Cycling in winter: How to keep your feet warm and dry

Cycling in winter is a particular challenge, especially when it comes to keeping your feet warm and dry. Whether you’re on a gravel bike or a road bike, cold and wet feet aren’t just uncomfortable – they can also bring any winter ride to an end sooner than you’d like. At the very latest when your feet start to tingle and your toes go numb.

To combat heat loss and keep your feet cosy whilst cycling during the cold and wet season, there is a wide range of products available – from classic woollen socks and tried-and-tested neoprene overshoes to heated insoles – specially designed to protect against cold draughts and rain or sleet showers. For cool, dry days, fur insoles and merino wool socks are ideal. The insoles provide excellent insulation and trap heat inside the shoe, whilst merino wool is renowned for its warming and skin-friendly properties, as well as its good moisture-regulating qualities.

Cycling shoes for winter: Keep you warm in all weathers

If temperatures continue to drop, battery-powered heated insoles are an option, as they provide an active heat source – albeit with a slight compromise on comfort, as the batteries attached to the ankle can always rattle or press against the foot a little whilst pedalling. Of course, this assumes that the shoe still has enough room for the insoles, some of which can be quite thick. If the shoe becomes too tight, there’s no longer any space for the insulating air, and the warming effect is lost. Neoprene overshoes and waterproof oversocks are suitable for wet and cold conditions.

Neoprene overshoes provide excellent insulation and protect against wind and water. Waterproof oversocks keep your feet dry, even if water gets into your shoes. Lined overshoes with a Gore-Tex membrane or proper winter cycling shoes can offer protection in extreme conditions, although overshoes are more versatile. The right combination of products depends on individual needs and the specific weather conditions. However, by choosing and combining these products correctly, it is possible to keep your feet warm and dry even in the harshest winter conditions, including on long rides in bad weather.

Cycling shoes for cold and dry weather conditions

As long as it stays dry, it’s relatively easy to keep your feet warm. The key is to have a sufficiently thick layer of air to act as insulation. Another effective method is to create a wind barrier by wearing a windbreaker over your shoes.

With battery: Therm-IC Heat 3D + C-Pack 1300B

• Price: 200 euros >> e.g. available here
• Sizes: One size fits all with a pattern

To ensure that Therm-ic’s heated insoles fit perfectly into your cycling shoes, they need to be cut to size with a sharp pair of scissors. It’s worth taking your time with this, so that the insole sits snugly and securely in the shoe. In laboratory tests, the insole reaches a temperature of up to 50 degrees on the highest setting and 30 degrees on the lowest. That may sound like a lot at first, but it’s put into perspective when sub-zero temperatures draw the heat out of the shoe.

For large feet, the heating zone extends from the toes to the midfoot; for small feet, it extends further, down to the heel. A single battery charge lasts a good four hours at full power and an outside temperature of ten degrees; the batteries are fully recharged after about two hours. Wiring the system to the batteries – which are worn in stretch gaiters above the ankle – is a bit fiddly; however, the effort is well worth it as it keeps your feet warm even on long winter rides.

Better safe than sorry: Wright Sock Adventure

• Price: 30 euros >> e.g. available here
• Sizes: 34 to 49

The Adventure Sock is actually a hiking sock and is made with a double layer to prevent blisters. Used for a different purpose in cycling shoes, the calf-length sock – in its thicker version for temperatures below ten degrees – impresses above all with its warm, fluffy lining, good fit and terry-reinforced toe and heel areas. Available in two colours and also in a thinner version for temperatures above ten degrees.

Cycling shoes: Fizik Toe Cover

• Price: 15 euros
• Sizes: S to L

Fizik’s minimalist toe covers are a classic choice for fans of minimalist kit, and can be quickly pulled out of your jersey pockets. Just as a heat shield protects a space capsule from burning up as it re-enters the atmosphere, these windproof and flexible covers – weighing just 34 grams per pair – protect your toes from cooling down too quickly.

Rapha Deep Winter Socks

• Price: 35 euros
• Sizes: S to XL

When it comes to materials, Rapha opts for the natural fibre merino wool. Thanks to its fine fibres, this wool is particularly dense and fluffy, and has the added benefit of being less prone to odours. The highlight of this long sock is a windproof insert in the toe area to protect against draughts.

Warm insoles from Sunbed & Barth

Sunbed sole

• Price: from 19.50 euros >> e.g. available here
• Sizes: 23 to 48

The Fire model from the German manufacturer Sunbed is made from felt containing hollow fibres, whilst the footbed is made from waxed foam. A handy feature is that the insoles can be washed in the washing machine at 30 degrees, and the sole is available in many sizes. However, as the insole is quite thick and not very flexible, the shoe should be a sufficiently large size.

Barth sole

• Price: 270 euros >> e.g. available here
• Sizes: 37 to 46

Barth’s genuine sheepskin insole is thinner, so the shoe it is to be fitted into can be correspondingly slimmer. Its Texon backing is particularly non-slip, and at 10 euros, this warm insole is very good value for money.

>> Cycling in winter: testing waterproof winter shoes

>> 10 cycling gloves for winter: putting the GripGrab Ride Waterproof Winter Glove to the test

>> Tips for rides – have more fun on winter trails

Chilly and wet? Cycling shoes for rainy weather

It’s the moisture that makes all the difference! When your feet get wet, they cool down extremely quickly. That’s why you need a protective layer that allows raindrops to roll off. Membranes and waterproofed outer layers act as a barrier.

Cycling shoes: Northwave Celsius XC Arctic GTX

• Price: 270 euros >> e.g. available here
• Sizes: 37–49

Winter boots offer the best protection for your feet in winter. We recommend mountain bike boots with a treaded sole because they provide better grip on slippery surfaces. The Northwave boot pictured was the test winner in our winter boot test from the year before last, scoring 1.4. It achieved excellent marks in the categories of waterproofing, ease of use, features and weight. As the boot offers comparatively plenty of space inside, it doesn’t feel too tight even with thick socks. Slipping your foot into the tube-like upper is easiest with a shoehorn; the twist fastenings are not entirely easy to operate whilst wearing thick gloves.

Van Rysel R500 Road Bike Overshoes

• Price: 25 euros >> e.g. available here
• Sizes: 36/38, 39/41, 42/44, 45, 47

Neoprene overshoes are a classic choice for cyclists seeking protection from the elements. They offer good wind protection, provide plenty of warmth in above-freezing temperatures and withstand rain and spray for a reasonable amount of time. Our pick from Decathlon, at 25 euros, is an attractive bargain offering excellent value for money; it also impresses in terms of quality. The foot cuff, which runs a little small and has no zip, feels a bit bulky when putting them on: First pull them over your ankles, then put your shoes on and give the neoprene overshoes a firm tug to stretch them over. Just to be on the safe side, instructions are printed on the label.

Waterproof: Gorewear Sleet Insulated

• Price: 100 euros
• Sizes: S–XL

When it comes to waterproof overshoes, Gorewear is the expert. In the warm winter model, the waterproof outer layer is additionally lined on the inside. Just right for providing sufficient warmth even at around zero degrees, whilst not being too bulky, so that the overshoe doesn’t rub against the crankset. Other features we like about this model include how easy it is to put on thanks to the zip at the back of the leg, the robust toe and heel areas, the comfortable top cuff, and the high visibility provided by strategically placed reflective strips.

SealSkinz Scoulton & Thetford

• Price: 46 or 50 euros
• Sizes: S–XXL

The slightly crinkly feel of Sealskinz’s waterproof Scoulton socks may take some getting used to at first, but after a few kilometres you’ll be pleased with them thanks to their good protection against the cold and moisture. However, you shouldn’t have sweaty feet, as the sock only allows a limited amount of water vapour to escape. As the sock is relatively thick, it’s advisable to try it on beforehand with your chosen cycling shoes.

If you prefer to wear a flexible sock over your shoe, you could opt for the water-repellent Thetford model from Sealskinz.

For protection against the cold and wet: Gripgrab Flandrien Waterproof

• Price: 80 euros >> e.g. available here
• Sizes: S–XL

Amongst the over-socks, the Flandrien model from Danish weather protection specialist GripGrab is the longest, with a shaft length of 35 centimetres. The strategy for putting them on is correspondingly intricate, as the sock must first be pulled completely over the shoe and then up the leg. The outer layer ensures that water droplets roll off continuously, sweat can evaporate easily, and its insulation is sufficient for temperatures of five degrees above zero.

Warm feet in winter: Thermopad

• Price: 3 euros >> e.g. available here
• Sizes: S–XXL

Heat pads start to warm up as soon as they are taken out of the packet and come into contact with the air. This makes the disposable insole a versatile companion that can even be slipped on whilst out and about if the temperatures get too nasty. The pads are also available for gloves. However, as a disposable product, they’re only of limited use.