Beliclavas aren't supposed to go over your mouth are they?

Balaclava
Why Not????

I recommend a full shoe cover: http://search.performancebike.com/search?p=KK&srid=S1%2d5&lbc=performancebike&ts=custom&pw=performance%20bootie&uid=336071776&isort=score&view=grid&w=feet&rk=7 . I wear the Performance Neoprene Booty - their size 14 is the only make/model that I have found that will fit (some stretching required) over my size 51 Sidi's.

I rode with my Sidi's and shoe covers (neoprene booties) on 12/31/08 when it was 22 outside. I went on a 23 mile ride and came back with ice blocks for toes. Took about 30 min. to unfreeze my toes, sticking them between my SO's legs to defrost them. So shoe covers do not work with a road racing shoe. Too cold.

So, after visiting the Winter cycling forum I decided to get myself some Lake MXZ302 as many people have good things to say about their warmth.

I'll report back next week when I hopefully have them in my hands and can try them out.

I rather not use platform pedals with clips as I want to do intervals as well and I'm to used to clipless systems and the Lake shoes provide cleat attachment.

Thomas

I have MTB shoes. At least that is what they said when I bought them. They provide no warmth at all as the wind goes right through them. The Toesties I have from Performance workd for a little bit but do not keep the heat in. I'd rather not buy any new shoes, 1 because I am a cheap *******, 2 I am currently employeed in the financial industry and things are looking good. I may resort to the vaseline and saran wrap as mentioned above or just plastice bags like I used to do when I was kid. Although, bike riding outside in these parts has been out on hold with all the ice and snow we are getting.

Shoe and toe covers can be helped by adding insulation between the cover and the shoe. Thin, closed cell foam (ensolite) placed over the toes would increase heat retention. I have used the white foam product used to protect items during shipping (example: bought a tv awhile back, it was wrapped in a "foam" bag, sorta like soft paper thin styrofoam).

I wear the booties they sell at performance over my bike shoes.. works well!

+1 the booties. I had tried many combo's of socks and toe covers. The booties finally filled the bill.

Just be sure to buy them 2 sizes (or more) bigger than you shoe size.

I use the Louis Garrenet (sp) booties, now I DO NOT EVER ride in 20-30 degree weather, hell that is below the low for the coldest day in the SF Bay Area, but in 48-50 (our coldest days) I use wool socks and the full boot and I'm usually boiling in them. My feet will be soaked with sweat, but better than cold feet. I use the covers in 55-60 and they work well.

Go for layered socks and full boot, it will do you..and god bless you sir for riding in that cold of weather..heck for even living in a place that has that cold of weather!!

My moto, if there is snow on the ground and I'm in my car, my Skis are on the roof!