Cold feet
Last Post 05/28/2013 02:53 PM by Justin jmdirt. 5 Replies.
Author Messages
heavenfire

Posts:5

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04/30/2011 07:27 AM
Since switching to clipless pedals and Shimano RO87 shoes a couple of weeks ago, I've found that my toes get a lot colder - even in this lovely sunshine we've had recently! Wearing oversocks (Assos Spring/ Fall knitted) hasn't helped keep 'em warm much either. Maybe I just have cold feet, but is this a feature of wearing highly-ventilated road shoes? Is it OK to fit standard inner soles or does this totally block the ventilation?
derikcasper

Posts:1

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12/14/2011 10:42 AM
I hear ya. Hands too. I can cover my face for cold rides, but hands and feet really annoy me and can make rides less enjoyable. I'd recommend getting some decent socks. I hear footwearetc has socks for a variety of uses. Haven't tried it yet. I'd also get some clip ins that have a little more wiggle room so you can put on thicker socks.
GJanney

Posts:76

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05/22/2013 10:32 PM
What about a simple $20 pair of toe covers? Many brands make them. They're especially good for days when you start cold, but the weather warms. My personal preference is Gore Windstopper. I find that if you cut off the wind, you cut off the cold.
79pmooney

Posts:3180

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05/22/2013 10:46 PM
Two simple tricks. 1) buy your favorite shoe a size larger. I have Lakes (the shoes my feet love) in 44, 44.5 and 45. I find the same socks and shoes a half size larger is warmer. And 2) put your bare foot in a produce bag. Put on your warm socks. Finish off with another produce bag, then a thin synthetic men's dress sock (yeah, those socks you have to be a geezer to wear). You now have insulation that is shielded from wind AND water, both from rain and puddles and from sweat.

Also, keep your legs warm. Cold blood will never keep you feet warm.

I practice what I preach. Today it was 45 degrees, some wind and raining. I wore rain front tights, two pairs of cycling socks between the bags and a dress sock over and shoes a 1/2 size over my summer shoes. Happy feet.

Ben
CarbonGecko

Posts:42

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05/23/2013 08:46 AM
Louis Garneau makes shoes with highly ventilated soles and then sells them with 2 insoles... one full of holes for the summer and one solid for the winter. I don't know anything about the RO87 shoes but from your post it sounds like they may have a similar setup ventilated sole. There is certainly no down side to trying standard/solid insoles... as long as they aren't so different from the original as to change the fit then the worst that can happen is your feet will be too warm. The little toe warmers that GJanney suggests work great, Louis Garneau and Pearl Izumi both make reasonably priced options... I like the LG.
jmdirt

Posts:775

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05/28/2013 02:53 PM
Ben, since you use logging suspenders to hold your chamois up, I'm not surprised by your suggestion! ;} It must take you 30 minutes to get ready for cold rides. I tried the plastic bag thing once in about 1990 (because we didn't have good options then) and my feet were warm and sweaty for about 30 minutes and then froze for the next 2 hours. We now have tons of great options. I use the same wool socks (Sock Guy) and shoes year-round. I have three 'levels' of shoe covers: cover socks, medium booties, and neoprene booties that I use depending on temp and moisture. I also use chemical packs for those days below 35 F. If you have vented soles, its a good idea to put tape over the vents for cold weather rides. Keeping your entire body warm will obviously help. I do fine all winter but in Feb when I'm itchin to get my calves out and wear knickers, my feet get cool.


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