Can't keep my feet warm
12-24-18, 08:45 AM
#26
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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.
12-24-18, 10:52 AM
#28
Sr Member on Sr bikes
+1 to those suggestions about shoes being too tight, or wearing too many socks to make it a tight fit. I took that suggestion a couple years ago...to just wear normal, not tight socks, and then maybe a shoe cover. When it's a tight fit the circulation is restricted which contributes to feeling cold. I actually just have a couple pairs of black socks that I pull on over the shoe. Sometimes I put a plastic back over the toe of the shoe before pull the sock over it...just to toe. Works are a windbreaker, but still can ventilate.
Dan
Dan
12-24-18, 12:05 PM
#29
Señor Blues
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.
12-24-18, 12:24 PM
#30
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I did the same. My feeling about the balaclava is that it's a necessary evil under certain conditions. And no way it's going to cover my mouth while riding..
I've actually used neoprene socks. They don't breathe. One might think it's perspiration, but it's really condensation that builds up. And I can't stand it, I'd rather my feet be a little cold. The neoprene socks have been in storage for years at this point.
I've actually used neoprene socks. They don't breathe. One might think it's perspiration, but it's really condensation that builds up. And I can't stand it, I'd rather my feet be a little cold. The neoprene socks have been in storage for years at this point.
12-24-18, 01:25 PM
#31
Senior Member
https://www.staywarmed.com/best-rech...nsoles-review/
I've never used anything like this, and I'm not vouching for it. Just letting you know it exists.
J.
12-24-18, 01:26 PM
#32
Senior Member
+1 to those suggestions about shoes being too tight, or wearing too many socks to make it a tight fit. I took that suggestion a couple years ago...to just wear normal, not tight socks, and then maybe a shoe cover. When it's a tight fit the circulation is restricted which contributes to feeling cold. I actually just have a couple pairs of black socks that I pull on over the shoe. Sometimes I put a plastic back over the toe of the shoe before pull the sock over it...just to toe. Works are a windbreaker, but still can ventilate.
Dan
Dan
12-24-18, 08:17 PM
#33
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If you use two bags like I suggested in my post above, one against your bare skin, one on the outside held snugly in place with a thin dress dock, yes your feet are wet. But the only heat lost from our body is the heat in that small amount of sweat and a very small amount of heat to warm a thin plastic bag. Since the sock on the outside is dry, very little heat is lost through the inside sock.
By contrast, if you only use an outside bag, if your feet sweat at all, you dampen the sock(s). That moisture provides a pathway for heat, pulling heat out of your foot.
Try it. You don't have to believe me. (But do make sure your shoe is big enough. As others have said, tight fitting shoes = bad. Nad two bags and that thin outside sock take some room.)
Ben
By contrast, if you only use an outside bag, if your feet sweat at all, you dampen the sock(s). That moisture provides a pathway for heat, pulling heat out of your foot.
Try it. You don't have to believe me. (But do make sure your shoe is big enough. As others have said, tight fitting shoes = bad. Nad two bags and that thin outside sock take some room.)
Ben
12-24-18, 08:21 PM
#34
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Already exists. I use these in my ski boots, fit into my custom footbeds. You can also get an extension cord which would allow you to put the battery in your pocket (in skiing world, they attach to the power strap on your boots). They work great in ski boots, and some swear by them in cycling but I've never needed them but they would have been nice at subzero fahrenheit temps.
J.
J.
12-24-18, 08:31 PM
#35
Shimano Certified
I use whole foot heat packs from walmart. 1.98$ per use but they last 11 hrs in my shoes. Not roasty warm but not noticably cold.
12-24-18, 09:04 PM
#36
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I recently received a pair of Grip Grab brand, Arctic Deep Winter Shoe Covers, I ordered based on a recommendation from @TimothyH.
On a recent 26 degree morning, I wore them over my least ventilated road shoe over a mid-weight merino cycling sock on an 70 minute ride. For me they worked great. Typically at that temp, my feet have gone numb. This was with a few of the name brands cold weather covers.
A bit $$. Worth it to me.
On a recent 26 degree morning, I wore them over my least ventilated road shoe over a mid-weight merino cycling sock on an 70 minute ride. For me they worked great. Typically at that temp, my feet have gone numb. This was with a few of the name brands cold weather covers.
A bit $$. Worth it to me.
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12-24-18, 09:10 PM
#37
Shimano Certified
By my experience the big enemy is the spd plate sucking through the insole. Lots of 'insulated insoles' don't have enough to fight it without adding heat. The top is curable with covers, however.
12-24-18, 09:37 PM
#38
Me duelen las nalgas
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Yup, I know that feeling. My toes get froze really easily.
Unfortunately my Scott Road Pro shoes are really summer shoes and very snug fitting. My feet are long and narrow, size 11 and A or B width in most sizes. Hard to find shoes of any kind that fit right but the Scott shoes are great. But only with a single pair of thin socks.
Even with a double pair of thin socks it's pushing the comfort limits. I've already replaced the original insole with a better insole -- ProFoot Miracle, very lightweight, single piece, full length, much more comfortable, no vents or detachable supports. Very slightly thicker than the original insoles, just enough to make it impractical to use thicker microfiber winter socks.
So when the temp reaches 50F I'll wear thin sandwich or snack baggies over my toes/socks. And Pearl Izumi lightly insulated full length shoe covers. Unfortunately the PI shoe covers are so snug the pressure on the top of the shoe across the Velcro toe strap cuts off circulation to my little toe. I may need to modify the toe strap to minimize that problem.
One trick I tried last year worked really well for insulating, although it wasn't very comfortable: aluminum foil, over the socks or between pairs of socks. The wrinkled foil over my toes bothered me after about an hour.
This winter I'm going to trim the foil using the insole as a template and put the foil under the insole. Shouldn't add any noticeable thickness and will help block the vents and reflect body heat better.
But if your shoes have a large enough toe box, try wrapping aluminum foil around your toes or entire foot.
I'm betting a shoe cover using foil Mylar would work well, but I haven't found any using that material. It wouldn't be flexible so fitting would be tricky. It would need to be zipped on or use closures that minimized stretching and pulling across straps, buckles and laces.
Unfortunately my Scott Road Pro shoes are really summer shoes and very snug fitting. My feet are long and narrow, size 11 and A or B width in most sizes. Hard to find shoes of any kind that fit right but the Scott shoes are great. But only with a single pair of thin socks.
Even with a double pair of thin socks it's pushing the comfort limits. I've already replaced the original insole with a better insole -- ProFoot Miracle, very lightweight, single piece, full length, much more comfortable, no vents or detachable supports. Very slightly thicker than the original insoles, just enough to make it impractical to use thicker microfiber winter socks.
So when the temp reaches 50F I'll wear thin sandwich or snack baggies over my toes/socks. And Pearl Izumi lightly insulated full length shoe covers. Unfortunately the PI shoe covers are so snug the pressure on the top of the shoe across the Velcro toe strap cuts off circulation to my little toe. I may need to modify the toe strap to minimize that problem.
One trick I tried last year worked really well for insulating, although it wasn't very comfortable: aluminum foil, over the socks or between pairs of socks. The wrinkled foil over my toes bothered me after about an hour.
This winter I'm going to trim the foil using the insole as a template and put the foil under the insole. Shouldn't add any noticeable thickness and will help block the vents and reflect body heat better.
But if your shoes have a large enough toe box, try wrapping aluminum foil around your toes or entire foot.
I'm betting a shoe cover using foil Mylar would work well, but I haven't found any using that material. It wouldn't be flexible so fitting would be tricky. It would need to be zipped on or use closures that minimized stretching and pulling across straps, buckles and laces.
Last edited by canklecat; 12-24-18 at 09:41 PM.
12-24-18, 10:45 PM
#40
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If you use two bags like I suggested in my post above, one against your bare skin, one on the outside held snugly in place with a thin dress dock, yes your feet are wet. But the only heat lost from our body is the heat in that small amount of sweat and a very small amount of heat to warm a thin plastic bag. Since the sock on the outside is dry, very little heat is lost through the inside sock.
By contrast, if you only use an outside bag, if your feet sweat at all, you dampen the sock(s). That moisture provides a pathway for heat, pulling heat out of your foot.
Try it. You don't have to believe me. (But do make sure your shoe is big enough. As others have said, tight fitting shoes = bad. Nad two bags and that thin outside sock take some room.)
Ben
By contrast, if you only use an outside bag, if your feet sweat at all, you dampen the sock(s). That moisture provides a pathway for heat, pulling heat out of your foot.
Try it. You don't have to believe me. (But do make sure your shoe is big enough. As others have said, tight fitting shoes = bad. Nad two bags and that thin outside sock take some room.)
Ben
Thanks for the explanation.
12-24-18, 11:05 PM
#41
Senior Member
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.
Layering on your hands is far more effective. There are over-mitts you can buy which go over your regular gloves/mittens and add another way to prevent air movement and keep warm and limit bulk. Phew.cc makes some cycling gloves that are just that. Amazingly warm without bulk. The principle applies
to regular gloves and over-mitts too.
I’ve tried it all especially in skiing down to -32F. During the winter I’m often outside for hours on end in rescue work so I’ve had a lot of experience at this sort of thing.
12-25-18, 06:04 AM
#42
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The wires are between the battery and the heating element. No way to really get rid of that.
I’ve done this with nitrile gloves in my mitts while skiing. Helps marginally, but the gross factor and stink factor is significant enough to rule it out for me. There are other better ways to stay warm. If my hands stink, I’d shudder to think about feet and hygiene in general.
Layering on your hands is far more effective. There are over-mitts you can buy which go over your regular gloves/mittens and add another way to prevent air movement and keep warm and limit bulk. Phew.cc makes some cycling gloves that are just that. Amazingly warm without bulk. The principle applies
to regular gloves and over-mitts too.
I’ve tried it all especially in skiing down to -32F. During the winter I’m often outside for hours on end in rescue work so I’ve had a lot of experience at this sort of thing.
12-25-18, 09:00 AM
#43
Senior Member
simply unnecessary. We get serious cold here and never ever needed to do this.
12-25-18, 10:59 AM
#44
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If you use two bags like I suggested in my post above, one against your bare skin, one on the outside held snugly in place with a thin dress dock, yes your feet are wet. But the only heat lost from our body is the heat in that small amount of sweat and a very small amount of heat to warm a thin plastic bag. Since the sock on the outside is dry, very little heat is lost through the inside sock.
By contrast, if you only use an outside bag, if your feet sweat at all, you dampen the sock(s). That moisture provides a pathway for heat, pulling heat out of your foot.
Try it. You don't have to believe me. (But do make sure your shoe is big enough. As others have said, tight fitting shoes = bad. Nad two bags and that thin outside sock take some room.)
Ben
By contrast, if you only use an outside bag, if your feet sweat at all, you dampen the sock(s). That moisture provides a pathway for heat, pulling heat out of your foot.
Try it. You don't have to believe me. (But do make sure your shoe is big enough. As others have said, tight fitting shoes = bad. Nad two bags and that thin outside sock take some room.)
Ben
That’s an old trick, I learned it from some ice/mountain climbers.You don’t want to sweat down your insulating layers if you are going to spend days in freezing temperatures w/o the ability to dry your shoes and clothes.
Some winter campers even use a big plastic bag as liner for the sleeping bag for the same purpose. You trade a little comfort every night to avoid the big discomfort of freezing.
12-25-18, 11:03 AM
#45
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https://www.staywarmed.com/best-rech...nsoles-review/
I've never used anything like this, and I'm not vouching for it. Just letting you know it exists.
12-25-18, 11:13 AM
#47
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If you’re only out a few hours at a time, with good drying conditions inbetween, it’s fairly easy to do without. But some sweat more and may need more preventative measures earlier.
I’ve started using surgical gloves innermost for full day outings to keep from sweating down my gloves or mitts. Looks weird, works fine.
Last edited by dabac; 12-25-18 at 11:33 AM.
12-25-18, 11:30 AM
#48
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Already exists. I use these in my ski boots, fit into my custom footbeds. You can also get an extension cord which would allow you to put the battery in your pocket (in skiing world, they attach to the power strap on your boots). They work great in ski boots, and some swear by them in cycling but I've never needed them but they would have been nice at subzero fahrenheit temps.
J.
J.
You can get loose heating elements to attach to any soles. Therm-ic and Hotronic being two common brands that have/had those features. The soles in the pic is a finished, integrated item. Disassembly and transfer of functional items to another pair of soles would be fiddly.
12-25-18, 01:38 PM
#49
Senior Member
Don’t think you’re talking about quite the same stuff.
You can get loose heating elements to attach to any soles. Therm-ic and Hotronic being two common brands that have/had those features. The soles in the pic is a finished, integrated item. Disassembly and transfer of functional items to another pair of soles would be fiddly.
J.
12-25-18, 01:44 PM
#50
Senior Member
It’s not really about how cold it gets. It’s about how much moisture that can get trapped in and degrade the performance of the insulating layers. Which is partly personal, partly how long you have to go between being able to dry your kit.
If you’re only out a few hours at a time, with good drying conditions inbetween, it’s fairly easy to do without. But some sweat more and may need more preventative measures earlier.
I’ve started using surgical gloves innermost for full day outings to keep from sweating down my gloves or mitts. Looks weird, works fine.
Let me put it to you like this - I spend up to 8 hours or more hours at a time out in temps the can be as low as -32F and have never had use to vapor barriers. I've stayed nice and warm while doing that too. So again, I see this is as completely unnecessary.
I have tried the nitrile gloves under my mittens and while it sort of works, the hygiene issues are more than enough reason for me to forgo doing that. Instead, putting a windproof over-mitt over my mittens or gloves has worked super well and kept me warm. Personally, I think using vapor barriers which trap moisture close to the skin but keep it from being wicked away are just asking for it from a hygiene perspective. Keeping your core warm by using layers properly keeps your extremities warm and is where most people go off the rails.
J.