. . .age . . it catches up with all of us; especially my tootsies it would seem . . .

Last session (Fri-Sun) last week it wasn't Baltic but my feet really started to 'feel it' especially at the dormant dark period from 4.30 till bedtime. Currently sporting breathable leather ankle boots with a goretex liner and the warmest heavyweight merino Bridgedale socks - walking around / doing stuff this set up is fine as my feet dont sweat / stay dry perfectly . . however when static the cold eventually seems to set in. This is with them planted on a neoprene bivvy mat and ground sheet below . . !

I've got Skee-tex wellies / Sundridge Hotfoot boots but both were made redundant years ago as eventually and inevitably your feet sweat and feel even colder than before. They are also heavy and cumbersome . . .

So on this basis (unless anyones got any better ideas) I thought of these . . .

Cheap n cheerful

but maybe better still these

More expensive

Like the look of the above as they can be recharged on the power pack and only used (via remote ffs!) when a blast of heat is required . . .

Any one got any experience with either . . ? (Gerry . .?!!)

Cheers

In reply to Post #1
cant comment on expensive ones as I didnt use them but can say that cheap ones from decathlon work great for me... I use the ones for skiing as they stick to socks... I put them on top of my toes between two socks.

In reply to Post #1
I've tried loads of different options to keep the old feet warm and the most effective option I found I don't even wear on my feet. It was thermal salopettes that did it for me - keep the legs super warm and they'll supply that warm blood to the feet.
It makes sense as when it gets cold the body works to warm the core, limiting circulation to hands/feet etc. Keep the body toastie and it's job done.
Absolutely zero experience with insoles so can't help you there buddy.

In reply to Post #3
that is all good till your body works as it should, but not when you get cold feet because of bad blood circulation (genetic, medical due to various conditions or just bad life style etc).

In reply to Post #4
Agreed mate. Wasn't aware the OP had genetic/medical issues or bad life style

In reply to Post #1
Have you tried Kayak Boots? In "Normal times" I do a bit of kayaking and the neoprene Boots are superb for keeping your feet warm even when submerged in water for hours.

I've started to wear them for night-fishing, as you also have the advantage of being able to keeping them on while in the sleeping bag. Get a run and no messing around with footwear, if muddy you just wash them off in margins and dry off.

SOLA ALL PURPOSE 5mm ZIPPED WETSUIT BOOTS kayak dinghy jet/ ski sailing ref 46/47 , like these on Ebay.

In reply to Post #5
. . .lol - I'm genetically perfect and live like a monk . . .

Weirdly (or not) I ski twice a year and wear ultra thin merino socks . . .I also wear merino under layers and softshell pants etc. My feet NEVER get cold but that's probably because I'm skiing which does require a modicum of effort and therefore blood movement being pumped around the body. . the key to this is breathability, and this set up works well . .

I think its being static for elongated periods that is the issue (fishing is the opposite to skiing) - I've tried to mimic my ski gear and wear fleece lined softshell pants and also waterproof breathable over trousers . . .it hasn't solved the cold feet ting tho . . @darkoL maybe I'll try the Decathlon jobbies as its my toes specifically that seem to suffer. . .

What about Vass velcro boots . . Or are they just a sweaty recipe for disaster waiting to happen?

In reply to Post #5
lol never said he does, was just pointing out that dressing up doesn't and cant always help, unfortunately know from 1st hand experience.

In reply to Post #1
Unless as previously mentioned the problem is bad circulation, moisture will definitely be the problem. I've hillwalked and done many national trails unsupported and dampness as always caused cold feet. Gortex socks are a waste of time, if you must wear them try Dexshell socks with a thin liners underneath.. Darn Tough do some amazing socks with a lifetime guarantee too.
For me on the bank in winter, leather boots are fine with thin wool socks, but once the sun sets off they come and I go barefoot and use the old reliable fur lined moccasins in the bivvy. The socks I hang from the bivvy roof to air.
I have used heated inner soles briefly when working on site, they were okay but I found wearing waterproof boots they never dried out so I eventually bought a boot drier and that again was a game changer.

In reply to Post #1
Baffin Titan boots - not cheap but superb.

Don't put them on until set-up, and the same with the Merino wool socks.

In reply to Post #1
Hi

After years of having the same problem and trying everything, I concluded that the issue is moisture or sweat that even the best merino socks can't remove after a while.

Once you stop moving about the moisture makes your feet cold ... I simply change socks once I have settled down and this made a big difference. In really cold weather I will also take skee tex boats but only put them on once I have changed socks and stopped moving about.

Cheers

Watched a rather interesting Instagram post by Joe Turnbull the other day on keeping your footsie warm in the cold weather.

I to suffer with cold feet and though I have yet to try it. I will definitely give it a go.

And that was to put a piece of foil backed laminate floor underlay foil side down underneath the inner sole on your boot. The idea being that the foil deflects the cold and damp away from the sole of your feet.

I believe Baffin boots which everyone rates utilise foil in the soles of there boots for the very same reason

In reply to Post #1
After years of trying allsorts of socks / liners / heated insoles / boots etc, my best combo is 3 season Merino socks, thin pair or neoprene socks over the top then Baffin Trapper boots, not had cold feet with this combo, ultimately for me it comes down to keeping the boot liners bone dry, if they get damp / cold through feet sweating then its almost impossible to keep your feet warm, the neoprene sock layer ensures the boot liners stay dry with any moisture being INSIDE the neoprene sock..
Ads

I have a pal that was in the military and went on cold weather exercisers the guys that wore sealskin socks were the one that suffered terribly with cold feet as in the end you will get wet feet due to the lack of breathability
he like me found the biggest advantage in keeping your feet warm
was nothing more than a QUALITY sock and importantly a LOOSE fitting waterproof boot to allow your foot to breath I use a short Muck boot a size bigger than normal


the K.I.S.S METHOD = Keep it Simple Stupid
cos lets be honest here if the lakes not freezing over it aint really that cold is it ?

In reply to Post #13
. . .thing is I'm not getting wet / sweaty / and therefore cold feet through my current set up . . .my boots are leather/goretex and breath, as do my thick merino bridgedales . . .I took off my boots and socks (with the intention of changing to a fresh pair of bridgedales) mid session and both were perfectly dry . . . . .as soon as I got in my bag my feet were fine and toasty within 10mins . . .

My Skee Tex field boots (that I also own but have relegated based on the sweat/cold issue) already have foil inners . . .by the time you reach your swim your feet are already swimming! My current set up is perfect when actually moving about / casting / baiting up / fishing . . .

On this basis I'm maybe erring towards the insulated bivvy slipper idea (Snugpack insulated tent boots) as its the static bit that's a prob . . .any user experience with these?

In reply to Post #15
r0bertb00th
posted about some North face ones may be worth sending him a PM and checking out how warm they are

In reply to Post #16
. . .bought my missus some of the TNF jobbies a few years back . . .maybe paired with an oversize pair of crocs for better protection . . .?

I've always suffered with cold feet but have found the Smartwool Socks a game changer, I have two pairs and change them if/when I start to feel I'm getting cold feet. Also have a pair of North Face Booties for wearing in and around the bivvy

and of course can't beat a pair of Baffin Trappers

In reply to Post #17
As said Smartwool Socks, when I'm sat in and around the bivvy. I use these with just Crocs.
The North Face mules really don't breath.

In reply to Post #18
Trappers for me, superb

That's my next purchase, those North Face bivvy slippers

In reply to Post #20
think its the
The North Face THERMOBALL TRACTION BOOTIE - Winter boots ?

In reply to Post #21
Hi Gerry, the ones in Chuffys link below

In reply to Post #22
I too suffer with cold feet and can be wrapped up looking like the michelin man but they still get cold, even with Baffin Titans which are rated too -100. I eventually bought some heated socks from amazon for about £38 which i wear with the Baffins, problem solved.

In reply to Post #23
You must have cold feet, I find the Baffins fine with thin socks

Heated socks, that's a new one though

Must say, better than sat with an old pair of Dunlop's on melting them on the stove trying to keep my feet warm

In reply to Post #21
As Gerry mentions I've got the north face nuptse boots that I've raves about before they were superseded by the traction mule boots I'm guessing they won't be far different but mine are filled with goose down

I do have the traction mule slipper they are the slipper versions I have a couple of pairs that I use around the house to go up and down garden at this time of year or for in the bivvy (DO NOT GET THE SOFT SOLED VERSION THEY ARE USELESS FOR OUTSIDE)

Ive also got a pair of ugg half stein hiking boots and yes they are great boots replaced my Brashers and I wouldn't look back far warmer

And I also wear Baffin trappers that are also superb but cumbersome and not ideal for being sat in the bivvy

I'm not sure they even make the boots anymore I've not seen them for a few years I brought a couple of pairs in carpy camo i can't add pics but I'll send Gerry to show you, I also have the slipper version and they are good as well but not so good for this time of year

So in closing if it's grim and cold and I'm not in the bivvy Baffin Trappers
If it's not really cold I wear Ugg half stein hiking boots
If It's cold and I'm in the bivvy north face boots or slippers

All bases covered and I tend to wear thin cotton socks or sealskin socks in the winter

I've sent pics to Gerry to post and if you can find some her some mine are at least years old

Good luck

In reply to Post #25
Nice one

In reply to Post #25
Some of robs pics

In reply to Post #27
I hope this link works but I guess theese are the updated version

https://www.thenorthface.co.uk/shop/en-gb/tnf-gb/mens-nuptse-booties-4oax?variationId=ZU3&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpvHBu8CK7QIVSeh3Ch26vQCSEAQYASABEgIiYfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

In reply to Post #28
yes link works ok

I got some Dunlop blizzard wellies, and even though they are the cheaper version they are fairly good at keeping my feet from getting cold when coupled with merino socks. Some of the more expensive versions are a lot more robust and warmer by the looks of the description.

I normally change socks once a day minimum and pop a hot water bottle in the bottom of my bag when laying in it as it works a treat... also helps keep gas bottles warm in there too.

In reply to Post #1
I've used Skeetex for as long as I can remember - zero problems, keep my feet warm and dry, light to walk in and the simple trick is to always remove the liners and stand near a radiator after use. Can't ever recall getting cold feet wearing them, even when sat out in the boat pike fishing on the coldest of days. The other boots I use are Meindl snow boots, which tend to be used when I am walking a lot more. Really good as well.

sock rotation is my key. sometimes I can change my socks 3 times a night and warm them up by putting up my sleeves of my jumper, on top of my kettle after making a brew or anywhere warm. a pair for bed on top of a hot water bottle 20mins before bed in the sleeping bag is a gift from god on a very cold night.

In reply to Post #32
wow god help you if we get a cold winter then !!! as we havent had one for a few years now ?

In reply to Post #32
DP

I also use sleetex and have had them for years. I never wear them walking to the swim though I use my brasher boots for that. I think avoiding sweating feet is the key.

Nash ZT bivvy slippers and long boot wool socks that pull up to your knees for sitting around

In reply to Post #25
. . liking those TNF traction boots . . .you got them in camo as well!

Might be adding these to the xmas list . . .

In reply to Post #37
Already added to mine 😄

In reply to Post #18
i bought the north face traction mules in green macroflek they had a fleece lining,brilliant then i bought the boot version if you can still get them dont hesitate.i have 3 pairs now.

In reply to Post #39
Heads up Zalando are doing the slipper for £35

https://www.zalando.co.uk/the-north-face-mens-thermoball-traction-mule-v-walking-sandals-blackwhite-th342b06i-q11.html

They are perfect for in the bivvy or if its not wet and muddy outside as I said below I have a couple of pairs one for the divvy and oe for at home if im in and out the garden, I note they do have the boots as well but as yet they aren't in the sale but ill be watching closely and if they do drop ill be getting the as well

https://www.zalando.co.uk/the-north-face-m-nuptse-bootie-700-ftw-footwear-winter-boots-tnf-blacktnf-white-th312k001-q11.html

Me, personally.

after chasing the holy grail of the right sock and footwear, vs activity level, vs sweat, etc.

on the rare occasion that its fekkin freezing and I'm on my feet or sitting with my feet on the ground static then
I have slipped those chemical foot warmers under my feet.

cost pennies and are unbeatable

Like you, I use a good pair of boots and a good socks. When it's really cold, ie half of lake frozen, I may stick a zippo down the sides of the boots

In reply to Post #41
Me, personally.

after chasing the holy grail of the right sock and footwear, vs activity level, vs sweat, etc.

on the rare occasion that its fekkin freezing and I'm on my feet or sitting with my feet on the ground static then
I have slipped those chemical foot warmers under my feet.

cost pennies and are unbeatable

i been using those chemical warmers for years now under soles of feet ... Total game changer in terms of keeping feet warm and last for many hours and means i can ditch thick less breathable socks for thinner ones

In reply to Post #27
Baffins are the superb bit of kit...expensive but warm.

In reply to Post #44
The boots are now on offer at zalando stating from £45

https://www.zalando.co.uk/mens-sale/the-north-face/?sale=true

Just to add Ive got the baffins as someone mentioned below which are a different boot altogether a cumbersome welly (bloody warm though but they are a welly]

, the north face Nuptse 700 boot is a perfect boot for the cold and in and out the Bivvy! I just brought another pair in black

In reply to Post #1
Bought the girlfriend the cheap n cheerful option, used at the weekend and I can confirm they worked a treat for her. Stayed warm for 7 hours.

In reply to Post #41
Yeah those Hot Feet things are brilliant, I find if my feet are already cold it's a real hard job to get them warm again regardless of what I've got on my feet, but they work a treat