Winter Cycling Tips and Gear for Keeping Your Feet Warm

Cycling in winter can be invigorating, offering a break from the heat and pesky insects of warmer months. But nothing spoils the experience like cold feet. Unlike walking or running, cycling doesn’t engage the feet as intensely, leaving them more susceptible to chilly temperatures. However, with the right gear and strategies, it’s entirely possible to keep your feet warm.

The Science of Circulation

Your body generates heat through muscle activity. Flexing muscles produces warmth, but cycling requires less foot movement than walking or running, so feet rely on circulation for heat. Reduced circulation means less warmth. Additionally, external cooling factors—conduction, convection, evaporation, and radiation—can quickly sap warmth. Addressing these can make all the difference.

Conduction-duction, What’s your Function?

Metal pedals conduct heat away from your feet faster than plastic ones. To reduce heat loss, consider insulating insoles or adding barriers, like closed-cell foam or even a credit card, between the boot liner and the pedal. This minimizes direct heat transfer and helps your feet retain warmth.

Winterised

If you prefer a straightforward approach, investing in high-quality winter boots is your best bet. Boots such as Muck Arctic models paired with Bama Socks can keep feet warm at temperatures as low as -30°C for at least an hour. However, while effective, they can be cumbersome for multi-day bikepacking trips due to drying needs between rides.

If your feet are cold mid-ride, stop and walk briskly, pushing your bike if needed. This quick fix can restore warmth, although it’s better for shorter breaks than long-distance cycling.

The Role of Clothing: Boosting Circulation

Blood flow to the feet can slow down when your legs and hips get cold, so keeping these areas warm is crucial. Opt for:

• Up to -5°C: Long johns or tights made from wool or synthetic materials.
• -5°C to -20°C: Layer stretch fleece tights over long johns with wind-resistant fronts.
• Below -20°C: Heavy fleece or soft-shell tights with wind protection.

Insulating your hips and buttocks helps maintain circulation and keeps your feet warm.

Socks: The Overlooked Heroes

Choosing the right socks is vital. Tight socks can restrict circulation and worsen cold feet. Layering socks may seem like an easy fix, but tightness can be counterproductive. Instead, choose a single pair of thick wool socks or a double-layer system. Brands like Darn Tough and Icebreaker offer excellent wool socks. For added protection, consider vapor barrier liners (VBLs), made from materials like mylar balloons or specialized products, to keep moisture away from the insulation.

For added protection, some cyclists prefer waterproof socks like those from Showers Pass or Sealskinz, though be aware they can still get damp from sweat.

Carry an extra pair of socks to change into when you arrive at work. Some people even stuff their shoes with newspaper during the day to help absorb moisture. And if you’re really in a pinch, leaving a spare pair of shoes at work is a game-changer.

Boots and Vapor Barrier Liners

Moisture is the enemy of warmth. Water from sweat, snow, or rain conducts heat away and can freeze, leaving you standing on ice. Waterproof boots paired with VBLs help keep sweat out of the insulation. While makeshift VBLs like trash bags work, commercial options from brands like Rab offer better durability and effectiveness.

Choosing the Right Boots

Be cautious of boot temperature ratings. They often refer to static or low-activity conditions and don’t reflect the realities of cycling. For instance, a boot rated for -50°C may suffice when standing still but could fall short during an active ride. The “waiting for the bus” temperature rating can be up to 20°C lower than active-use conditions.

For bicycle commuting, there are a number of cool brands with great options for stylish and totally weatherproof hi-top shoes. For instance, the Chrome Storm boots are a

The North Face Larimer Mid Waterproof Boots combine style, comfort, and performance with waterproof suede, insulated lining, and durable rubber outsoles, making them perfect for winter conditions and riding, all for $139.00.

SOREL Metro™ II Waterproof Sneak offers the perfect blend of sneaker comfort and boot protection, featuring waterproof suede, 100g insulation, and a vulcanized rubber sole with EVERTREAD™ pods for support, $140.

Chrome Industries Storm boots

The Importance of Flexibility

Boots with rigid soles don’t flex as naturally while walking, leading to colder feet. Flexible boots allow more natural movement and better warmth retention. However, be careful with overly loose boots, as they can impact your pedaling efficiency. Striking a balance is key.

Gaiters and Toe Covers

Adding gaiters or toe covers can help seal out the water from your shoes, especially on those days when the rain is coming down hard.

As one option, RockBros has some thermal toe covers designed just for cycling. They are thermal, windproof, and water-resistant toe covers made from 2.7mm elastic SBR lycra fabric with a durable Kevlar bottom, designed to keep your feet warm and protected during cold weather cycling, and feature two fixed straps for a secure fit.

RockBros toe covers

Preventing Frozen Boots

Frozen boots can cause blisters and discomfort. Prevent this by keeping boots dry with VBLs and waterproof overboots like Neos. Even on multi-day trips, a well-sealed boot system can help keep your feet dry and warm.

For instance, the MEC Cloudburst Shoe Covers are waterproof and streamlined, designed to keep your feet dry during cycle commuting in wet conditions, with a durable recycled nylon ripstop construction, adjustable fit, and reflective details for added visibility.

MEC boot covers

Final Thoughts

Winter cycling doesn’t have to mean suffering from cold feet. With the right footwear, insulation, and moisture management, you can enjoy your rides even in sub-zero temperatures. Whether you opt for high-end winter boots or clever, budget-friendly DIY solutions, the secret lies in maintaining circulation, protecting against moisture, and layering effectively.