Best socks for keeping toes warm
Discussion
Hi
I have a few cycling socks (varying thickness/materials) which all work from 7 desires or so up to hot temps.
However, never had socks that work well in once getting to 5-7 degrees and lower.
I have merino ones and have tried doubling up etc., overshoes etc. all of which help a but no so much on the longer cycles (25-75 milers). Even worse if the feet get wet. I’ve even got those chemical foot warmers which can help a bit but not cheap if needing to keep buying as doing many cycles.
The feet themselves are fine/wam, but it’s the toes that get cold and numb. Even with windproof overshoes. Shoes themselves are OK (gravel ones don’t have air gaps underneath for cooling but road ones do). I tries tin foil but they just breakdown and make a mess when taking shoes off after..
Any suggestions for ones that better at keeping those toes warm? Most reviews I’ve found say feet are warm but I suspect the non-toe bit of the feet. Also, depends on reviewer and what their circulation is like etc.
I have a few cycling socks (varying thickness/materials) which all work from 7 desires or so up to hot temps.
However, never had socks that work well in once getting to 5-7 degrees and lower.
I have merino ones and have tried doubling up etc., overshoes etc. all of which help a but no so much on the longer cycles (25-75 milers). Even worse if the feet get wet. I’ve even got those chemical foot warmers which can help a bit but not cheap if needing to keep buying as doing many cycles.
The feet themselves are fine/wam, but it’s the toes that get cold and numb. Even with windproof overshoes. Shoes themselves are OK (gravel ones don’t have air gaps underneath for cooling but road ones do). I tries tin foil but they just breakdown and make a mess when taking shoes off after..
Any suggestions for ones that better at keeping those toes warm? Most reviews I’ve found say feet are warm but I suspect the non-toe bit of the feet. Also, depends on reviewer and what their circulation is like etc.
I commuted to work for 5 years and tried every trick in the book, went through countless overshoes, socks, bags and all the combinations. The only thing that worked for me in the long term were proper winter boots.
I have a pair like this and it was a game changer.
https://www.northwave.com/en/bike/shoes/road/celsi...
Wet or dry, my toes are always warm.
I have a pair like this and it was a game changer.
https://www.northwave.com/en/bike/shoes/road/celsi...
Wet or dry, my toes are always warm.
New boots would be nice but £££….
As I say, feet themselves are fine, it’s just the toes. Overshoes to help with wind protection etc.
I wonder if these are worth trying as only a few quid…
https://amzn.eu/d/dGxZKTe
As I say, feet themselves are fine, it’s just the toes. Overshoes to help with wind protection etc.
I wonder if these are worth trying as only a few quid…
https://amzn.eu/d/dGxZKTe
Ashfordian said:
Are your legs covered up/kept warm with clothing appropriate for the temps?
If not, there is your issue and solution
Same goes for arms/fingers
Yes, am completely covered up, decent/warm bibtights, soft shell, snood etc. rest of me is totally fine.If not, there is your issue and solution
Same goes for arms/fingers
For a hour or so yesterday, was OK then toes started to go and I think once cold, can’t warm up again,…
I've ridden down to -17 and one thing I've found is key is a warm core.
I own various 200 thickness ICEBREAKER branded merino tops. I've tried others but only these are the best. All are extremely holy but I've experimented with 1-3 layers of these depending on how I feel and the weather.
Then I can get away with M&S cool max socks all year round.
I own various 200 thickness ICEBREAKER branded merino tops. I've tried others but only these are the best. All are extremely holy but I've experimented with 1-3 layers of these depending on how I feel and the weather.
Then I can get away with M&S cool max socks all year round.
You need to bite the bullet and buy some winter boots.
Like everyone else says, they are the last piece of clothing I would give up.
In terms of cost, how many sock/overshoes are you going to buy, before equalling the cost of winter boots?
As ever, the time to buy winter clothing is the hottest day of summer, which doesn't help you right now of course.
Like everyone else says, they are the last piece of clothing I would give up.
In terms of cost, how many sock/overshoes are you going to buy, before equalling the cost of winter boots?
As ever, the time to buy winter clothing is the hottest day of summer, which doesn't help you right now of course.
I get very cold fingers and toes when out and have tried a few things.
Merino Socks to start. Make sure shoes aren't too tight as that restricts circulation.
Northwave boots are good when it's really bad weather, as are Spatz overshoes which work well when it's not full on winter weather, although with them they are a challenge to get on and off. They really do keep the lower part of my legs warm, sweaty even, which will help keep my toes warmer on a ride.
I also have the Spatz neoprene toe warmers which I wear under normal overshoes, when the weather is chilly but not freezing. That makes a chilly but dry ride bearable as well.
It's a bit of trial and error to get your own level of warmth.
Merino Socks to start. Make sure shoes aren't too tight as that restricts circulation.
Northwave boots are good when it's really bad weather, as are Spatz overshoes which work well when it's not full on winter weather, although with them they are a challenge to get on and off. They really do keep the lower part of my legs warm, sweaty even, which will help keep my toes warmer on a ride.
I also have the Spatz neoprene toe warmers which I wear under normal overshoes, when the weather is chilly but not freezing. That makes a chilly but dry ride bearable as well.
It's a bit of trial and error to get your own level of warmth.
Dracoro said:
The feet themselves are fine/wam, but it’s the toes that get cold and numb.
The feet are not warm, if they were, your toes would be as well. Having commuted by motorbike & bicycle for decades, Winter boots are your answer. You need enough room for decent socks, and to be able to wiggle your toes.
Socks..... Spatz Hotsokz. Or Rapha Deep Winter socks (but they are thick)
But for the best gains, decent winter boots (I have the Fizik Gore-Tex ones, mega) and couple them with Spatz overshoes.
Add the three together and there is no way your feet are getting cold. I've ridden in -5 in the UK and -18 in the US with that combo, and had feet so warm they steam as I've removed my shoes.
But for the best gains, decent winter boots (I have the Fizik Gore-Tex ones, mega) and couple them with Spatz overshoes.
Add the three together and there is no way your feet are getting cold. I've ridden in -5 in the UK and -18 in the US with that combo, and had feet so warm they steam as I've removed my shoes.
bigdom said:
Dracoro said:
The feet themselves are fine/wam, but it’s the toes that get cold and numb.
The feet are not warm, if they were, your toes would be as well. Having commuted by motorbike & bicycle for decades, Winter boots are your answer. You need enough room for decent socks, and to be able to wiggle your toes.
Tight socks - there may be something in that. I have a pair of dhb merino socks and I suspect have shrunk a bit as hardly any stretch when putting them on, and when on a little tight.
May get a different pair of merino ones that don’t shrink in the wash! And have some stretch in.
Any recommendations? Have heard DeFeet winter boolies quoted somewhere?…..
Will ensure I don’t overtighten shoes - I am certainly not aware or feel that they are tight though.
Whilst new winter boots would be nice, it’s a lot of money if simply having a better pair of socks, reducing tightness and with decent overshoes could do the job. All that at fraction of the price! Already have overshoes and getting some for xmas for gravel bike spd shoes too.
I.e. try the cheap solutions first before splashing out!
If it becomes more of an issue in new year, I’ll think about saving for winter boots….
May get a different pair of merino ones that don’t shrink in the wash! And have some stretch in.
Any recommendations? Have heard DeFeet winter boolies quoted somewhere?…..
Will ensure I don’t overtighten shoes - I am certainly not aware or feel that they are tight though.
Whilst new winter boots would be nice, it’s a lot of money if simply having a better pair of socks, reducing tightness and with decent overshoes could do the job. All that at fraction of the price! Already have overshoes and getting some for xmas for gravel bike spd shoes too.
I.e. try the cheap solutions first before splashing out!
If it becomes more of an issue in new year, I’ll think about saving for winter boots….
I can't see how a pair of cycling shoes that fit properly for warmer weather would allow you to wear thick socks or two pairs of socks when it's colder. Most shoes have ventilation on uppers and soles which really compromises cold/wet weather performance.
Even a not too snug pair of shoes which don't compress enough to restrict circulation are likely to have a few tight spots where all the air is compressed out of the insulation.
Flat pedals and hiking boots used to be the go to for off road.
Properly designed winter boots are the starting point for warm dry feet. Unless you are really confident about sizing it's one where trying them on in a real shop with the socks you plan to use is advisable. IME, some manufacturers make winter boots more roomy (lake), others don't (fizik), so you need to size up.
Even a not too snug pair of shoes which don't compress enough to restrict circulation are likely to have a few tight spots where all the air is compressed out of the insulation.
Flat pedals and hiking boots used to be the go to for off road.
Properly designed winter boots are the starting point for warm dry feet. Unless you are really confident about sizing it's one where trying them on in a real shop with the socks you plan to use is advisable. IME, some manufacturers make winter boots more roomy (lake), others don't (fizik), so you need to size up.
It's an issue that I've faced for years, and haven't quite solved it completely but have made it better. I've noticed discolouration of toes / fingers which point to Reynaulds which wont help things.
On Saturday I did just over 3 hours at 5c, getting home with an uncomfortable foot (oddly my left one) but nothing so painful it causes worry.
I had on Fizik R5 Artica winter shoes, merino socks, tights, base lay, two jerseys and a gillet. Core was probably a bit too warm at points, but seemed to help keep my hands warm.
The big thing I've noticed is how wet my shoes get, if they're wet then my feet feel the cold quicker (although the shoes keep out the vast majority of spray). My guess is that it's so difficult to keep warm on the bike due to wind chill. Given you're effectively sat in a constant wind of cold air in winter there's a lot of cooling
On Saturday I did just over 3 hours at 5c, getting home with an uncomfortable foot (oddly my left one) but nothing so painful it causes worry.
I had on Fizik R5 Artica winter shoes, merino socks, tights, base lay, two jerseys and a gillet. Core was probably a bit too warm at points, but seemed to help keep my hands warm.
The big thing I've noticed is how wet my shoes get, if they're wet then my feet feel the cold quicker (although the shoes keep out the vast majority of spray). My guess is that it's so difficult to keep warm on the bike due to wind chill. Given you're effectively sat in a constant wind of cold air in winter there's a lot of cooling
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