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Tip against cold feet

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Tip against cold feet

Old 01-11-10, 11:00 AM
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Tip against cold feet

Just for those who don't know...

First layer of socks.
Small plastic bag.
Second layer of socks.

Very comfy for the really low temperatures.
Works like a charm.

I'm not saying it's something radically new, just a tip for those who keep getting cold feet during winter rides (like me).
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Old 01-11-10, 11:27 AM
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Most importantly make sure your toes have space in between because if they're too tight they will get cold; cover your ankles well too as that is just as important.
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Old 01-11-10, 11:32 AM
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I got some lycra shoe covers for 99c. I put them over my shoes, then neoprene booties on top. The extra layers helps a little bit and the price was right. With regular shoes and socks I was fine at 20f yesterday.
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Old 01-11-10, 11:39 AM
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I'll pass on the plastic bags. Feet sweat and there is no way I want moisture trapped near my feet in the cold. 1 pair lite weight woolsocks 1 pair medium weight wool socks and a older pair of Sidi winter boots and i was toasty at 15 degrees for 2.5 hours this morning.
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Old 01-11-10, 11:56 AM
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I can imagine the moisture build up can be pretty fatal for your feet. However, for my 1 hour ride (twice a day) it's pretty doable.
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Old 01-11-10, 12:33 PM
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In what I have been riding in for the last month an hour outside is a frozen solid water bottle.
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Old 01-11-10, 12:59 PM
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I used two pairs of socks plus normal summer shoes, and within 30 mins my toes are pretty cold in 22F (-6C). Luckily my commute is only a further 10 minutes.

Then I lost the 2nd pair of socks and used neoprene shoe covers. This combo has worked better than 2 pairs of socks. Instead of carrier bag, tomorrow I shall use newspaper between the first/2nd layers of socks and see how that goes.
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Old 01-11-10, 01:27 PM
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+

+


That is all.
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Old 01-11-10, 01:36 PM
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I've actually been looking for these Sidi's. Still need to find a place that actually sells them in a store to see if they fit.
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Old 01-11-10, 02:31 PM
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I usually just switch from lightweight synthetic socks to wool once the depths of winter set in

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Old 01-11-10, 02:36 PM
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Originally Posted by FreddyV
I've actually been looking for these Sidi's. Still need to find a place that actually sells them in a store to see if they fit.
These work just as well:



I have the Hydro GTX and they're great at keeping your feet warm but just too narrow for my foot so definitely try them on before you get them. They run a little wider than the road shoe but not by much so if you have wide feet they might not be the best choice and unfortunately they don't come in the MEGA width (size I use in their road shoe). I really like the Shimano shoe thus far since my foot is nice and comfy as well as warm which is key. The Sidi is a better designed boot because it's an actual boot while the Shimano is a road shoe with a thin neoprene section which covers your ankle. I use the PI AmFib bootie pcad displayed above and my feet have been fine with one layer of medium grade wool socks, though I like them to feel a little cool so YMMV.
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Old 01-11-10, 02:38 PM
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Originally Posted by FreddyV
I've actually been looking for these Sidi's. Still need to find a place that actually sells them in a store to see if they fit.
I take 46's in the regular shoes and he same size in the GTX's, which are cut larger to accommodate multiple pairs of socks or heavier socks.
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Old 01-11-10, 03:50 PM
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I have been running 2 socks, shoe, toe warmers, a folded sheet of newspaper (just around the toe box), full shoe covers. This kept my toes warm for a 19F ride last week. May have been overkill, but my toes weren't sweating when I was done.
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Old 01-11-10, 03:59 PM
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There are some on here who swear baggies will cause sweat and therefore frost bite as it has happened to them. I can't remember the poster but he likely will show up. For long, hard rides in extreme conditions I suppose I could see that happening. Personally I use baggies just like the OP mentioned, had a comfortable 24 degree ride today in fact with that method.
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Old 01-11-10, 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by wirelessness
I usually just switch from lightweight synthetic socks to wool once the depths of winter set in

You won't be in such a sunny mood after the Jets clean your friggin Charger clocks this weekend.
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Old 01-11-10, 04:21 PM
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They made my Bengals look like ***** but hey, what's new.....so has everyone else for as many years as I can remember. Oh, the Boomer years, they were pretty good.
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Old 01-11-10, 04:24 PM
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I'm good with the following setup in temps down to 15F.

Shoes: Mountain bike style touring shoes with little or no lug to the sole. I size them at least one size larger but 2 sizes are better. The insole of the shoe is lined with aluminum furnace tape (reflects heat back upwards and seals the cleat holes). Over the top of the tape, I put a fleece insole. This traps the air from your foot and insulates.

Socks: Calf high (down to 25F) or over the knee (down to 20F) wool socks. For temps below 20F, I only add a light summer bike sock.

Shoe covers: Over the top of the shoes, I add a pair of Performance fleece lined neoprene shoe covers. Probably one of the toughest bicycle products I've ever owned. Mine are at least 10 years old and show no signs of giving up the ghost yet.

My feet do get sweaty...all of me gets sweaty...but the moisture is trapped near the feet and can't be lost to the wind. If the moisture doesn't evaporate, there's no cooling and thus no heat loss.

I'd suggest, FreddyV, trying the bag outside the second sock. The socks will trap air and insulate close to the skin. The sock on the outside does little to trap heat.
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Old 01-11-10, 04:31 PM
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I just put my hat on and live with the popsicle toes.
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Old 01-11-10, 05:14 PM
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https://www.machka.net/whatworks/coldfeet.htm
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Old 01-11-10, 05:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Doohickie
I just put my hat on and live with the popsicle toes.
Putting a hat on for cold feet debunked here.
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Old 01-11-10, 06:00 PM
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Originally Posted by patentcad
You won't be in such a sunny mood after the Jets clean your friggin Charger clocks this weekend.
+100
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Old 01-11-10, 06:17 PM
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Originally Posted by patentcad
You won't be in such a sunny mood after the Jets clean your friggin Charger clocks this weekend.
Originally Posted by hansel
+100
They are not 'My Chargers'!!! I'm for the USC guy though, GO JETS!!!
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Old 01-11-10, 06:26 PM
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any tips about waterproofing feet? like when its 50 degrees and raining? are shoe covers the only option?
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Old 01-11-10, 06:31 PM
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Originally Posted by wirelessness
I usually just switch from lightweight synthetic socks to wool once the depths of winter set in

I'm lucky. I live in LA which, as you know, doesn't have an NFL team. I didn't go to USC or UCLA either. Therefore I have no emotional investment in any local football teams.

The Jets and Chargers can beat themselves to a pulp this coming weekend and I can watch without caring who wins. It will be a fun game to watch regardless.

Sure, LA has other drawbacks. But good weather or lack of an NFL team aren't among them.
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Old 01-11-10, 06:49 PM
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Originally Posted by not2blu
I'm lucky. I live in LA which, as you know, doesn't have an NFL team. I didn't go to USC or UCLA either. Therefore I have no emotional investment in any local football teams.

The Jets and Chargers can beat themselves to a pulp this coming weekend and I can watch without caring who wins. It will be a fun game to watch regardless.

Sure, LA has other drawbacks. But good weather or lack of an NFL team aren't among them.

I didn't mean to fully derail the topic of this thread but I guess it's too late for that now.

It's too bad you don't like the Chargers because they are certainly one of the top contenders to be the first inhabitants of the new Los Angeles Stadium when it is completed. Personally, I think the Seahawks will be making the move and that is partly why Pete Carroll took the job.
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