Keep Your Feet Warm (and dry) on Winter Bike Rides – A Top 5 List
Winter can be the best time of year to ride your bike, it can also turn into a miserable experience when you’re not properly equipped to keep your extremities warm and dry. Everyone has a different tolerance level for cold weather, so some experimentation might be necessary. Here are five ways, from least to most extreme in terms of cost and temperature, that have helped keep us pedaling through the winter.
#5 | Grabber Toe Warmers
Anyone who ventures outside in the winter, whether you’re cycling, snowboarding, or cross country skiing, should always have a supply of toe warmers. This inexpensive option works well and can be used with a variety of other techniques to keep your feet warm when the temp really drops.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Inexpensive
- Good to have on hand for any outdoor winter endeavors
- Use in combination with any of the other options on this list
#4 | Smartwool PhD Snowboard Medium Socks
We love wool, and we love snowboarding socks for cycling. They add an extra layer of protection all the way up to your knees, and they’re already designed to keep feet warm in the coldest of environments. Add toe warmers and you’ll be good down to some pretty low temps.
NOTE: Keep in mind that those shoes you wear with a paper thin sock might get a little snug when you try to stuff thick socks and toe warmers in there. Tight shoes tend to make your feet cold more quickly, so adjust accordingly.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Merino Wool!
- Extra warmth up to your knees
- Combine with any other gear on this list
#3 | Showers Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Cycling Socks
Showers Pass, based in the Pacific Northwest, is in the business of keeping riders warm and dry in the wettest conditions on the planet. If you’re riding in the snow and slop, a pair of waterproof socks is a good investment. Your shoes will still get wet, but these socks will keep your feet warm and dry.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Waterproof!
- Feels like a normal sock
#2 | Pearl Izumi Elite Softshell MTB Shoe Cover
Shoe covers allow you to use your normal riding shoes while adding a layer of water and wind protection. Your shoes will stay dry in all but the nastiest of conditions, and you can combine with warm socks and toe warmers for a versatile setup that covers a wide range of temperatures and conditions.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Water resistant
- Wind resistant and insulated
#1 | Lake MXZ303
The Lake MXZ303 is the grand daddy of winter cycling shoes. There are plenty of other options out there, but none match the features, fit, and performance of the MXZ303. If you’re committed to riding all winter, in the nastiest conditions imaginable, go straight to these shoes.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Vibram sole
- Boa closure system
- Pittards full grain leather upper
- 3M Thinsulate lining in the toe box
- Thermosol composite insulation insole
$260 | Support your local bike shop!