When it comes to cycling, we do all that we can for comfort. The best bike with the best saddle can certainly make a ride more enjoyable. What can quickly drain that joy though are cold feet and toes. While our peddling is building up a sweat, why is it that our toes still feel that they are turning into icicles? Knowing how to keep your feet warm while cycling can make the difference between a comfortable and painful ride.
Yes, we may be a little warm-up top, but in the cold weather that winter brings, our bodies still aren’t quite the temperature that they want to be. This means that they divert blood from our extremities, such as our toes, to heat up our core. This is all well and good, but it leaves our toes completely numb! Let’s have a look at how we can avoid this.
COMPARE THE BEST OVERSHOES AND TOE COVERS
Overshoes, shoe covers, and toe covers are essential to keeping your feet warm in the winter months.
We've highlighted some of the best overshoes and toe covers for keeping the wind and rain off your feet so you can better enjoy the ride.
Protect your core
If our bodies leave our toes suffering to keep our core warm, it makes sense that we can avoid this by keeping warm ourselves. You may not want to overdress and make a ride uncomfortable, but an extra layer on your body can help prevent your body from redirecting the blood from your toes.
Start warm
There’s little point in mounting your bike with cold feet in the hope that they are going to warm up. Instead, take control and start your ride with your feet as warm as possible. This can be achieved just by leaving your socks on a radiator before your ride begins.
Choosing the right socks
Big, thick, woolly socks may not be the most practical option, but considering the socks that you wear can keep your toes from going numb. Look for socks that are insulated and ones that reach up to your knee or at least cover your ankles.
Keep the warmth
You’ve started warm by heating your carefully selected socks on a radiator, but how do you keep them that way? You can invest in foot warmers. You can place these in your socks and aim to get 2-4 hours of heat from them. Chemical foot warmers don’t tend to be reusable but will only cost around £2 a time.
Loosen up
If you are wearing socks and shoes that are too tight, you may think that you’re helping to keep some heat in (or at least keep the cold out). The truth is that you are probably making numb toes even worse. Tight-fitting socks and shoes will restrict the blood flow and soon our toes will be number than ever.
Keep dry
Getting wet feet in the winter is one sure way to end up with numb toes. One way to avoid this is to look at using mudguards. These can help prevent some of the splashes from the road that leave your feet drenched. Spare socks are also a great idea just in case you can’t avoid getting wet.
Invest in some booties
You can take steps to winter-proof your summer cycling shoes and you can hope that this will prevent numb toes. However, it makes more sense to invest in some booties. These are shoes and overshoes in one and are great for keeping your toes dry and warm.
How to keep your feet warm while cycling – Conclusion
With a little preparation before you head out on your bike, you can keep your feet warm while cycling, and ensure that your ride is comfortable and your toes won’t get numb even in freezing winter conditions. The same rings true for keeping your hands warm this winter.
