Originally Posted by
MoAlpha
Vapor barrier works by letting the skin get wet and keeping the insulating layers dry. Nothing, no matter how woolly or poly, is as effective at insulating when it’s damp. If you’re in neoprene rubber rubber booties, that sweat isn’t evaporating, anyway. Definitely effective and one forgets about the slimy feeling.
I have a friend that used to use bread bags on his feet and wear socks over them when we skied. Worked well until we took a ski trip out west. Over several days, with his feet staying wet in a cool environment, he developed trench foot. About 2 weeks after we got back he had 3 toes amputated due to gangrene caused by the trench foot. Kept his feet warm, but he didn't keep all of his feet.
Originally Posted by
canklecat
Now I'm thinking of making some inserts or wraps from cheap metallized "space" blankets -- those shiny thin rescue blankets that can be bought for less than $5. Same principle, thinner, probably more durable and easier to improvise for various shoes and socks. A single rescue blanket would provide plenty of material to experiment with.
The "space" blanket insoles are a common trick that we use on cross-country ski boots. It does work and makes the ski boots surprisingly warmer on the ski side. One space blanket is enough material for an entire ski team. Trace your insole on the space blanket, cut it out (staying on the small side will help get them in your shoes) then TAPE them to the bottom side of the insole, otherwise they will be almost impossible to get in the shoe without wrinkling them.