Frozen Feet

[Winger]

I did a ride up Harding last night and my feet were freezing by the time I reached the top and numb by the time I reached the bottom. So my question is: How do you keep your feet warm on SoCal trails through the winter? Can I get away with just winter socks?

[dubjay]

Originally Posted by Winger

I did a ride up Harding last night and my feet were freezing by the time I reached the top and numb by the time I reached the bottom. So my question is: How do you keep your feet warm on SoCal trails through the winter? Can I get away with just winter socks?

Hey Winger - long time to see

A trick I heard of is to use plastic baggies (like the type newspapers come in) over your socks. Most of the chill is due to the ventilation most MTB shoes provide. There are are neoprene covers that can be put over your shoe as well, but I don't know how they fare in MTB conditions. I think those are mostly for roadies.

[JimN]

Cheapest and most effective way to keep your feet warm: Subway sandwich bags. Seriously, in cold, dry weather a vapor barrier works best. Plastic bags accomplish this nicely. They take up hardly any space in your pack and weigh next to nothing.

Neoprene toe covers work okay, but I still prefer plastic bags.

[Kid A]

Originally Posted by Winger

I did a ride up Harding last night and my feet were freezing by the time I reached the top and numb by the time I reached the bottom. So my question is: How do you keep your feet warm on SoCal trails through the winter? Can I get away with just winter socks?

just wait until the streams fill on Maples (particulary the first) Rip through those on a cold day and it wont just be frozen toes but arse as well. I have used neoprene boots as well in past. they work okay but i always feel like a dork

[Winger]

Hi Dubjay! Looks like we'll meet up again for the Bommer ride tomorrow.

I knew I could count on you guys for some suggestions. Plastic bags.....awesome.

[Pain Freak]

I like 2 pairs of socks and sometimes the plastic bags too.The booties have never held up for me mountain biking.

[SScheetz]

My feet freeze most of the winter season on early morning and night rides. I wear 2 pairs of wool cycling socks and do the bag trick and my toes still get totally numb. I think I’ll give the booties a try.

[gurp13]

Maybe I haven't ridden long enough, or maybe it hasn't been that cold, but I've been wearing wool socks by Specialized and my feet are never cold.

How would you clip in with bags on your feet?

[SScheetz]

Originally Posted by gurp13

How would you clip in with bags on your feet?

I wrap them around my socks, inside the shoe.

[Shannon]

I use wool riding socks that work pretty good along with the toe covers or if it's really cold I use the neoprene booties. It may look dorky but I'd rather have warm toes....

[gurp13]

Okay, that would work. Got it. Filed for future reference!

[Winger]

How durable are the neoprene booties? Is there a certain brand that lasts a lot longer, or do you just plan on going through a couple pairs over the winter? It looks like a short hike-a-bike section will destroy them.

I just bought some special winter socks - DeFeet Blaze - from Performance so I'll see how they work. I've just been using white athletic socks.

[Innes]

This may sound stupid, but it works. I grew up in Pittsburgh and there were many rides that took place on days where the temps were well below zero. If the baggie thing/wool socks isn't doing it for you, get some Vaseline and put it on your feet (it gets messy, but this does work). Put the bag on your foot (your feet are going to be sweaty) Put on socks and shoes. Go ride with toasty feet. It sounds crazy, but it works. I've also used the same technique with rubber gloves and my cycling gloves over top for my hands.

[SAR_boats]

sounds kinky

[Pain Freak]

I'm not allowed to play with the vaseline anymore.

[gurp13]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

I'm not allowed to play with the vaseline anymore.

Yeah, not after that broken seat post incident.

[Shannon]

Originally Posted by Innes

This may sound stupid, but it works. I grew up in Pittsburgh and there were many rides that took place on days where the temps were well below zero. If the baggie thing/wool socks isn't doing it for you, get some Vaseline and put it on your feet (it gets messy, but this does work). Put the bag on your foot (your feet are going to be sweaty) Put on socks and shoes. Go ride with toasty feet. It sounds crazy, but it works. I've also used the same technique with rubber gloves and my cycling gloves over top for my hands.

It may sound weird but it does work. During some of the marathons I've run the temps were down in the low 40's/ high 30's. The only thing that saved my feet, knees and hands was vaseline. Haven't had to use it for any mtb rides yet and I hope I don't have to!

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

I'm not allowed to play with the vaseline anymore.

I thought that's what roadies did in their spare time...

BTW, thanks for the shuttle up to the Noble Canyon trail head. I don't think we remembered to thank you. So, thanks. It'll be our turn next time.

[Winger]

I thought the vaseline in the glove was to keep your hands soft for your wife, Curly

[pshloss]

Originally Posted by gurp13

Maybe I haven't ridden long enough, or maybe it hasn't been that cold, but I've been wearing wool socks by Specialized and my feet are never cold.

How would you clip in with bags on your feet?

From the top of Santiago Pk down to the bottom of Harding is 13 miles of almost all DH. On a cool day it can be in the 40s or even upper 30s at the top. Blasting down gets quite a windchill going. Another tip for warmth- bring a spare jersey for the DH leg.

[gurp13]

Originally Posted by Winger

I thought the vaseline in the glove was to keep your hands soft for your wife, Curly

Dude! Is that a literary allusion on STR? Unheard of!