bigdo13

So I've tried everything... double and triple layering cotton socks, one layer of cotton sock then a wool sock, construction socks... I even today had a thick nike base, and then a thick Nike, high quality tube, and put toe covers over that and then put on the shoe...

I really hate using tin foil, but I may have to just do it it seems like it works a lil' better... I dunno, wind still creeps in... someone must have a full-proof system...

thin_concrete

Have you looked at shoe covers?

Find Cycling Shoe Covers: The Best Cycling Clothing Accessories From Performance Bike

Shoe covers as opposed to just toe covers.

shelbyfv

Have you tried the chemical toe warmers? They are cheap and will last longer than most folks would want to ride in the cold. Don't cram too much sock into your shoe, you need room for air pockets. I don't think cotton works well for cold, would stick with wool. Thick wool socks, chemical warmers and toe covers are good for me into the mid 20s. I'm not out below that!

Sojodave

Toe warmers at Costco did the trick for me

doctor j

Toe covers will help. Also, look at Walmart or a sporting goods store for chemical toe warmers. One version of them has an adhesive side so the the warmer adheres to the bottom of your socks.

chaadster

If your shoes aren't windproof, you've got a major problem right there. You should get some proper winter cycling shoes if you can afford them, otherwise, at least a windproof (e.g. GoreTex), fleeced winter overshoe. Neoprene booties aren't bad, either, but then you've got to get that warm air insulating with a good sock and insole.

Speaking of insoles, that's an oft overlooked area, but I've had good success in improving them, especially in non-winter shoes which have the sole open to the outside, either via cleat bolt holes or vents. Those will need to be blocked and insulated.

benetga

My set-up

1) Cut-out a pair of wool insoles from old pack boot liners replaced the foam insole.
2) Liner socks under heavy wool socks.
3) Toe covers

Very comfortable riding today with temps in the 20s

FBinNY 

For extreme cold, I layer a thin sock, plastic baggie, then a thicker sock.

An old hikers trick is to rub a hot pepper paste on and between your toes before putting socks and shoes on. The pepper is supposed to stimulate circulation and help keep your toes warm.

IME the best remedy is shoes that are tight on your foot but loose at the toes themselves. People often put on extra socks than jam their foot into tight shoes, which is counter-productive because it restricts the blood circulation you need to keep toes warm. +In the winter you want to be sure you have plenty of wiggle room for your toes.

chaadster

I use Tiger Balm on my knees and thighs when it's biting cold; maybe I'll try it on my toes/feet. Hadn't thought of that. Thanks!

Machka 

Maybe one of the suggestions here might help ...

Cold Feet

Years of experience cycling in bitterly cold temps went into writing that little article.

Lazyass

Duct tape over every hole and mesh on the shoe, toe warmers and thick wool socks. Good down to 32 degrees for me, which is about my limit.

loimpact

You're not alone!!

I'm trying the chemical warmers cuz I've tried all else.

I have $200 Specialized shoes
I have $30 toe covers
I have $20 super socks

No matter what I do, the toes eventually freeze. (Maybe I'm ok for 30 minutes, maybe 45 but eventually.....the cold wins!)

I haven't visually seen them yet, but I hope the toe warmers are a much thinner sack than the hand warmers so they fit nicely in with the shoe & don't cram the toes.

EventServices

An old USAF trick is to wear nylons under medium socks. Learned that at northern tier bases.

I wear thin socks under medium woolies. Either way, you have to give your foot room to move.
And block the wind with something: shoe covers or gaffer tape.

When you stop at a light, swing your leg forward and back in as big an arc as you can. Looks silly, but it actually helps keep the blood in your toes.

There's also a rule to keep your core warm. If that gets cold, your body will protect that before your extremities.

I can go down to about 25 degree with just toe covers. Below that, I have winter shoes. And really, if it gets below that, I'm skiing or skating.

exmechanic89

Seems like a market for heated pedals is being overlooked by parts manufacturers. Perhaps something where the pedals would be powered/heated by a generator like they used on old style bike headlights..?

Seriously though I have this problem too. I'm gonna try some of the suggestions in this thread.

Homebrew01

Winter shoes. Simple solution. 1/2 size too big for thicker socks. I am a satisfied Northwave customer.
Before that, it was the neoprene booties, with optional extra layers such as plastic bags and/or lycra covers depending on temp.

jtaylor996

My toes get cold, but I'm convinced at this point there's nothing I can do about it because the root cause is lack of circulation. This is your body's response to lowering core temps. So I just try to ignore it, a la rule #5 .

chaadster

I've had good results locating the chem heat packs between the shoe and shoe cover, atop the toe box of the shoe. With the old, zip front, Trek neoprene booties I have, it's really easy to do, but it may be trickier with a rear entry shoe cover; maybe a piece of tape to locate the pack on the cover before putting it on your shoe would work.

chaadster

There are battery powered, heated insoles available, like the Thermacell ProFlex, which are probably pretty impressive performers.

chaadster

Do your toes get cold when you ride in the summer? Probably not, so I'd assume warming them will work.

woodcraft

It sounds like you've tried everything that involves cramming your shoes full anyway.

I don't know why it would ever be a good idea to wear cotton socks for cycling...


Snark aside, I recently got some neoprene booties that are quite toasty.

dksix

I just bought some Under Armor Undeniable socks and they are unbelievably warm. I have poor circulation and constantly have cold feet. I bought the Undeniable socks just for riding (over the calf) but bought more and have been wearing them every day now. They might not solve your problems but for me, they are warmer than wearing 2 pairs of athletic tube socks.

bikemig 

Cottton socks? Cotton socks? The OP is riding in cotton socks; the first rule of being outdoors in cold weather is ABC (anything but cotton). Ditch the socks and then move on to some of the other suggestions.

FBinNY 

One thing that many forget (and I forgot to mention earlier) is that keeping your legs warm helps keep your feet warm. Since that's were they feel the cold most, people focus their efforts at insulating their feet. But if they neglect to properly insulate their legs, they severely undermine their efforts. If you have cold feet, add an extra layer on your legs, insulated tights or whatever, but do it.

Robius

Gaerne Storm Road Shoes 2015 | Chain Reaction Cycles

or these Gaerne Akira Winter Road Boots 2016 | Chain Reaction Cycles

StanSeven

I use neoprene booties - not the very thin ones but those that are medium weight. My shoes also don't have lots of ventilation either. When I ride in the 20s, my feet are fine. That might be because the rest of me is numb.