Winter Cycling - How do I prevent cold toes?

I bought a pair of North Face hiking boots and I wear polypropylene or wool socks but my feet are just barely warm and it is only -5 celcius. I don't want to have an excuse when it hits -30C. I have read some people use some type of neoprene boot covers. What are these and where can I find them? I suppose another alternative is to shell out more cash for actual winter boots. What are the best bang for the buck? Someone here also suggested maybe using putting a plastic bag over the socks inside existing shoes to keep the wind out. What do you think?

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

You have MANY options! However, I have found that chemical toe warmers to be a great addition to whatever you put on your feet when it gets really cold out. These are the brand that I have found to work well:

Grabber Toe Warmers (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=15943)

I only use these on the VERY cold days. They are a bit pricey, but your toes will thank you over, and over again! I run Lake MXZ 300 winter clipless mtb shoes. They are also a bit pricey, but man do they ever work. I use wool, or thick, wicking-type socks underneath. Sporting both the Lakes, and the toe warmers, I can ride all day in the coldest temps, and my feet are always warm.

There are a variety of neoprene booties that also help, but I've only used them over my road shoes to date. They can be found @ you LBS, or any of the on-line shops.

Good luck, and keep those toes warm!!!

i'm in calgary and have had the same winter so far, i wear (from the inside, going out) - socks, safeway grocery bag, running shoe. so far so good to -7c on a 4km commute. i can see myself looking for a new solution when it gets to -20 or if my trip distance increases.

edit: i rode home one day last week with one foot in a bag and the other foot bagless and definately was getting chilled-out on the bagless foot. test 1 foot tomorrow morning, and if you find yourself walking in a big circle once you get to the office, you'll know that foots frozen hehe.

i'm in calgary and have had the same winter so far, i wear (from the inside, going out) - socks, safeway grocery bag, running shoe. so far so good to -7c on a 4km commute. i can see myself looking for a new solution when it gets to -20 or if my trip distance increases.

edit: i rode home one day last week with one foot in a bag and the other foot bagless and definately was getting chilled-out on the bagless foot. test 1 foot tomorrow morning, and if you find yourself walking in a big circle once you get to the office, you'll know that foots frozen hehe.

My commute is a little longer at about 10K but I am going to try your suggestion before it gets too cold.....I am concerned that my feet will not breath and will end up wet and subsequently frozen solid. Nothing ruins a good winter outing like frozen toes.

For my feet I wear (inside to outside)

1. White cotton socks
2. Wool Socks
3. Gortex Socks
4. Runners

I plan to buy some winter boots (light weight lace up kind with a thinsulite lining) for when the temp drops.

In the military I know guys who have worn electric socks (battery powered).

I tried my pair of neoprene booties over my running shoes for the first time this morning, and they drove me nuts. I am actually going to see if I can return them to the store I hated them so much. First of all, I had an EXTREMELY hard time getting the suckers on over my shoes, although the guy at the store swore that they are supposed to go on that hard. Second of all, they made my toes go numb. (compression?) Third of all, I couldn't use my toe clips with them. The ends of the booties stick out a bit from the toes of my shoes, so when I put my feet in the clips, I only ended up with the tips of my toes on the pedals. Not a good thing. I think I am going to try the baggie trick and see how that works. Maybe a pair of warm hiking boots, if I can find a pair without leather.

I also suffer from cold feet.

I use a polyprolene liner sock with a thick smart wool sock.

I bought a pair of shoes on E-bay that was one size larger for winter, I like to stay SPD.

I also got a pair of neoprene booties. The brand I got was Sidetrack(Ebay for $20,LBS $30) because they are one brand that is big enough for my feet.

I use chemical footwarmers too, you have to trial and error those for a good brand because some are better than others.

All in all, gives me heavy feet, but so is the rest of me.

Still looking for goretex SPD bicycling shoes.

I personally get rid of SPD for winter months and use heavy Goretex hiking boots with platform pedals. I find an additional isolating insole in the shoe is a must. That combined to max. 2 pairs of socks has kept my feet toasty down to -30C or thereabouts. I have not ridden in much colder temps.

--J

if I can find a pair without leather.

Is leather bad for temperature control? Or is it an animal rights thing? Because I'm a vegetarian also looking for animal-friendly winter boots.

inner to outer layers in icy rain

Powder
Fox Poly Pro liner
Thick wool sock
safeway bag
shoes
Totes Rubbers (boot style)
make sure you can wiggle toes! (compress everything as least as possible, but still snug)

can you beat that?

sure with sorel boots and toe clips
but i love the stiffness of spds

if it gets to be unbearable, get off the bike and jog a little for more warmth/circulation to the feet:)

and i cant believe i actually saw someone here using a core matierial as a white cotton sock.

Pearlizumi Am Fib Shoe Covers to cut the wind and for days down to 5-10 degrees celcius.

On colder days match those with a neoprene cycling sock for added warmth. This combination will be good down to at least -10 degrees celcius. Any colder than that and its time for the trainer.

inner to outer layers in icy rain
and i cant believe i actually saw someone here using a core matierial as a white cotton sock.

Well, I like the feel of the cotton sock as opposed to the feel of wool next to my skin. As for "coldness" I've had no problems. I'll do what works for me you do what works for you, kay?

OK all you experienced mushers!...This morning's 50min ride, was 38F. At 25mph on the hill, wind chill was closer to 10F. I felt fine but my feet never did warm up. Very deceiving, cuz upon changing at work, my mid-section was red with cold. Legs felt cold to the touch.

Had the weather been just 5F colder, there might have been frost-bite issues. Long john seem to be binding about the knees. There's no place to stop and remove layers. Any suggestions?


=========Was wearing=========
baraclava
mid-weight ski gloves
Showers pass rain jacket
DuoFold long sleeve shirt (thin practically see thru)
Sport top
ShowersPass Ultrex Rain pant
Biking shorts
Seal-skin type sock
Microfiber sock

OK all you experienced mushers!...This morning's 50min ride, was 38F. At 25mph on the hill, wind chill was closer to 10F. I felt fine but my feet never did warm up. Very deceiving, cuz upon changing at work, my mid-section was red with cold. Legs felt cold to the touch.

Had the weather been just 5F colder, there might have been frost-bite issues. Long john seem to be binding about the knees. There's no place to stop and remove layers. Any suggestions?


=========Was wearing=========
baraclava
mid-weight ski gloves
Showers pass rain jacket
DuoFold long sleeve shirt (thin practically see thru)
Sport top
ShowersPass Ultrex Rain pant
Biking shorts
Seal-skin type sock
Microfiber sock

I don't think you were in any danger. ;) 38 F is really not very cold as many on here will attest.

At 38 F I typically wear:

Head

Earband, Helmet

Torso

Cycling Jersey (LS), Wind Shell

Hands

Thinsulate gloves (from Walmart)

Legs

Tights with very light fleece lining.

Feet

One pair wool socks.

Standard cycling shoes.

My suggestion is to start recording what works with what temps. Once you get it down you won't have to remove layers. My ride typically lasts nearly two hours and it is unusual that i stop to take anything off. I start out cold and then warm up.

That is a bit uncomfortable sometimes so I acquired a trunk bag this year that i plan to use for carrying extra layers. I think it might be better to start out a bit warmer and then take a layer off. Time will tell. IT is yet to freeze here in Kansas, but i have had a couple of 35 F rides this year. One was over 30 miles on unpaved roads and i was totally comfortable the whole time.

Is leather bad for temperature control? Or is it an animal rights thing? Because I'm a vegetarian also looking for animal-friendly winter boots.
I don't know about temperature control, but I am a veggie and although I have a few pairs of leather shoes that I inherited as hand-me-downs, I will not buy any that have leather in them because I just feel wrong wearing it. I have been looking everywhere for something though.

I have found New England Overshoes, but they seem pretty big as you put them over your own shoes. They are supposed to be rated down to -20F, but I would really like to find an alternative that isn't so cumbersome. I still want to be able to use my toe clips.

If you find anything let me know, and I will do likewise if you want. It seems that everything that is warm just doesn't work!! Grrrrr.... :mad:

Kat

yeah, it's hard to strike a balance. While cycling some parts are freezing others sweating...my poor bod doesnt know whether to heat or cool :D

It's cold out there campers! -the movie Groundhog Day

Well, I like the feel of the cotton sock as opposed to the feel of wool next to my skin. As for "coldness" I've had no problems. I'll do what works for me you do what works for you, kay?

Kay.
Your in Calgary so im not going to argue in the users opinion sence, but i will in the scientific.
what happens when your feet perspire? the sweat transfers to the cotton, (unless your feet dont sweat)
the threads of the cotton absorb the water compress, lose their breathability freeze and your feet WILL go numb. especially if you were to hit those precious feet in a puddle.
I agree that wool isnt very comfortable next to skin (except smartwool) but the reason people swear by them is because of the woolen threads. they dont absorb water!
do an experiment with a cotton sock and a wool/ polypro sock and you will see what i mean.
i would think cotton would be a decent second layer, but only if your wearing shoe covers

but i never said anything about wool being my core layer because it isnt.

(totes rubbers are vegan too! (and they cost next to nothing) CommuterKAt!)

I tried the sandwich bags on my feet and to be honest, this morning my feet were colder then before. I am already wearing smart wool socks and light boots but I think I am going to buckle and buy a pair of "good for 40 below but only weigh 3 lbs and cost $150" boots. On the upside, today I got the wheels turning to sell one of our two cars so I guess I can afford it. It just sits there being driven maybe once a month.

Try silk sox instead of cotton next to the skin, then wool.
There used to be battery heated sox on the market. A pair of old wool sox OVER your shoes or plastic bags will add a nice layer.
Wiggle them toes as you pedal!
Admire you norhtland Canucks! Have ridden in Regina . . . nice in summer!

Fast cycling, Wind-chill from the cars and decents are freezing my legs out! I thought I could just go by current wind and weather conditions! NOT!

This AM my feet froze at 45F. Slowing down to 8mph for a mile or 2 they warmed back up. So it took for-ever to get into work! On the way home at 50F the extra coffee-filter baggie over the seal-skin and microfiber socks really made the differance!

My suggestion is to start recording what works with what temps. Once you get it down you won't have to remove layers.

Will do! Last years' charts are not working probably because I'm faster, the traffic wizzing by is heavier, and this newer helmet has more vents.

neoprene booties are warm. if you get hte right size (unlike the guy up there who obviously has booties that were too small) they slip on easily and are very warm. also i think they look kinda cool.

sd

This may seem obvious but it helps a lot: If you're wearing a lot of layers of socks, bags, etc., keep your shoes tied loosely so you don't slow circulation.

Personally I switch to platform pedals and insulated boots when it gets cold enough to warrant that. It's worked well for me but I haven't done much riding below 12F/ -11C, though I'm sure you can find boots that are suitable for whatever temperature you find yourself riding in.



Joe.

(totes rubbers are vegan too! (and they cost next to nothing) CommuterKAt!)
What are these?

While reading this, I'm trying to do the home-made shoe. The plate is cut out but I can't seem to get smooth slots like his picture...back to the garage.

http://johnschreiber.tripod.com/icebikeshoe/id2.html

What are these?

Totes rubbers are rubber waterproof shoe covers that zip over your existing shoe. made of just strong natural rubber

theyre ment to cover the dress shoes of the working class, but work just as fine for cyclists. if you clip in, then you would need to slice a round hole on the bottom of them.
Totes is the company. London Fog, is theire sister company i think...
been around for a long time, but many cyclists dont think of wearing these.

i have and they work.
they cost around 5$-10$ a pair
-=steve

Totes rubbers are rubber waterproof shoe covers that zip over your existing shoe. made of just strong natural rubber

theyre ment to cover the dress shoes of the working class, but work just as fine for cyclists. if you clip in, then you would need to slice a round hole on the bottom of them.
Totes is the company. London Fog, is theire sister company i think...
been around for a long time, but many cyclists dont think of wearing these.

i have and they work.
they cost around 5$-10$ a pair
-=steve

hmmm sounds better than the neoprene shoe covers... do the bottoms wear out from walking on them? So do you leave the Totes on the shoe the whole winter?

hmmm sounds better than the neoprene shoe covers... do the bottoms wear out from walking on them? So do you leave the Totes on the shoe the whole winter?

no they slip off, and have a side zipper.
you can usually only find them in shoe stores. buy the bigger size.

the natural rubber is strong, and im on my 3rd winter with them... it really depends on how much walking you do. . say if your a messinger its different. surprising youve never heard of them.....
here:

http://www.packinglight.net/plight/product.asp?s_id=0&dept_id=3067&pf_id=PAAAIAPDJOBGDANF&dp_id=&dl_id=&

if you google bike forums there are discussions on them

Just an update:
This morning was 29F: Here's what's working.

Head
A. I took double sided-tape and made a fleece liner for the inside of the helmet.
B. Then I made a Helmet cover with reflectant Scotchlite to block the dang holes.
C. Headband

Hands
Midweight ski-glove

Torso
HellyHanson ski-jacket with vertical pitzips major sweating :eek:
Wicking duoFold shirt

Legs
Rain pants
Fleece leggings

Feet
Microfiber sock, Seal Skin (off-brand), Coffee Filter Baggies

The 1st 8miles were toasty, after that...major sweating, head, and arms...but NO frost bite toes. It's a start...Thanks eveyone for the helpful hints both here and elsewhere. Round trip was 32Miles

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

I read the comments made on this thread looking for solutions to cold toes and I found what must have been obvious to many of you.

Wednesday night I took my SPD pedals off of my commuter and put on some old Campy pedals with toe clips. Opening the strap to it's max allowed me to pedal while wearing my insulated low quarter shoes. That coupled with cold weather socks worked perfectly.

What a difference, arriving at work with toasty toes instead of 10 little ice cubes.

Wow. I'm a big believer that everyone seems to have different needs for the cold weather, and I'm one of the ones with cold feet problems. As for other stuff, vrkelley is wearing a bunch more clothing than I am. This morning I wore a heavy Spyder ski shirt, mid-weight Marmot tights, lightweight running shorts, Smartwool hiking socks, SPD-compatible moutain biking shoes, and my full-fingered summer riding gloves. Usually I'd wear neoprene booties over the shoes in this weather but I skipped 'em this morning. My body was fine, but the feet were very cold, as is typically my problem. If I was wearing the booties, I would have been fine, and typically am fine with booties all the way down to 0 as long as I stay dry.

When it's sub-0F, I'm pretty successful keeping my body, legs, arms, hands, and head warm, but still have trouble with my feet. On the feet: Smartwool hiking socks, wool ski socks, Sidi winter SPD shoes, neoprene boot covers. I've tried toe warmers and I'm underwhelmed so far but maybe I should try some other brands. The worst thing about them is that they seem to run out of steam about 10 minutes from home. I'm thinking about adding both a silk sock-liner under the two pairs of socks and a sock over the shoe under the bootie as it gets subzero this Winter. Does anyone else manage to keep wearing SPDs when it's way below zero? I've made it down to about -15F but I was suffering.

In the military I know guys who have worn electric socks (battery powered).


Anyone knows where one might find electric socks? And how about electric gloves?

I found this place for socks
http://www.allsportsocks.com/batpowbrlecs.html (but they are currently closed)
and this one
http://www.thunderboltsocks.com/newproducts.htm (WAY too expensive)

A search on elecrtic gloves turned out nothing but motorcycle gloves.

There's a lot of good stuff at hunting stores. Turns out hunters are one of the few groups that's odder even than us. I've never tried electric socks, but I know my local Kmart, in the hunting section, carries them. I bought neoprene/poly 'socks' (more like inside shoe liners) that are about totally waterproof, they're for duck hunters. Most of the stuff's way cheaper than that exclusively made for bikers.

There's a lot of good stuff at hunting stores. Turns out hunters are one of the few groups that's odder even than us. ... Most of the stuff's way cheaper than that exclusively made for bikers.
Great idea! I hadn't thought of this. I used to date a hunter and he had some wierd clothing that kept him warm out in the woods. I can't stand the idea of hunting, so it never even crossed my mind, but I'm thinking I might have to visit the hunting department at my local sporting goods store!

Thanks for the tip!

Kat

I use sealskinz They work well.

I tried my pair of neoprene booties over my running shoes... I couldn't use my toe clips with them. The ends of the booties stick out a bit from the toes of my shoes, so when I put my feet in the clips, I only ended up with the tips of my toes on the pedals.

I have seen canvas shells that strap over toe-clips and stay with the pedals. They do a great job of breaking the wind for your toes and they work for moderate temps with toe-clips.

For those interested, I found a place that sells Nordic Gear Electric socks AND gloves.

http://www.twomorrowssupply.com/heated_socks.html

I have seen canvas shells that strap over toe-clips and stay with the pedals. They do a great job of breaking the wind for your toes and they work for moderate temps with toe-clips.
These sound exactly like what I am looking for. Any idea where to find these? Or how much they cost? I was about ready to just take my clips off for the winter. I had pondered rigging up something that covered the ends of the clips to make a sort of cup to put the toes of my shoes in to block the wind using tape/plastic/cloth/whatever, but if someone already makes them, I would love to buy a pair!

They do a great job of breaking the wind

:D But I don't need help break'n wind! heh heh!

I just bought a pair of electric wool socks from REI for $25. They use a "D" cell battery. Haven't tried them out yet.

I bought these overbooties from Mountain Equipment Coop:

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=668957&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=14039&bmUID=1102964898498

I originally bought them on one rainy day in June to keep the feet dry, but since the cold weather's arrived, I've found they've helped keep my feet warmer in them as well. It's hard to see in the pic, but the booties velcro over your shoe and are pretty quick getting on and off... I believe there's a sizing chart online. You still need to wear warm socks, but it add another wind proof layer.

As well, they'll ship to the US no problem.

I used to ride horses in the dead of winter and then stand aorund on cold concrete barn floors. The best solution was a pair of socks with batteries and a heating strip under my toes. They used a single c or d battery on each leg. They worked great and they weren't expensive. When your feet got warm, you just unsnapped the battery contact. We rode for miles and jumped frences etc. The socks stayed put and were never a problem.

I use my neoprene booties everyday and so far I have had no problem at all. The trick is to buy the right size which gives you enough room to slip your cycling shoes on and off easily. Also by using the SPD instead of toe clips you won't put to much compression on your toes during pedaling.

OK all you experienced mushers!...This morning's 50min ride, was 38F. At 25mph on the hill, wind chill was closer to 10F. I felt fine but my feet never did warm up. Very deceiving, cuz upon changing at work, my mid-section was red with cold. Legs felt cold to the touch.

Had the weather been just 5F colder, there might have been frost-bite issues. Long john seem to be binding about the knees. There's no place to stop and remove layers. Any suggestions?


=========Was wearing=========
baraclava
mid-weight ski gloves
Showers pass rain jacket
DuoFold long sleeve shirt (thin practically see thru)
Sport top
ShowersPass Ultrex Rain pant
Biking shorts
Seal-skin type sock
Microfiber sock

Frostbite is physically impossible unless the temperature is below 32F. Frostbite occurs when your flesh literally freezes. So if a bowl of water left out won't freeze, neither will you. And that depends on the actual temperature, not windchill, although windchill can accelerate the process. And another thing humans have going for them over water is that they are internally heated, so depending on the wind, the temperature would have to be significantly lower than 32F to be a serious frostbite threat.

Since my feet FROZE on my commute yesterday. (8F/-13C) I dropped by the sporting goods store to see about some battery heated socks. Yep. They had then right next to all he hunter orange and camo stuff. In fact they were on clearance for $9.00 ! I got the last ones in my size.

They are made by Nordic Gear Inc., 146 Industrial Park Drive, Morrisville, VT 05661.
I don't see a web site on the packaging.

I'll post a report here after I get a chance to test them out.

EDIT: I found them on a web site: http://www.safetycentral.com/norgearlecso.html

Anyone knows where one might find electric socks? And how about electric gloves?

I found this place for socks
http://www.allsportsocks.com/batpowbrlecs.html (but they are currently closed)
and this one
http://www.thunderboltsocks.com/newproducts.htm (WAY too expensive)

A search on elecrtic gloves turned out nothing but motorcycle gloves.

Yes, your on to something here, my next step (no pun intended), is electric socks. I can't stand cold feet. But even worse, I don't want to stop ridding this winter because of the cold. If we can't find electric gloves, maybe we could wear electric socks on our hands? maybe underneath a pair of mittens? mmmm, warm. :)

Hey VeganRider. The site in my previous post also has electric gloves by Nordic Gear!

2 things to keep in mind:
1) keep well hydrated. The #1 cause of hypothermia IS dehydration.
2)don't drink coffee before you ride. I know this sucks especially for the AM ride. No coffee gives one better circulaton to the extremities. It's a vasodilator(sp?) which shrinks the viens meaning less blood flow. Some days I have to decide between warm toes or a coffee fix. Often I've settled for cold toes. I'm a junkie, what can I say. Charlie

If you're in the midwest and have a Scheel's near you, you can get the heated socks there for $19.99 - a lot cheaper than I saw online.

What are these?
Totes are rubber overshoes that are very flexible and roll up into a small package. I wear them over my dress shoes, and they are good down to 0 F. They make the most sense with dress shoes and platform pedals, but some people have reported good results with cycling shoes and clipless after cutting holes in the bottom.

Paul