insulating insoles for winter

[vvill]

Has anyone used these before (for biking or otherwise)? If so, any feedback on them? I don’t mind if they slightly reduce my pedaling efficiency.

Something like these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390-Japan-Aluminium-Thermal-2prs-Insoles-Foot-Warmer-for-Women-Men-Boots-22-28cm-/171580538719
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pedag-145-Solar-Insulating-Wool-Thermo-Insoles-w-3-Layer-Thermal-Shield-Support-/321611454015

Topic

[vvill]

@Raymo853 106663 wrote:

I ended up purchasing both of the inserts the original poster asked about. The German made ones with wool and Al look fantastic. I am going to put those into my good shoes soon. I suspect they will be wonderful and between them and shoe covers my need to use chemical heaters will be eliminated for days above freezing. (I do have really warm feet)

The cheaper Japanese ones also look good, especially since the package contained four inserts and the art on the package is cute. I put a pair in my winter shoes (Shimano MW81) and expect they will make them a little warmer. My first ride will be tonight. I’ll report back.[/quote]

I got the Japanese (made in China) ones, wore them today. They do seem to help a little, although it’s hard to really tell.

[Toonces]

Heavy duty aluminum foil under your shoe inserts work well too. I tried that last winter, seemed to work ok. Also helps to keep the wind from coming through the bottom of the shoe.

[kwarkentien]

Taping your vents shut on the bottoms of your shoes makes a big difference vis-a-vis wind and wet getting in your shoes.

[vern]

@kwarkentien 106765 wrote:

Taping your vents shut on the bottoms of your shoes makes a big difference vis-a-vis wind and wet getting in your shoes.

I did that about 2 weeks ago…got out the duct tape and applied a layer to the inner soles of my shoes. I can definitely feel the difference, and my feet were much drier Monday in the rain.

[bluerider]

For Christmas I got some Shimano MW81 winter cycling shoes and replaced the cheap insoles with 45NRTH Jaztronaut insoles. My feet are very warm and happy now.

[vvill]

@bluerider 107001 wrote:

For Christmas I got some Shimano MW81 winter cycling shoes and replaced the cheap insoles with 45NRTH Jaztronaut insoles. My feet are very warm and happy now.

Oooh, those look nice. Where did you get them? Online? LBS?

[bluerider]

The shoes were a gift but Campmor carries them at a good price. The insole I found at Jenson USA I think.

[vvill]

@bluerider 107101 wrote:

The shoes were a gift but Campmor carries them at a good price. The insole I found at Jenson USA I think.

Thanks! Yep they carry the insoles.

[vvill]

Ok so after a couple of weeks of testing, I think they do help. I’ve been riding road shoes with these ones
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390-Japan-Aluminium-Thermal-2prs-Insoles-Foot-Warmer-for-Women-Men-Boots-22-28cm-/171580538719
plus toe covers, and then sometimes also shoe coves over the top, and my feet have been pretty much fine even in the really cold windy days we’ve had. Socks of course are key too – I’m using DeFeet Woolie Boolies which I find the perfect compromise between volume and fit.

[bluerider]

Glad to hear they are working for you. After going through this winter with winter specific cycling shoes, I am converted. I will never waste money on shoe covers I will destroy. In winter shoes, the 45NRTH insoles just make them that much warmer.

[KLizotte]

@bluerider 107001 wrote:

For Christmas I got some Shimano MW81 winter cycling shoes and replaced the cheap insoles with 45NRTH Jaztronaut insoles. My feet are very warm and happy now.

I have the same Shimano boots and now want to purchase the Jaztronaut insoles. Did you order the same size insoles as the boots or did you size down? Thanks!

[bluerider]

I ordered the Euro 44-45 version for Shimano size 45. Perfect fit.

[vvill]

@bluerider 108527 wrote:

Glad to hear they are working for you. After going through this winter with winter specific cycling shoes, I am converted. I will never waste money on shoe covers I will destroy. In winter shoes, the 45NRTH insoles just make them that much warmer.

My problem is I have so many bike shoes already (6 pairs) I really struggle justifying the winter shoe purchase. Also, ever since I had my road shoes shimmed from a bike fitting I haven’t figured out how to get the fit right on MTB shoes, so I wear the road shoes as much as possible since they’re the most comfortable on my knees – accordingly I don’t really want to get winter SPD boots. I just use flats and regular winter boots if it’s a really cold ride, although today I did 20 mi with just my casual Chrome SPD shoes and toe + shoe covers. Feet were cold but nothing close to really bad.

I agree it’s annoying how easily toe/shoe covers get destroyed.

[Tom H]

Well, I’m a toe clip guy so I just put on the Merrill boots and thick sox. Plus keep ye core warm and the extremities will fall into line. And, I recommend real HD mittens, hiking style (mine are Northern Face). Just don’t freeze to death like some danged Hipster in flip flops and shorts on a fixie… I Rode to wrk yesterday in 5F and was a bit too warm, not bad for a sex-a-genarian…[emoji1]

[vvill]

I wore my Merrell boots and wool socks today! On my snow/ice bike I have flat pedals with pins, and they grip just fine.

Actually I put the insoles in the boots too, and they help a bit.

But for longer rides in the cold I still prefer using my clipless pedals/shoes. I overlayered on the ride to work yesterday too!

[Author]

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