As per title, first wet/puddly and cold ride today with the brand new fancy pants Bridgedale “Winter Weight T2” merino socks and the Five Ten Goretex boots.
Pretty much after the first puddle the feet were getting cold and they didn’t warm up at all. I was always under the impression that Merino is supposed to act as an insulator even when wet but I’m pretty disappointed with these socks, not cheap at £25 a pair.
So, what’s the Briskers equivalent in socks?
Put on another layer and a buff or skull cap, keep your core warm and your extremities will fare better. I was wet through on Sunday after falling in bog but because I had a thermal base layer, a mid layer fleece and a softshell jacket I didn't get cold despite water accumulation in my shoes and that was in normal everyday socks.
Welcome to my world 😔I've got some Black Sheep socks that are 100% Merino and still end up with ice blocks on the end of my legs 🙄
Every Winter is the same , I've tried every combo anyone has suggested the only thing that briefly works are stick on feet warmers .
I've picked up a pair of Northwave Arctic Goertex boots , they should be good as they've got a picture of a snowflake on them ! 🤔
They are such a swine to get on I should be nice and toastie by the time I've wrestled them on !
I've never understood the line for Merino. Doesn't work for me.
Knee length Sealskinz thicks under those boots is the great you'll get imo. And trousers over the top if you can.
I like woollie boollie socks myself. My house is old and cold and when the energy costs was high the other year I was keeping the heating down and wearing warmer clothing - and the woollie boollie socks were excellent.
I also have some bridgedale merino hiking socks but they aren't anywhere near as good.
The woollie boollies aren't so great for walking/hiking though - they don't seem so robust for that activity, but fine for around the house and cycling.
Knee length Sealskinz thicks under those boots is the great you'll get imo. And trousers over the top if you can.
Similar approach to me. Aldi waterproof socks and ancient pair of Shimano winter boots works for me, eg Saturdays Glorious Gravel Peak District X and tonight when it was 0-2’C locally.
If conditions extreme (constant/heavy rain, freezing and windy) then long/waterproof trousers.
Knee length Sealskinz thicks under those boots is the great you'll get imo. And trousers over the top if you can.
Yep, this is me too and it works - and I suffer with cold extremities.
Those boots are really thin, so are never going to keep you warm. I find them pretty good at keeping the water on the outside though. If it does get in, the socks do the rest
For me SPDs (a size too large), walking socks under bib longs, neoprene overshoes over the top.
Size up your shoes.
As an all year dinghy sailor there's nothing that'll give you cold feet like bad circulation. All the insulation in the world won't help if the blood is struggling to get round.
I've suggested Rooster Sailing polypro glove liners before. They also do socks in that material that have served my son's well for winter sailing.
+1 Woolie Boolie. Also some wiggle room in the boot is essential. I spent £££s trying to get warm feet and ended up with Lake MXZ304 boots. They’re awesome, not had cold feet since buying them and I was out in -5 air temp (probably-8 with wind chill) last year. +1 keeping the rest of you warm is essential also as above. If it’s warm hands you are after then the hideously expensive Rapha Deep winter gloves are the answer (outside of the pogie things which I cannot deal with, esp on a road bike). The Rapha gloves perform better than an electric heated glove.
I wear varying combinations of thin/thick merino socks underneath a windproof and waterproof outer sock (Sealskinz or Dexshell). What works for me is sizing up in the outer sock and the boots, otherwise more layers just restrict the blood flow. My winter boots are a size larger than my summer ones.
@scotroutes what kind of pedals / riding do those boots work for? Normal pinned flats?
what kind of pedals / riding do those boots work for? Normal pinned flats?
Yep. I use them with Nukeproof Electrons. If you're being picky, they're obviously not as sticky as MTB soles that have been made specifically for the purpose but I find them a good compromise once it's cold and wet anyway.
I find a thin liner sock (merino or silk) helps a lot but if more cold water keeps entering the shoe your feet are going to get cold regardless so long Sealskinz (again with a liner sock) can help. Not tried heated socks myself but I've known a few people that have over the years and seem to like them.
I wear merino socks the vast majority of the time but if I think my feet are going to be really wet and cold then it's waterproof socks over a thin pair of merino socks. Also it's important what you're wearing over your legs. If my shins are exposed to the cold then my feet get cold. Tights or trousers over long socks will help keep the water out. And more weatherproof shoes, some that aren't mostly mesh.
How tight are the laces? Tight laces will stop your feet staying warmer (won't make them toasty warm, but keeps the blood circulating). How wet were you after the puddles? If the soaks are soaked then water gets into shoe and until you warm that water up it'll be cold.
Waterproof socks and waterproof trousers so any water doesn't run into the shoe (or less water gets in).
Keep core warm and it will help the extremeties warmer.
Thicker shoes and berschatt heated socks for me. Even then I still get cold feet. My circulation was goosed after back surgery.
warm socks (woolie bully) and good boots (Lake) for my here but some warmer trousers seems to be essential for me. Just about to go out for the first frosty ride of the year to test this out!
The boots aren’t too tight as I did size up for a bulkier sock. Might have a go with the sealskins as suggested.
Usually wear a long trail pant and the cuff is lower than the top of the sock.
I’ve also remembered I have a pair of these in the garage so maybe these might be “warmer”?
I’ve also remembered I have a pair of these in the garage so maybe these might be “warmer”?
I have the normal (low) EPS - they are my go to cold weather shoe in the dry. No good if it's wet - the nature of the outer material definitely shrugs off water, but it just comes over the top
An insulated insole can make quite a big difference. I've got some Sidas ones.
Bridgedale socks are comfy and last well but (possibly because?) they're not all that wooly or insulated, even the winter ones. You could try more artisanal ones like corrymoor etc for the proper sheep effect. Or some people I know like the Army arctic socks.
I'm not a fan of waterproof socks myself but lots of people are.
Cheap Aldi waterproof socks. Inadvertently stand in puddle deep enough to fill socks with water. Warmest feet I've ever had...to a point. Maybe those wetsuit wearers are on to something 🤣🤣
I'm currently experimenting with some cheap heated socks with MW5s, and will be investing in the above-mentioned Columbia boots for commuting/mtb duties.
What's on your legs?
Neoprene socks aren't just for wet days, stick some thin socks under them and your feet should be nicely toasty in cool weather.
Overshoes seem like the next obvious step here - Endura do some for flats (which I rate) or Spatz if your clipped in.
Put on another layer and a buff or skull cap, keep your core warm and your extremities will fare better.
Very much this. I have Reynauds and can get terrible pain in my fingers when it's cold. I tried all sorts of gloves but the biggest breakthrough was a pair of base layer leggings under my trousers.
It's also advised that you size up in gloves so there's a nice pocket of warm air at the ends, I suspect that same would hold for shoes/boots.
I agree. Your core is the key. If you keep that warm or even over warm you send more blood to your extremities to cool it and this makes your feet feel warm. Skull cap too can be useful as a lot of heat is lost through your head.
wet shoes = cold feet. waterproof socks for teh win (with a liner if needed) and decent (long trouser) waterproofs to keep the cold out.
Did you remember to size up your shoes so that the thicker socks aren’t squishing your feet/toes and worsening circulation?
What about lambswool insoles? I love them in my work boots in winter
The warmest socks I've found are Thorlos Mountaineering - you need space in your boots for these and they stay warm when wet better than any other fabric. Darn Tough are good socks too, the Hunter reputedly warmest - but a bit tight on me - got to love the lifetime no questions asked guarantee - wear 'em out? get new ones free apparently
Those boots are really thin, so are never going to keep you warm.
That's what I was wondering, if they are the Trailcross ones.
Are they tight as well OP? I find merino socks work pretty well for me - as long as they're not too snug,
And plastic pedals can be better than metal ones if it's really cold.
Your circulation is a whole body thing.
Keep the fires burning and insulate everything between the core and extremities 'a bit' will work betters than twelve socks stiffed into an over tight shoe.
I might be tempted to stick these on the xmas list
https://www.adventurespec.com/shop/aqua-pac-boot-liners-1369?category=30#attr=1542,1816
I run a pair of Dexshell waterproof socks, Shimano mt91 waterproof boots and 7 Mesh Thunderpants. If it is truly horrid, I will also wear a pair of waterproof mini gaitors. For me, the key is to stop the water getting in as best you can. Bridgedale do some nice waterproof socks now too. As soon as merino socks get wet, my feet do to and chill down. I'll never forget the feeling of despair heading off Ben Chonzie in deep, wet snow, having left my gaitors at home like a complete fanny. The hot aches at the end of the ride were desperate.
By contrast, my set up works a treat on multi hour rides in pissing rain. I now like to deliberately go out in terrible weather and positively enjoy the whole experience.
Hope this helps?
Cheers
Sanny
Knee length Sealskinz thicks under those boots is the great you'll get imo. And trousers over the top if you can.
Yup, but with shoes big enough that ones feet arent squeezed.
Also, layers on legs. If you lose the heat before it gets to your feet, it doesn't matter how good your socks are.
in Norway at minus 15 i used columbia boots with knee length sealskin merino socks with decathlon winter hiking trousers.
warm as anything all day long. and i spent a lot of time pushing through knee deep snow.
however, dry cold in Norway is not as bad as cold wet weather over here hovering just above freezing.
the boots and socks combo is good over here too. i used it for my last 10 years commuting in the winter months when i was in full blown AF and loaded with warfarin. unable to generate any heat, it kept my feet good.
•••••••
£60 Columbia Fairbanks Omni Heat ••• UK sizes 6-14 ••• (amazon link)
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Just Ordered !
Thanks for the seasonal reminder
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I’m in the camp of don’t wear Gore Tex boots/shoes as all they do is hold water in which just gets colder and colder
If wearing anything Goretex you need to ensure absolutely no water can get in or they are useless
I just wear shoes with a bit of room and merino wool socks, accept getting wet feet but then the wool warms up
I am of the view that what you wear on your legs down to your feet is also really important. I do the sad thing of wearing full winter tights over my super long merino ski socks in winter - with thicker baggy shorts over those as well.
My wife noticed a huge difference when we bought her plastic pedals in the cold - her metal pedals were clearly conducting cold.
(Then usual size-too-big shimano boots and thin merino socks)
Lastly, nothing keeps my feet warm these days on really cold rides. We carry some 'one use' heated insoles and break them out a couple of times a year.
I am of the view that what you wear on your legs down to your feet is also really important.
this. Yes, start with your core but You’ll struggle to keep hands warm unless you keep your arms warm.
same with feet and legs. Riding in endura roubaix biblongs with baggies over the top I used to suffer cold feet far less than I do now riding in MTB trousers
try some thermal longjohns under your leg wear
Err, @scotroutes, @ton, how do those Columbia's size up? I wear a 12 in everything, but the guide say that a 12 is an EU46 which is smaller than the EU47 I'd normally wear.
On the cold feet, has no-one mentioned the old roadie technique of tinfoil round your toes? It's been my go-to for years and works really well, albeit it doesn't help if your feet get wet.
Overshoes seem like the next obvious step here - Endura do some for flats (which I rate) or Spatz if your clipped in
Overshoes are the only things that have ever kept my feet from freezing. I had some excellent Mavic mountain bike ones. Yes, they get torn up eventually but they do work well.
Err, @scotroutes, @ton, how do those Columbia's size up? I wear a 12 in everything, but the guide say that a 12 is an EU46 which is smaller than the EU47 I'd normally wear.
On the cold feet, has no-one mentioned the old roadie technique of tinfoil round your toes? It's been my go-to for years and works really well, albeit it doesn't help if your feet get wet.
I bought some, good call as they seem well made, but they are way too narrow for my Croc/Vivobarefoot/Altra Running shape feet.
Search around a bit at Amazon, with the right search terms they can be found for under £70.00
tinfoil! nice idea
I use Bridgedale thermal sock liners, SealSkinz socks and waterproof boots.
As long as my cycling trousers or tights pull down over the top of the boots my feet stay warm & dry
'Heat holder socks' are great, but you'll need the thinner kind. I wear my walking boots with flats, loosely laced up, also a merino cap (with ear flaps) under the helmet.
Northwave Arctic Goertex bootsI've got a roadie and an MTB pair. Run them with either thick wooly socks (actually snowboarding socks) if it's just cold and some sealskins (mid calf length) and some thin thermal socks underneath if it's wet.
Good down to about -15. And wading through snow.
Have poured a cup full of steaming hot sweat/rain water out of my boots at the end of a long, slightly sub zero road ride in the rain before now.
The one use chemical toe or glove warmers are good as well, put on top of toes .
I found some "winter boots" too hot ,so my feet sweated then got very cold. Just like bad sweaty gloves. For really cold i use neoprene over shoes, for semi cold or shorter rides neoprene toe thingies to keep wind off and so much easier to just leave them on spd shoes.
If it frosty/ icy and less risk of water (road/gravel) i choose a fluffier knee length sock.
For wet or know i will go through puddles etc the knee length sealskin are good as well.
Another bit of a pain was some winter boots were thicker souled so messed up saddle height for commuting with and another.bit of faff to deal with.
So tend to keep my normal shoes all year round.
I have drffted away from flat pedals again but can see there advantages in some winter scenarios.
>> I was always under the impression that Merino is supposed to act as an insulator even when wet
Woolie boolie (and in summer wooleator) fan here. I think they definitely do work to insulate while wet but wool can't work miracles. What I do find impressive is I often have no idea if my feet are wet until I take my shoes off - wool socks can be pretty soaked through and not feel it. Obviously at the point theres water sloshing about in your shoes you've gone beyond that point.
I was put riding through snow (and slush) for about 4 hours at minus 2C yesterday. Had on my Columbia boots and knee-length Sealskinz with a pair of lycra tights and thin waterproof trousers (I was in a fatbike sans mudguards so protection from backsplash is important 😉) Toes were just fine. Hands were toasty too as I was using pogies. TBH I'd have stayed out longer but I'd arranged to go out for a couple of beers.
just back from a 3 hour jaunt using my new columbias. thin m&s socks. feet toasty.
Do the OP & repliers have Raynaud's syndrome? Dead, white fingers and toes at the slightest hint of cold? If so, you will find it tricky to layer your way out of it. Many of my surfing & MTB buddies have it, and there is a licensed medicine routinely prescribed to relieve those symptoms. Entirely legit and inexplicably ignored in conversations about cold extremities.
It's Nifedipine 5 mg. Not suitable for everyone; your GP will be able to advise, but it will be a gamechanger for those with Raynaud's. You can read more about that on SRUK's page here:
removed link
The problem with all winter boots and seal skinz socks is the water runs down your calves and into your shoe. Best thing have found is condoms on your feet, no actually I mean those velotoze rubber over shoe protectors, they form a seal against your skin so no water gets in from the top. I have worn these on multiple long distance rides and 24hr MTB. Water does eventually seep up from the bottom but its slow so you stay warm.
GripGrab gaiters also work - and tend to last longer than the cut-off Marigolds 😊