Socks: What's warm?

[BikerKitty]

I read the cold weather wiki and did a little searching around the forums for some info on socks, but all I could find was stuff about toe warmers that go over your shoes, or Lakes, etc. I'm on a pretty limited budget right now, I wear running shoes to ride, and I'm really just looking for a warm pair of socks to go inside my shoes, not something for the outside.

I had a pair of skiing/snowboarding socks that used to do the trick but they got lost in my move :( and I haven't been able to find a replacement. I looked at REI this weekend and was pretty much a deer in headlights with all the choices. I wish socks would put cold-weather ratings on them, but I didn't see any.

I ended up getting a pair of SmartWool liner socks, and thought they seemed warm but last night my toes were frozen.

The rest of me I've got covered...help me with my feet!

[gopherhockey]

mycoal heaters combined with smartwool socks - works every time at all temps..

[tedsti]

Running shoes may not be the best for warmth since they are designed to breath well for running in the summer. Just get the thickest wool socks you can fit in your shoes without them getting to snug. Having too thick of sock that cuts off circulation in your feet is worse than a thinner sock.

[charliebrown]

Best way to stay warm is don't ride in the winter and put your feet up by the fireplace.

:D

[RiverRat]

I'm assuming your running shoes are the standard summer-type ultra breathable running shoes, so will go with a recomendation from there.

1. Liner socks are typically a lighter weight sock that is used with boots, etc. where you don't have enough room for a thick sock, or when you want to double up your socks. If you have room in your shoes, go with a thicker (non-liner type) sock. I use the smartwool skiing socks as a low-midweight sock (and extra long to cover the gap between shoes and shpants), or the smartwool adrenaline socks for more of a midweight sock. My shoes do not permit any thicker sock to be used without restricting circulation, and thus causing colder feet with thicker socks. Make sure you match your sock thickness to the amount of room available in your shoe. You do not want a tight fit.

2. If all you are using is a running shoe and one pair of socks, you will want a wind resistant shoe cover when it gets cold (between 20 and 40 depending on your circulation, sock and shoe combo, wind speed, bike speed, activity level, etc.....). The neoprene shoe covers are reasonably priced, very wind resistant, and seem to work well. They will not breathe very much, so a good wicking sock like wool would be your best bet.

Another option is to ditch the running shoes and put on some boots.

[charliebrown]

I had a pair of skiing/snowboarding socks that used to do the trick but they got lost in my move :( and I haven't been able to find a replacement.

Here you go:

http://www.rei.com/product/755275

I have these socks and they work great. Smartwool also makes a mountaineering sock that is really warm.

But staying home with your feet up by the fire is the best method.

[Heuy]

I'm assuming your running shoes are the standard summer-type ultra breathable running shoes, so will go with a recomendation from there.........The neoprene shoe covers are reasonably priced, very wind resistant, and seem to work well. They will not breathe very much, so a good wicking sock like wool would be your best bet.



If you're on a budget and have some old running shoes that are too packed out for running, might I suggest duct taping the venting shut and having them be your winter biking shoes.

Same goes for helmets. You don't have to duct tape all of the venting, but maybe half of it.

[MrBatzloff]

I was at rei this weekend and saw a pretty cool product. It's a liner of sorts made of some sort of synthetic wind proof material. Very thin. Between these and a good pair of smart wools or REI hikers you should be in business. These "liners" are located (at the bloomington rei) on the far side of the kiosk back by the slippers. I think they cost $30.

Another, cheaper solution, I used to use when I worked construction in montana is wearing a good pair of wool socks with some sort of plastic bag over the sock, then the shoe or boot. Cheap, yes. Silly looking, yes. But it does keep the warmth in and wind out.

[Tower]

Come on April. Quit sandbagging. Your UND Fighting Sioux! It ain't much different than trudging around campus in GF...

Whatever you got, just add duct tape and you'll be good.

Ricoh rides Thursday nights at the River if your ever game for our game... Pain and punishment yes. Rec rides nope, not with our clan.


The rest of me I've got covered...help me with my feet!

[BikerKitty]

Thanks for helping me find the frickin' snowboard and ski socks at REI. I have no idea where I was looking in the store, but I couldn't find them on Saturday.

Also, good idea on the Mycoal suggestion. I'm totally getting some of those! I always wondered how people shoved them in their shoes 'cause I was picturing the handwarmers, all big and square, but these are tapered and stick under your toes? Super cool.

And yes, my shoes are your standard crappy mesh-top running shoes. You guys helped me remember that I have an old pair of fleece-lined mid-calf boots in my closet! I'm probably gonna switch to those, plus ski socks and those MyCoal things.

Larry and Matt - How could I forget duct tape? You're right, it's probably not much different than standing in line for 5 hours in a -30 windchill in a blizzard for Fighting Sioux hockey tickets. That's PAIN! But alcohol got me through a lot of it. Maybe I just need duct tape and peppermint schnapps for winter riding. Hmmmm.

Eric, you are a wuss. ;) If you're not too cold to ski, you're not too cold to ride. Sheesh!

Now I just have to get all this together by Thursday for Leb!

[Pandl]

Now I just have to get all this together by Thursday for Leb!

No, by tonite at Salem.

I have heard a lot about these http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=24344 I ordered a pair, but only got them one size bigger than my mtn bike shoe, so had to send them back for 2 sizes bigger. These are only $24.99 now vs $39.99 normal. so, cheaper than some socks, and you can wear them more often than socks. Too bad I won't have them tonite...

[gopherhockey]

Come on April. Quit sandbagging. Your UND Fighting Sioux! It ain't much different than trudging around campus in GF...



Gawd.. I remember walking around that campus at 0 degrees with no hat and my glasses frozen to my face. I wonder if its still "cool" to not wear hats of if they have wised up by now... :p

Anyway....

[Tower]

Radiator frozen solid at the campus parking lot on right behind old Memorial Stadium...

Wised up? NoDak's live for cold and wind... What was that joke about wind, montana, and minnesota?

Back on subject. Hey April, keep the duct tape warm before application, it don't stick well below freezing...

Gawd.. I remember walking around that campus at 0 degrees with no hat and my glasses frozen to my face. I wonder if its still "cool" to not wear hats of if they have wised up by now... :p

Anyway....

[jitterjepp]

April, this works well too. First use a shoe that wind can't get through like others suggested. Neoprene booties help too. I have a larger sized Neoprene shoe cover and for seriously cold weather I put a air of smart wool mountaineering socks over the shoe and then put the neoprene booties over that.
The toe warmers also help out in a massive way. Put on the nylon liners and then put the toe warmers under your toes and a smart wool mountaineering socks over that. This has gotten me through many years doing construction work outside and ice climbing.

When I did the Arrowhead race a couple years ago it was -21 without the wind chill and with the toe warmers, the socks and the sock over the shoe and neoprene booties I was pretty solid. I had to stop and push my bike a few times for about ten minutes to warm them up but for how cold it was it seemed like the system worked pretty well.


In 0 - 30 degree weather the socks, toe warmers and neoprene booties are totally solid without putting another sock over the shoe.


I don't know if anyone mentioned it here but they also sell battery operated sock warmers. I think they are about $75 a pair. I know someone who uses them for ice climbing and she loves them.

[BikerKitty]

I don't know if anyone mentioned it here but they also sell battery operated sock warmers. I think they are about $75 a pair. I know someone who uses them for ice climbing and she loves them.

See initial post re: limited budget ;)

[rgg2201473]

Dick's will keep you warm!
They've got electric ones to keep those extremities warm.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2539100&cp=1905680&origkw=Lectra&kw=lectra&parentPage=search&searchId=17899122221&cid=

[BikerKitty]

Dick's will keep you warm!


Um....wow. ;)


But seriously, those ROCK! I may have to order some. It's funny how long electric socks have been around. I remember my parents and I all having some that we got at Eddie Bauer when we lived in CO and I was like 10 or 11. They would actually get too hot!

For $20, I think I'll get these and see how they work.

[jitterjepp]

See initial post re: limited budget ;)Moon boots!

[soupboy]

Ya know, there *are* a bunch of typically snooty, dismissive people wearing REI badges and funny green vests in there that are supposed to be able to direct you to the products you seek....:p

Thanks for helping me find the frickin' snowboard and ski socks at REI. I have no idea where I was looking in the store, but I couldn't find them on Saturday.

I think a high quality, thin wool sock married with a Gore-Tex oversock should do the ticket in most winter weather - YMMV. Helps you avoid the bunching of heavy "winter" socks and eliminates the wind exposure inherent in any running shoe/sock combo. I did this before dropping the dough on proper winter boots.

FWIW, Nashbar is having a sale right now on Sidi winter boots. Frozen toes and hands will ruin winter fun before anything else. You can't spend too much on keeping your shrimps cooking.

[tkb608]

If you really want to stick to low budget you might try the vapor barrier trick it works very well but is not terribly comfortable. Just stick your foot in a baggie ( from your kitchen pantry ) and then put your sock over it and your running shoes. You'll be surprised how warm your feet will get, clammy though.

[Deputy Halik]

Dick's will keep you warm!
They've got electric ones to keep those extremities warm.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2539100&cp=1905680&origkw=Lectra&kw=lectra&parentPage=search&searchId=17899122221&cid=

Wouldn't wearing these be like dropping a toaster in a bathtub if they get wet? zzzzzzt!

[bigwheel]

Bunny alert :bunny:

I took a crack at a homebrew electric insole. It was really easy to make, and will be dirt cheap.

I paid about $5 for 60 ft of #22 nichrome wire. My prototype used about 6 ft of wire per shoe, held in place by a piece of thin plastic. I used a piece of a roll-up sled, but I think that a milk jug will work. Poke a bunch of holes in the plastic, and weave the wire into place, so that the wires don't cross. Add a couple batteries and your feet will be toasty warm.

According to my tests (standing outside in my tennies), 5 watts seems is about right. I am planning to build mine at 2.5 watts, but have a 10 watt "turbo" switch. You can change wattage by changing the length of wire and the type/number of batteries. 2 Li-Ion cells worked great for the prototype, but I might go with 4 AA NiMH for the real thing.

When it gets cold out, I'll build the real thing, and post some pictures.

After that, Heated Water Bottle, Heated Grips (or gloves). Seat? Helmet? Undies? :)

[gtbikes]

Ya know, there *are* a bunch of typically snooty, dismissive people wearing REI badges and funny green vests in there that are supposed to be able to direct you to the products you seek....:p

I think a high quality, thin wool sock married with a Gore-Tex oversock should do the ticket in most winter weather - YMMV. Helps you avoid the bunching of heavy "winter" socks and eliminates the wind exposure inherent in any running shoe/sock combo. I did this before dropping the dough on proper winter boots.

FWIW, Nashbar is having a sale right now on Sidi winter boots. Frozen toes and hands will ruin winter fun before anything else. You can't spend too much on keeping your shrimps cooking.

As someone who has a bit of training/product knowledge in foorwear (socks too), climbing, etc at REI, I seriously hope that the employees there are never "snooty", I have found them to be a great group of individuals to work with for my part time "fun" job. Now to note, no sock/shoe combo is ever going to produce energy by itself. Therefore, they will only provide insulation to the heat your foot will produce. So yes if you have a too tight shoe/sock that cuts off circulation, thus limiting the blood flow with warmer blood to the extremities your feet will be cold.

Adding an element barrier (wind/rain) will add in the layering process. Remember it is the moisture on the skin evaporating the makes us feel cold.

Of course having a shoe/sock that is gore-tex will keep the elements off, and therefore slow down the heat loss.

Typically for winter activities (including biking) I layer with a wicking sock first, then a biking or midweight (less than 30 or raining/windy) then my shoe/boot. An element barrier over the shoe for biking helps to keep the run/mud/ice off and adds an additional layer.

Yes, it is STUPID:banghead: that REI has socks in several places.....it is a 'corporate' thing that the ski/snowboard socks sre not with the rest of the socks...

[Guest1]

As someone who has a bit of training/product knowledge in foorwear (socks too), climbing, etc at REI, I seriously hope that the employees there are never "snooty",

One must know what a pot calling kettle statement that is coming from Soupboy before taking offense.

[BikerKitty]

Ya know, there *are* a bunch of typically snooty, dismissive people wearing REI badges and funny green vests in there that are supposed to be able to direct you to the products you seek....:p


Nice. I can honestly say that every time I have been in REI I have had the best service of my life. No one has ever argued with me about anything, or made me feel stupid, or not helped me. Everyone has always gone out of their way to be nice and it's obvious that everyone working there loves what they're doing and is enthusiastic about the outdoors.

I was in there on Saturday and it was insanely busy, and everyone in green that I could find was already helping someone else. My parents' eyes were starting to glaze over so I decided to just get what I had and worry about other socks later.

It is pretty silly that they don't at least have some ski/snowboard socks in with the rest...oh, well. Not a big deal.

I tried to buy some electric socks at Gander Mountain last night but they only had everything in medium...nothing smaller. Apparently not a lot of women shop there. I'm not worried about getting electrocuted...it's just a D battery.

[rgg2201473]

Bob,
You make MacGiver look like an amateur! I want to see that electic foot thing for sure and... how about for hands too. And maybe some LEDs at each extremity? Awesome!
(please... no responses about electric underwear and LEDs :crazy2: )

[gtbikes]

One must know what a pot calling kettle statement that is coming from Soupboy before taking offense.

I figured as much, none was taken only clarification....

[Lezgo Cycling]

whats warm is 5 pairs socks plus wrapping your feet in more layers over the shoes

[jitterjepp]

Nice. I can honestly say that every time I have been in REI I have had the best service of my life. No one has ever argued with me about anything, or made me feel stupid, or not helped me. Everyone has always gone out of their way to be nice and it's obvious that everyone working there loves what they're doing and is enthusiastic about the outdoors.

+1
I've never had a problem there either. I know a bunch of people who work there now or have in the past. My brother in law worked there and he is pretty far from snooty. They let people use their meeting rooms, organize trail clean-ups, sponsor events galore and donate gear...

[Lezgo Cycling]

I love REI for certain things...I cant say I would buy a bike there for myself, becasue I am looking for something a little more high qauility, but fo rthe entry level, or anything else cycling you need I love it....XC skiis I bought from there yrs ago and they are still going strong...

[Paul Swenson]

REI is my favorite big box. Still rather buy stuff from Finn Sisu or One On One.

[kabbie_cache]

Moon boots!

I think I heard that somewhere before ?

[manual63]

Yesterday I had on my silk socks as a base, then my Surly wool socks over them. Then I had my normal bike shoes with neoprene booties. My feet stayed warm with that setup and I think it was 13 degrees out. Add in some toe warmers if it's a longer ride or colder.....you are good to go.

Last year I had the same setup with toe warmers during the Stuporbowl and it was 10 below or something crazy like that. My feet were fine.

[bigwheel]

whats warm is 5 pairs socks plus wrapping your feet in more layers over the shoes

... while sitting in a hot tub.

[Mario]

I'm curious as to the electric ones.

i've tried wearing 3+ pairs of good socks/liners/smartwool/thick wool/booties and my feet still freeze.:banghead:

anyone have actual experience with the electric ones/what model, etc?