Aluminum foil on your toes?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Brodhead, WI - south of Madison
Posts: 2,928
Bikes: 2009 Trek 1.2
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 239 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
1 Post
Aluminum foil on your toes?
Saw something this weekend ... I think it was from GCN, someone labeled it a hack so it was written up real quick.
Basically this person wrapped aluminum foil around their toes (like the whole front third of their foot), over the sock, before putting their cycling shoes on, claiming it will keep toes warm on colder rides.
As someone in colder climates part of the year, I'm intrigued, but skeptical.
Anyone do this?
Basically this person wrapped aluminum foil around their toes (like the whole front third of their foot), over the sock, before putting their cycling shoes on, claiming it will keep toes warm on colder rides.
As someone in colder climates part of the year, I'm intrigued, but skeptical.
Anyone do this?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Allentown, PA
Posts: 331
Bikes: 2018 Specialized Roubaix Elite, 2009 Specialized Hard Rock 29er, 1989 Cannondale w/Campy Nuovo Record Components (mostly anway, now just on the trainer) and Easy Racer Recumbent (home made from plans)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Cycling shoes are pretty ventilated. I guess the foil would block some cold air. Foil may reflect some heat, like those mylar survival blankets. I would think foil would be uncomfortable.
Back when toe clips were in wide use, before clip less, they used to sell cover that would attach to the straps and cover the toes same principal.
I have some old shoe covers that had a broken zipper. I cut the backs off and just use the toes. I cut them off past the cleats so they stay on.
Bill
Back when toe clips were in wide use, before clip less, they used to sell cover that would attach to the straps and cover the toes same principal.
I have some old shoe covers that had a broken zipper. I cut the backs off and just use the toes. I cut them off past the cleats so they stay on.
Bill
Last edited by LongT; 10-23-17 at 08:32 AM.
#3
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,418
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6245 Post(s)
Liked 4,266 Times
in
2,390 Posts
Saw something this weekend ... I think it was from GCN, someone labeled it a hack so it was written up real quick.
Basically this person wrapped aluminum foil around their toes (like the whole front third of their foot), over the sock, before putting their cycling shoes on, claiming it will keep toes warm on colder rides.
As someone in colder climates part of the year, I'm intrigued, but skeptical.
Anyone do this?
Basically this person wrapped aluminum foil around their toes (like the whole front third of their foot), over the sock, before putting their cycling shoes on, claiming it will keep toes warm on colder rides.
As someone in colder climates part of the year, I'm intrigued, but skeptical.
Anyone do this?
I have used aluminum foil tape on shoes to seal the holes in the bottom against wind in winter. It works quite well but I doubt that it provides much in the way of warmth.
If you want real insulation, get a pair of these. Aerogels have very high insolation factors for a thin bit of material. I've got them in both my winter shoes and winter boots. It lowers the temperature I can ride in by about 10 degrees by providing better insulation.
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,943
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2623 Post(s)
Liked 1,962 Times
in
1,229 Posts
No, no, no. The aluminum foil is supposed to be made into a HAT!
OK, I guess it'd work. I get a wind liner with lower thermal conductance from a plastic grocery bag. Cut it in two lengthwise, cut off the handles, and wrap what's left over your sock before putting you foot into a shoe. It adds 5-10 degrees to the temperature range I can stand before I go for full shoe covers.
OK, I guess it'd work. I get a wind liner with lower thermal conductance from a plastic grocery bag. Cut it in two lengthwise, cut off the handles, and wrap what's left over your sock before putting you foot into a shoe. It adds 5-10 degrees to the temperature range I can stand before I go for full shoe covers.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Center of Central CA
Posts: 1,582
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 897 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
8 Posts
With the aluminum foil, you risk peeling the foil back at the end of your ride and finding a steaming baked potato in there instead of your toes.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Bay Area, Calif.
Posts: 7,239
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
As others have mentioned, there's an advantage in blocking any wind. I've used plastic bread or produce bags in the past to help keep my feet warm and they were quite effective. I'd think Al foil would be less comfortable and more likely to cause problems of chafing if wrapped around the toes.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Maple Valley, WA
Posts: 105
Bikes: Gary Fisher Tass, Trek Crossrip 3, Miscellaneous Trek frames
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 49 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
My solution is much simpler. I just ride so slow that wind is never a problem.
If it were, though, I'd just get a nice pair of hiking socks.
If it were, though, I'd just get a nice pair of hiking socks.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,882
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5879 Post(s)
Liked 2,725 Times
in
1,520 Posts
Foil? NO.
But I consider a small cut down baggie as SOP, for cold days, and have done so for decades.
But I consider a small cut down baggie as SOP, for cold days, and have done so for decades.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#9
Occam's Rotor
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 7,248
Mentioned: 61 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2366 Post(s)
Liked 2,331 Times
in
1,164 Posts
I do this with my helmet. It keeps cold breezes and the NSA out.
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Brodhead, WI - south of Madison
Posts: 2,928
Bikes: 2009 Trek 1.2
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 239 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
1 Post
LOL at some of the replies ...
I typically wear full shoe covers ... and for the most part I'm happy with them. Today's ride was low 50s, possibly less ... Feet were fine til I got a few blocks from home and then I noticed they were pretty chilly ... but nothing extreme.
I typically wear full shoe covers ... and for the most part I'm happy with them. Today's ride was low 50s, possibly less ... Feet were fine til I got a few blocks from home and then I noticed they were pretty chilly ... but nothing extreme.
#11
Banned
Aluminized Mylar will also be a wind block and reflective of radiant heat, (Potato chip bags)
for really cold temperatures the Vapor barrier blocks sweat, which cools as it evaporates,
so wear it next to your skin rather than soaking into your socks.
...
for really cold temperatures the Vapor barrier blocks sweat, which cools as it evaporates,
so wear it next to your skin rather than soaking into your socks.
...
Last edited by fietsbob; 11-10-17 at 04:37 PM.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,882
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5879 Post(s)
Liked 2,725 Times
in
1,520 Posts
Folks these days are simply high tech.
BITD, those of us who were among the crazies that went out in the bitter cold didn't have fancy high tech clothes.
We wore what we had, layering up as needed baggies went over the toes, or on very cold days the entire foot. For snow or cold rain we wore rubbers over our shoes with a cut out for the cleat. (get your mind outo of the gutter, rubbers were what dress shoes covers were called).
If the wind was fierce, we'd start out with a folded newspaper covering our chest, and when (or if) we warmed up we'd discard it. I still use the throwaway newspaper method if I'm not sure how warm I need to dress.
BITD, those of us who were among the crazies that went out in the bitter cold didn't have fancy high tech clothes.
We wore what we had, layering up as needed baggies went over the toes, or on very cold days the entire foot. For snow or cold rain we wore rubbers over our shoes with a cut out for the cleat. (get your mind outo of the gutter, rubbers were what dress shoes covers were called).
If the wind was fierce, we'd start out with a folded newspaper covering our chest, and when (or if) we warmed up we'd discard it. I still use the throwaway newspaper method if I'm not sure how warm I need to dress.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#13
got the climbing bug
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,212
Bikes: one for everything
Mentioned: 82 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 635 Post(s)
Liked 924 Times
in
280 Posts
nah I just use DeFeet shoe covers, like $15 on amazon prime and work well for all but poring rain. Also far from cold climate, our winters are mostly 40s with low 30's at sunrise for my early morning rides. Shoe covers + wool socks works great in my summer vented shoes. If wet is possible I use the neoprene booties which retain heat like no other as well
https://www.amazon.com/Defeet-Slipst...ers&th=1&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Defeet-Slipst...ers&th=1&psc=1
__________________
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Bay Area, Calif.
Posts: 7,239
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
The park newsletter available at the summit of Mt. Diablo has come in handy a couple times for sticking under the front of my jersey before starting the descent (no problem staying warm on the way up).
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,589
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5234 Post(s)
Liked 3,602 Times
in
2,356 Posts
aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer's disease. we now use wax paper where we used to use foil. also no aluminum in our deodorants
#16
Senior Member
For me, keeping my feet as dry as possible (moving the sweat away) goes a long way to keeping them warm...I'd pass on the foil wrapped around my socks. I like wool socks for that purpose. Keep smiling.
#17
Heft On Wheels
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 3,123
Bikes: Specialized,Cannondale,Argon 18
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 887 Post(s)
Liked 560 Times
in
346 Posts
Shoe covers are not super costly and work well. I saw the foil video on GCN and laughed thinking they don’t really do this. Those guys get the best equipment in the world and there go to is foil? I doubt it. I love the GCN guys but no way they are not using covers over foil.
Shoe covers for the win folks!
Shoe covers for the win folks!
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 161
Bikes: Marin Larkspur CS2
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yes it would block wind. The other thing to consider is it's reflective and emisseve qualities. Directly against the foot it should absorb but not want to radiate heat. In the shoe with space arou d the foot it should breathe and reflect heat back to the foot.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,589
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5234 Post(s)
Liked 3,602 Times
in
2,356 Posts
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,955
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4847 Post(s)
Liked 3,980 Times
in
2,584 Posts
Yeah! Newspaper is often the easiest option. I often leave with a sheet under my last jersey. Easy to pull out when I or the weather warms up.
If you watch Tour de France footage of the rest of the peloton cresting a high mountain (not the big money, big advertising top riders, they get stylish jackets) you will see riders stuffing newspaper just like their great grandfathers did to get ready for the cold descent. It works just as well now as it did 100 years ago.
Ben
#23
Senior Member