Winter is coming, and with it, its cool but sometimes beautiful and sunny days. A season that does not prevent bike rides. but it can be cold and windy. The first to suffer from these conditions during cycling activities are often our feet. frozen and numb, It's far from being ideal to fully enjoy it !

It is therefore essential to protect yourself well to keep your feet warm while cycling !

Why do we get cold feet when cycling in the winter ?

Everyone has their own sensitivity to cold., but the body functions in the same way for everyone: when temperatures are low, the body will switch to "survival mode" and prioritize blood flow to vital organs, such as the heart., to the detriment of extremities such as the feet and hands.

In general, the feet are also further away from the heart, physically, and therefore more difficult to be supplied with blood by the heart.
And finally, when cycling, The feet are constantly exposed to the wind, which accentuates the sensation of cold.

How to keep your feet warm while cycling ?

In the old days, cyclists protected their feet with whatever means they had at hand., Most often newspaper : an ancient technique practiced by cyclists all over the world, from amateurs to the Tour de France! And for good reason, it insulates from the cold and humidity by creating an intermediate layer (similar to a jacket). Wrapping a foil around each foot is a clever and inexpensive trick !

Although this technique is still sometimes used, There are now more effective and safer solutions to protect oneself from the cold:

The shoe covers:

The shoe covers, also known as "overshoes", allow to isolate from the wind and humidity, which are the main aggravating factors of the sensation of cold. They are often" made of neoprene, , materials waterproof and windproof.

The warm socks:

To avoid getting cold feet while cycling, we present to you the materials perfect socks to fight the cold: Wool !

Wool is the materials Winter essential. Whether it comes from sheep, goats, or even alpacas, this natural fiber is the best for thermal insulation.

The higher its percentage in the composition of a sock, the more insulating and warm the sock feels. Furthermore, wool has a strong capacity for absorbing and wicking away moisture., what allows you to stay dry at all times. One should not overlook this detail when considering that humidity intensifies the feeling of cold !

Be careful not to wear wool socks that are too thick... Cycling shoes are very rigid. Even the slightest extra thickness will create significant compression on your foot. The shoe does not deform at all, it is your foot that will act as a buffer. And it must be avoided at all costs as it can lead to compression on the feet, hinder blood circulation, and accentuate the sensation of cold.

At the end of the article, you will find a selection of our thin socks, which are suitable for winter cycling!

This is why Merino wool is the best variety of wool. Like traditional wool, its surface is covered with scales that trap air and provide a "fluffiness" that insulates your feet. However, Merino wool scales are three times finer! Thanks to their fineness, Merino wool does not itch, and textiles made with it are finer than those made with traditional wool.

So no problem of thickness with these socks materials. In addition to being thin and soft, it is lightweight and provides a second skin feeling.
Finally, this wool comes from Merino sheep that can withstand temperatures ranging from -20°C to +35°C., A significant argument !

Heated socks:

There are many new technologies to fight against the cold.

The clothing sector is no exception, and now offers solutions that are certainly expensive, but highly effective. You won't regret the investment !
To fight against cold feet, there are heated socks that can be worn during your city biking, mountain biking activities... By wearing them, you are sure not to have cold feet anymore !

The HEATPROTECH model from Monnet, a French manufacturer of quality socks, is designed without electric wires, using a textile made of Merino wool and heating fibers made of stainless steel and polyamide, ensuring even and efficient heating. To adjust and manage battery autonomy, it's easy! You just need to use the controls on the socks or the smartphone app connected to your socks via Bluetooth !

We have just seen the most effective solutions to avoid getting cold feet while cycling.
There are also other tips. Less expensive, and also less effective. But they can provide you with a bit of warmth while you wait to be able to invest:

The hand warmers:

These are small packets that react to contact with air and produce heat. Here too, the additional thickness of the warmers can lead to overall compression of the foot or pressure points that can be painful. Moreover, this extra thickness could hinder your ability to take your stance and move around.

The heating cream:

Athletes regularly use heating cream to prevent muscle tears and relieve muscle tightness.
Its heating principle allows to increase blood flow, thanks to vasodilation, where it is applied.
The influx of blood being greater, the sensation of heat is also higher.

However, be cautious of reactions after application: make sure you are not allergic by testing the cream a few days before using it for your bike trip. Also, ensure you find the cream that suits you: it would be a shame to feel a burning sensation instead of a pleasant feeling of warmth !

The phenomenon of "fire in the feet":

The phenomenon of "burning feet" is referred to as the sensation of burning under the feet. Cyclists are particularly affected by this when the air temperature is close to or higher than that of the skin.

Where does it come from ?

Physical effort increases the body's metabolic activity by speeding up blood circulation and calorie burning. As a result, the body temperature rises, reaching up to 41°C for the muscles.

This heat leads to an increase in the caliber of blood vessels (vasodilation) and consequently to an influx of blood. In the lower limbs, the amount of blood increases, and can sometimes congest the plantar venous plexus and cause it to overheat.

In case of intense heat, the body temperature can no longer be regulated by the surrounding air. This is when sensations of burning appear.

How to get rid of it ?

The first thing to do is to stimulate blood circulation in the plantar venous sole by making movements. Take a break, walk around, and wiggle your toes.
You can also take off your shoes and Massage your arch. For greater efficiency, you can spray your calves and feet with cold water.
Finally, it is important to remove any cause of compression, whether it be in the shoes or socks.

Do not do:

- The double pair of socks: You will get the same result as with socks that are too thick: too much pressure on your feet, and the accompanying sensation of cold.

- Cotton socks: This is it materials Cotton is the most commonly used material in sock manufacturing because once woven, its fibers are very durable and comfortable. However, they are not suitable for intense sports. Indeed, cotton absorbs moisture and becomes waterlogged, which increases the sensation of cold.