Keeping feet warm during FS

I don’t clip in. So what I have been wearing that have been comfortable enough for at least 15 miles… First layer, thin socks with some wool content. Second layer, thicker socks – doesn’t have to include wool. Third layer, Ziploc bags over the front of the foot. Fourth layer, some old Thinsulate brand boots. Toes have been a little chilled, but not the blocks of ice that I have felt them at before. I have also tried cycling shoes meant for inclement weather instead of the boots (not as much room for air and water to seep in), but it’s been too cold for that the past few days.

I am also a firm believer in making sure to keep my legs warm enough – I’ve been wearing multiple layers on those – to encourage better blood circulation to my extremities.

@SurlyTed1187 170603 wrote:

I know this is a repeated topic, but I want to hear from fellow FS riders facing these harsh early winter temps.

Last year was my first year with FS, and I was kind of let down by the few days we had with truly below freezing days.

This year, we’re plunging right in with the sub freezing temps. I’ve been struggling in keeping my feet warm. I’ve tried various thickness wool socks. I’ve tried wearing a thin pair of socks under a looser pair of wool socks. I keep the Velcro straps on my shoes loose so as not to constrict my blood flow. I wear neoprene shoe covers to try to keep the wind out. I wear wool leg warmers to keep my legs warm. But I still finish my rides with ice toes.

I just don’t know where else to go aside from dropping a few hundred bucks on a pair of winter cycling shoes.

Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated.

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I feel your pain. My toes are very susceptible to the cold. So I ordered some winter cycling shoes, but in the meantime here’s what I do…

1. I put small toe warmers/hot hands under the arch of my foot (outside sock but inside shoe).

2. I add an extra layer of wind block by placing plastic sandwich bags over the toe of my shoe before I put the full over boot on. I have to tear the plastic and pull around the cleat.

3. I stop for re-warming breaks every 45 min or so.

I’m a newbie so I am still trying different things out. Good luck.

@SurlyTed1187 170603 wrote:

I know this is a repeated topic, but I want to hear from fellow FS riders facing these harsh early winter temps.

Last year was my first year with FS, and I was kind of let down by the few days we had with truly below freezing days.

This year, we’re plunging right in with the sub freezing temps. I’ve been struggling in keeping my feet warm. I’ve tried various thickness wool socks. I’ve tried wearing a thin pair of socks under a looser pair of wool socks. I keep the Velcro straps on my shoes loose so as not to constrict my blood flow. I wear neoprene shoe covers to try to keep the wind out. I wear wool leg warmers to keep my legs warm. But I still finish my rides with ice toes.

I just don’t know where else to go aside from dropping a few hundred bucks on a pair of winter cycling shoes.

Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated.

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Two suggestions: 1) Minimize heat loss from your head; insulated skull cap that covers the ears, insulated/wind proof helmet cover. 2) Cut out any caffeine before the ride as it constrict capillaries, perhaps even an aspirin to keep the blood thin and slippery.

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The best thing I have found is having shoes large enough to accommodate heavy wool socks and a liner sock. If you add winter shoes to that and you should be good. I used that combination in Alaska… Same for booties, make sure they aren’t tight fitting, just snug enough. I bought a pair of Gore socks that are amazing. Pretty much replaced booties in a shoe that accommodates them and a thin wool liner sock. I also put duct tape over the vents on those shoes (fashion police will not approve). It’s looking like I might break out my winter shoes this year, mine are only useful in the single digits or below. The duct tape only cuts it down to 20-25F or so. Gaiter’s can help add a few degrees too and you might have some already. The weird area for me is a 10 degree morning and a 30 degree evening commute…I’m going to struggle one way or the other. On a longer ride you’ll sweat out something that is too warm and freeze, a change of socks helps.

My cut off for riding up north was -20F, where frostbite becomes a serious issue, but my record ride of any distance was -37F. If your feet get cold while riding, hop off the bike and walk or jog until they warm up. And there is a difference between my toes are cold and “I am going to lose a toe if I keep this up” cold.

Bottom line, shoes that are a couple euro sizes too big with heavy socks with liner and snug but not tight booties. Or, winter shoes for heavy socks combo if that’s not enough.

I feel pretty connected with platform pedals with long metal pins. Winter boots and those two layers of socks with the sealskin socks on the outta layer have worked best for me. With this weather I found that I also need to get thicker gloves now!

@Brett L. 170645 wrote:

Bar mitts or moose mitts. I can’t recommend them enough. I’m riding around in just some light neoprene gloves and a light shell, and my hands are cozy. And my hands are NEVER cozy in the cold

Bar mitts are by far the best piece of gear that I have. Wore midweight gloves today and my hands were warm the entire way.

I tried toe warmers this morning (outside wool socks and thin socks, inside shoes and overshoes). They froze. My toes, yes. But the toe warmers too.