Warm Feet

[NickParker]

I think the advice about circulation is very important, I'd check that first.

If the suggestions already given do not provide enough insulation for your particular feet/circulation, you might look into boot liners, like for ice climbing double boots (or ski boots). Some of those (Palau) are extremely efficient, lightweight, and not too bulky for the amount of insulation they provide. Of course you would only need the liner, to be paired with whatever you want to put over it. Here's some info:

http://coldthistle.blogspot.com/2010/11 ... tting.html

http://www.palau-boutique.com/comfort-p ... rmance.cfm

I've not had experience using this kind of boot liner for paddling, only for ice climbing. What I've learned there is that circulation is the most important thing -- a loose fit is way better than a snug fit (regardless of what insulation you are using). It doesn't matter how much insulation you pile on if your blood supply is restricted.

You might also put a thin layer of foam on the bottom of the hull where your feet are, to separate your feet from that heat sink. I know that when I'm ice climbing, and forget to regularly bash the ice & snow off my boots, my feet will be a lot colder (just from that small amount of ice on the outside of my waterproof boot).

[arhdc]

+1 on circulation being key.

I find myself wearing less and less on my feet in winter. Before someone cries foul I'll disclose that I mostly wear sandals year round in Pennsylvania and yes I do catch a lot of flack for wading through snow in sandals (no socks). It took a couple of years to build up to sandals only in winter and longer for sandals in snow, but at this point my feet generally feel as warm or warmer than with shoes. Real long term snow exposure I go to warm Muck boots that fit loosky and I really think that for me circulation is more important than insulation in most cases.

For winte boating I wear wool socks under my dry socks and then 4mm neoprene NRS Comm 4 booties and have never had issues with cold feet. Whatever solutions you try, make sure that you are not cutting circulation to your feet or they will be cold.

[Trex]

Size 10 ½ normal shoe
Size 11 late spring boot
Size 11 summer sandals
Size 12 winter dry suit boot.

Tight fit = cold feet.

I wouldn't say warm but one pair of wool socks in my dry suit and the size 12 boot works for me. Never really think about it anymore

[Paddle Power]

Make sure your body is warm so that there is warm blood circulating to your feet.

I wear a liner sock with a warmer sock inside my drysuit socks (attached to my drysuit). Then put on a pair of wet suit booties.

Lots of other good suggestions, many of which are also part of my routine.

[FreeThinker]

I take a disposable heating pack and with a thin poly sock underneath, lightly tape/wrap it to the inside front of each ankle where the main artery runs, then a heavier sock on top. Works much like a buffalo's vein/artery system works - warms the blood before it gets to the foot and keeps them toasty warm. The keys to success are finding the right spot to put the heat pack on and then to get it just snug enough not to move, but not too tight that it becomes a problem. I use vet wrap to secure the pack over the poly (thin) sock.

Hope this helps.

[Dave.E]

Picked up a pair of these bad boys:
http://www.marks.com/webapp/wcs/stores/ ... %29--29500" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

They are super thick with a nice fuzzy layer on the inside. Paired them with some thin hiking 'moisture control' socks. Wore a thin pair of socks over the drysuit booties and put my feet in hiking boots with the insole taken out.

I was out paddling yesterday for a couple of hours when it was -5 out. Was in and out of the water multiple times and went on a huge swim that I never want to experience again.

Feet stayed toasty.

Dave

[Dave.E]

This is worth a read

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/exposu ... ysuit.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Dave