Need Ideas For Cold Feet

[Dog]

Knock on wood....I'm still riding outdoors on the weekends. The temps have been in the mid 30's to low 40's the past few weekends. I rode 25 miles today and stayed warm (38 degrees) with the exception of my feet. My toes were frozed by the end of the ride. I am wearing heavy smartwool socks and shoes with a toe cover. Not cutting it. I know there are bike commuters out there. What are you using to keep your feet warm? I would like to keep riding through the winer months.

[ny biker]

I don't ride in those temps, but my feet get cold when temps are in the low 50s if my legs are not warm enough. Last spring I did some rides wearing capris and I felt like my feet would have been more comfortable if my legs had been completely covered down to my ankles. So, maybe warmer tights would help?

Also, if my socks are too tight or are too bulky so that they make my shoes tight, my feet get cold.

[salsabike]

Smartwool mountaineering socks (the heaviest weight they have) and Sugoi Resistor Booties. Together, those really work to keep my feet warm enough.

[OakLeaf]

If you can't wiggle your toes freely, they're losing circulation. Are your shoes big enough for the heavy socks? You may be warmer in thinner socks. Also, not everyone experiences this, but toe covers automatically cut off my circulation. Even if that isn't happening to you, for very cold temperatures, you really want full shoe covers.

Then there are chemical toe warmers or electric socks for when it gets colder than your body can keep up with.

[Crankin]

Woolie Bully socks... thin, but extremely warm. I have many thicknesses of wool socks.
Booties, either neoprene or Gore Tex. Sometimes I wear toe covers and booties.
Finally, chemical toe warmers, like you wear for winter sports. These do the trick. I use them if it's below 42 or so. Once your feet and hands are warm, the other parts are easy.
And yes, loosen your shoes. Really important.
I finally found a pair of winter road cycling shoes for women in my size (37). Am eagerly awaiting their arrival, and hoping I don't have to use all of the above things in the future. I have winter shoes for my Frog pedal bike, which are OK, but I still have to use the chemical warmers if I ride in the 30s. I am still riding outside, too, but it is supposed to get more winter like here, by the end of the week. I have a longer ride planned with DH for next Friday afternoon, so I may be put to the test.

[sarahkonamojo]

I ride in the conditions you describe although moisture content is lower. Temps around freezing are tolerable, but much below it is time to go skiing.
I have found neoprene socks to be the best. They aren't too bulky and retain any warmth you create. Socks such as these:
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.a...0&pdeptid=1168
Also my shoes do not vent. Not a lot of mesh.
S

[SadieKate]

I finally found a pair of winter road cycling shoes for women in my size (37). Am eagerly awaiting their arrival, and hoping I don't have to use all of the above things in the future. I have winter shoes for my Frog pedal bike, which are OK, but I still have to use the chemical warmers if I ride in the 30s. I am still riding outside, too, but it is supposed to get more winter like here, by the end of the week. I have a longer ride planned with DH for next Friday afternoon, so I may be put to the test.

Crankin - which shoes did you find? I'm considering making the splurge because it has been so dry this winter but I may have problems finding shoes small enough. And have you written up a review? Sounds like you have 2 pairs of winter shoes for comparison.

Anyone else wear both men's and women's Sidis? I'm curious how much difference there is in the fit and could I tolerate it just for a short (1-3 hour) mtb rides. During the warmer months I wear a 38.5 but I have a pair of 39s so I can wear thicker socks. Unfortunately, all of my full overbooties put too much pressure on my instep which defeats the purpose.

I may be out and aboot shopping s'afternoon. GD-it, where is the frickin' snow?

[cyclesq]

lake winter cycling boots! toastie warm even in freezing temps! http://www.lakecycling.com/footwear.html