Keeping your feet warm in winter?

[C_Tanner]

I am always trying to poke holes in my outdoor/survival kit. One thing I have been looking at in winter is body thermoregulation, especially if all you have to rely on is your kit.

Everyone knows you lose a ton of heat from your head and neck. Today I founda great deal on wool tube scarves/ bandannas/buffs and ordered a five pack. But the head area is easy. What's difficult is hands and feet.

Hands.... Pretty simple. The more expensive the glove, the better.

What I want to focus on is feet... With normal footwear such as workboots. "buy good winter boots" in not an option for an answer here.

In a winter self reliance situation, when your feet get cold, that is seriously debilitating. You can't rub your feet together like your hands. So what can you do, or what have you done to combat this?





IMy experience that led me to ponder this: I work I machine shop not far from a rolling bay door on a concrete floor. When it gets cold the floor literally sucks the warmth from my feet. This is with good $120 Timberland steel toed boots, polypro liner socks AND Merino wool socks. And I'm not trying to build a shelter in the woods either....


I usually have to resort to hothands heated insoles, which are good for allmost 8 hours. But that is impractical in an outdoor/survival situation where you may not have any. And if polypro/ merino wool isn't good enough, what can one do in this situation, be it planned or unplanned? Again.. Carrying winter boots is not an option!

I just ordered some British sealskinz Goretex waterproof socks that I plan on trying in combination with the wool. Those are easy to throw in a pack. Maybe the moisture barrier would help.

Wondering if cutting insoles from one of those heat shields you stick in your cars windshield in the summer would work? Or aluminum foil?

Is there any products you have used that work well? This, to me,seems to be the hardest body part to plan for in a cold weather scenario. And since 99% of Becker users like to be in the woods....I'm open to to hearing what works for you, or new ideas.

Edit to add: I can't wait for the BK4, the BK16, the BK14 handles....and should I buy a BK7 or BK5?

 

[daizee]

You can't rub your feet together like your hands.

Maybe YOU can't - now you know the reason I only ever show pictures of my cat...

This is with good $120 Timberland steel toed boots

Polymer toe guards instead of steel? extra bonus: they won't take a set and trap your toes.
I've heard many laments about the frigid nature of steel-toed boots.

-Daizee

 

[C_Tanner]

Maybe YOU can't - now you know the reason I only ever show pictures of my cat...



Polymer toe guards instead of steel? extra bonus: they won't take a set and trap your toes.
I've heard many laments about the frigid nature of steel-toed boots.

-Daizee

This isnt regulated simply to work boots, but anything not a specific winter boot, be it athletic shoes, hiking boots, muck boots...anything.

 

[Murphnuge]

If I'm on my feet I'm wearing boots. Usually Doc Marten's or Converse desert boots both are steel or composite toe. I wear wool socks year round in all climates, no issue. In the sleeping bag I stuff my GI poncho liner down around my feet. For extra warmth a nalgene with boiling water wrapped in the liner(so not to burn skin) has never failed.

 

[Skystorm]

I had the same problem, never really gave much thought to feet. Usually when I needed new shoes I just planned on 1-120.00, since that's what I have always spent. I wound up doing a lot of research and settled on the simple fact that I needed to spend more on better footwear to begin with.
I needed a multipurpose boot that didn't weigh a ton so after more research I wound up settling on some Lowa Renegades. Goretex lined, no break in to speak of. Throw some superfeet insoles in them and flat out the most comfortable boot, or shoe for that matter, I have ever had. Those paired with some Darn Tough merino wool socks and my feet are warm without being sweaty year round. Almost went with the Asolo's but they didn't fit quite right.
Though they cost more initially, they will last several years so you more than break even in the end.

Didn't even use my winter boots this year, They keep your feet warm no matter what but you have to walk around like godzilla in them. Steel toes radiate the cold, I quit wearing those years ago.

 

[jwaj]

I have some insulated Danner Ft Lewis boots I wear when I'm up in the mountains. My feet stay warm all day. I tried the seal skinz when they first came out. They made my feet sweat at first then because of the bulk they reduced circulation to my feet which in turn got cold. I know other guys that have them and love em though. Think it was just my mutant feet causing the problem.

If you have room in your boots, try doubling up your insoles or cut up an isomat (mousepad material). Sounds like you need a rubber mat to stand on at work or maybe the boss could turn the heat up a notch standing without much movement is a recipe for cold feet.

A big thumbs up on the Lowas Skystorm recommended. Been wearing those on trail hikes since they introduced that model.

 

[C_Tanner]

I'm hoping the sealskinz+the wool does the trick. Now, considering what a wetsuit does, I wonder if they make a neoprene sock for heavy cold?

know its not just the steel toes..I double socked it in my Bogs (like Muck boots) thinking they would still be good in snow....still needed the heat insoles. Maybe I just have "wife feet". You know...."I'm cooooold!...." (I know its Valentines Day, but she doesn't read Bladeforums..)

 

[C_Tanner]

I have some insulated Danner Ft Lewis boots I wear when I'm up in the mountains. My feet stay warm all day. I tried the seal skinz when they first came out. They made my feet sweat at first then because of the bulk they reduced circulation to my feet which in turn got cold. I know other guys that have them and love em though. Think it was just my mutant feet causing the problem.

If you have room in your boots, try doubling up your insoles or cut up an isomat (mousepad material). Sounds like you need a rubber mat to stand on at work or maybe the boss could turn the heat up a notch standing without much movement is a recipe for cold feet.

A big thumbs up on the Lowas Skystorm recommended. Been wearing those on trail hikes since they introduced that model.

More concerned with wilderness....the work situation just let me see the problem BEFORE it became an issue in the woods where it counts.

Think my windshield reflector idea would work? Gonna make a set tonight and try.

Edit to add: I will use my BK11 to cut the pattern out, and open the package.

 

[tradewater]

Try some Tyvek house wrap if you can find a scrap piece of it. Layered between liners and thick wool socks. Breathes, but keeps them feets toasty. The duck hunters around here do it. Wash it in the washing machine to soften it (cold/cold).

 

[mrn8]

If I have to stay warm, I use my pac-boots, but I have some Merrell Whiteout 8 boots that are light enough and comfortable enough to stay on my feet all day. If it's colder, I'll throw on some wool socks, but for winter hiking (without an overnight), I'll do cotton socks. So far, these have worn well and show no signs of wearing out. I just got them in November, though. My Merrell shoes (Chameleon 3 Stretch) lasted a full 2 years of being warm almost every day.

 

[PropThePolecat]

Woolpower.se has 12 tips to keeping your feet warm that ive found informative.

Speaking from my own experience... point 4, 7 and 10 are especially important to keeping your feet warm. I cant stress dry and moisture-free socks enough.

Copied from here: http://www.woolpower.se/en/asp/kladigratt_4.asp

Keep you feet warm!


Everyone knows how it feels to have cold feet. You try to jump up and down in one spot, frantically
wiggle your toes or kick one foot against the other. Nothing helps.

We at Woolpower AB in Östersund, Sweden, have a long and extensive experience with cold weather, cold winters and, most importantly, with how best to dress to stay warm when it’s cold. We want to share our knowledge and our experiences about how the body and feet work when it is cold, and the best ways to stay comfortably warm and dry on your feet. After all, your feet are your shock absorbers
throughout your life!

Here are 12 tips for cold feet!

1. KEEP THE BODY WARM, AND PUT A HAT ON
In order to keep the feet from getting cold, it is important that the rest of the body is properly dressed When the body gets cold it puts a priority on keeping the heart, brain and other vital organs warm, and so reduces heat flow to the hands and feet. This is why your feet and hands usually feel cold first, even if the rest of the body feels warm. And a head without a hat works like a chimney where a big part of the body heat escapes.

2. EAT AND DRINK
The body needs energy in order to maintain its temperature balance, so do not forget to eat and drink. And it is not necessarily warm liquids that you need in order to keep warm, but rather energy rich food and drinks.

3. DOUBLE UP THE SOCK
The layering principle is for socks as well. Wear a thinner, fitted sock closest to your foot and a thicker sock on top of it. This system helps absorb moisture from the foot and also traps maximum amounts of air. This also helps you avoiding blisters as friction is dissapated between your socks and
not against your skin.

4. DO NOT CONDUCT THE HEAT
A cold surface can conduct a large amount of heat away from your feet, so it is important to insulate your feet as much as possible. Use an insulating insole, preferably one made from wool, inside your shoes, and stand on a foam pad or some pine branches to prevent your feet’s warmth from being conducted to the cold ground.

5. KEEP YOUR FEET DRY, USE THE RIGHT SOCKS
Keeping your feet dry is vital when you don’t want to have cold feet. Wet feet quickly turn into cold feet. During low activity, one of your feet perspires roughly 3 ml of moisture per hour while heavy activity puts it up to about 15 ml. During very heavy work, the perspiration can exceed 30 ml per hour.Use socks made from moisture transporting material, such as wool. Wool fibers absorb moisture remarkably well, and can absorb up to 30% of their own weight in moisture without feeling moist. And wool gives off some heat when wet, as well.

6. CHANGE INTO CLEAN AND DRY SOCKS OFTEN
Switch socks just before going outside in the cold so that they are not too warm and moist from being worn inside. By alternating between two pairs of socks, you can change multiple times during a day.

7. DRY YOUR MOIST SOCKS
To dry out your moist socks, use your body heat. Tuck your damp socks inside the waistband of your pants and let them dry from the heat that your body gives out.

8. MOVE THE MOISTURE WITH WOOL
Many problems with cold feet are caused by a lack of ventilation. Very dense materials in socks, shoes and boots only allow for a small amount of moisture to evaporate. When your feet perspire heavily, wool will actively absorb the excess moisture and move it away from your skin. Too much cotton in your socks will retain the moisture, and keep it from evaporating away.

9. TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF
Take your shoes off when you take a break so that the moisture in them gets the chance to escape.

10. PLENTY OF ROOM
If the blood flow to your feet is impaired for any reason, your feet will quickly become cold. Think of your circulation. Use shoes that allow for some extra room, and do not overtighten them. This can reduce blood flow and your feet will quickly get cold. You have to be able to move your toes.

11. MOVE BOTH YOUR TOES AND FEET
By moving both your toes and feet, you stimulate blood flow. This increases your feet’s temperature and reduces the risk of localized frostbite.

12. TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET
It is important to take care of your feet. Clean and dry feet afford better blood circulation, which allows you to handle the cold better, and helps minimize the chance of blisters. Do not use waterbased creams for your feet since the water in the cream can freeze and cause frostbite at low temperatures.

 

[daizee]

Wool socks are obviously critical, but often bulky. The newer smartwool-style socks usually fit better. If my boots are too tight, like Trade mentioned, cold cold. So overstuffing wool socks into your standard boot size won't make you warmer. My feet get cold when sitting still during hunting season - bulkier boots with more insulation and room for thicker wool socks are probably the answer in my case.

Steel toes technically absorb heat (no such thing as cold radiation), unlike a similar layer of insulation which might be in there instead, which would capture the warmed air in heat-retaining layer. The metal works as an effective heat sink, cheerfully helping your feet reach a thermodynamic equilibrium with the outside by absorbing heat from the warm side and transmitting it to the colder one. yick.

-Daizee

 

[GingivitisKahn]

One of the problems with regulating foot temperature in the winter is sweat. You walk, your feet sweat. You stop and they start getting cold. One remedy I've tried (not my idea but an older hunter I respect) works to a pretty fair extent. A month or two before the the weather gets cold, start treating your feet with alum powder. This seriously retards sweat production. Stop applying it towards the end of winter and your feet will sweat as normal in the summer (if that's your thing).


---

Beckerhead #42

 

[cautioning]

One of the problems with regulating foot temperature in the winter is sweat. You walk, your feet sweat. You stop and they start getting cold. One remedy I've tried (not my idea but an older hunter I respect) works to a pretty fair extent. A month or two before the the weather gets cold, start treating your feet with alum powder. This seriously retards sweat production. Stop applying it towards the end of winter and your feet will sweat as normal in the summer (if that's your thing).

---

Beckerhead #42

Spot on Kahn. This has always been my problem in the winter. When I was a teenager and had some funky feet going on I used to have a stick of anti-perspirant in my sock drawer and would apply it everyday. It really worked wonders for foot sweat which is what always freezez my feet.

 

[trailbum]

Steel toes in the winter make my toes ache.
As long as I'm mobile, I'm ok.
Good socks are a plus.

 

[chopchop]

My issue with cold feet in winter is the balancing act between socks that are warm enough, but not too warm.

I'm a naturally sweaty person, so my feet sweat, my socks get a bit damp, and then my feet get cold. This happens especially when I'm going from high to low activity or when I'm going from inside to outside.

I think the woolpower tips that propthepolecat just posted are spot on. I always carry 1 extra pair of dry socks more than I think I will need, and I usually am OCD enough to put them in something waterproof. I'm often around water, so I'm always picturing what would happen if I got wet.

 

[BRL]

 

[C_Tanner]

Good input everyone. In my Clothes BOB I have several pairs of new cotton and new Merino Wool socks. With the addition of the Sealskinz, its a lot of redundancy. I'm going to make those insoles in a bit, will post pics later. I have seen insoles made like that by Kiwi (reflective silver insoles), so there must be something to it. If so, I'll be putting some in every emergency pack.

Edit to add: Gonna put a BEcker Remora in every pack with them.

 

[imaginefj]

I have had good luck wearing inexpensive military mittens. You could wear a mechanix glove underneath for more warmth and added utility.

Boots that are too tight make your feet cold. No loft, no insulation.

Also, keep your feet dry and rotate so you are wearing dry socks.

 

[Pa_Slasher]

Tanner I am a huge fan and wearer of Muck boots. Their new actic mucks are the shit in cold weather. Just change those socks more often and these suckers make ice fishing way more enjoyable. I am not a very big guy weight wise, so warm feet is a must. I would look into these but thats me. :thumbup: