cold feet?

U. I. · 02-19-2003, 06:57 AM

How do you guys deal with cold feet? Do I have to buy 1200 gram duck waders? I have arctic shield socks and 200 gram boots which help but is their anyone out there that has warm feet all the time?

Wet_Willy · 02-19-2003, 07:02 AM

I've found that to consistently have warm feet in most conditions I need to have some room inside my boot around my socks. When I wear my neoprenes with heavy wool boot socks, the neoprene is pretty tight against my socks and therefore there isn't much air space to hold warmer air and my feet eventually get cold. In my drift boat I'll wear the same wool socks and uninsulated rubber boots with about 1/2 inch of space inside them and my feet stay toasty warm. Just something I've noticed. I'm going to switch to booted neoprenes soon instead of the stockingfoot model.
Bill

Corkie Monster · 02-19-2003, 07:03 AM

My feet get cold everyday. I did buy heavier neoprene with some polar weight fleece socks. It seemed to help a little as far as keeping my feet warmer longer. But they still get cold. I would like to see if anyone has any warm feet out there as well.

[ 02-19-2003, 08:04 AM: Message edited by: Corkie Monster ]

fishchaser · 02-19-2003, 07:09 AM

First of all, Don't wear cotton socks. Cotton is a killer against your body. Next try wool, the wool will give you warmth and if they get wet, they will still keep you warm. Also, try clean wool. Something about dirt that contracts the cold.

Now if you buy a good pair of insulated boots, this and the wool socks WILL keep your tootsie's warm.

U. I. · 02-19-2003, 07:18 AM

Corky monster,
If I were to do it again I would buy 800 gram boots and these arctic sheild socks! but on warm days youd cook eventually. We really need two sets of waders or more..........

Dan Christopher · 02-19-2003, 09:20 AM

Do all the above , and make sure the feet of your waders are not to small. You want the feet and the boots a liitle big. That way the wool socks are not smashed to your feet. They have there nice little warm air pockets. I think this is the number one reason for cold feet out there.When you buy new ones get the feet and boots a little big. You will see the light. :grin:

Lucky Luke · 02-19-2003, 09:28 AM

I'm glad you guys brought up this subject. I was starting to think that I had bad circulation. I'm going to give the wool socks a try. I've been wearing cotton socks under wool ones ( because the wool itches) so that probably been my problem. Is their any solution for this?

RogueFishr · 02-19-2003, 09:37 AM

try wearing a pair of thin polypropelene socks under the wool socks. They will wick the moisture (sweat) away from your feet, and serve as a liner to keep the wool away from your skin.

RF

lamiglass drifter · 02-19-2003, 09:42 AM

Electric socks work great...and no they can't shock you. :shocked:

RogueFishr · 02-19-2003, 09:43 AM

I also have a pair of the battery powered socks also that I wear when it is REALLY cold. My buddies laugh, but they will keep your toes warm for about 4-5 hours on 1 set of batteries.

RF

Pilar · 02-19-2003, 09:46 AM

Polypropylene is good in longjohns too. Thin, lightweight and warm.

I will try the poly liner socks. I thought cold feet was just a given for winter fishing.

SnoSldr · 02-19-2003, 10:06 AM

No one said "Smartwool"??
think Merino!

DK · 02-19-2003, 10:24 AM

Been telling you guy's, Far-infared with cermaic fibers, Doug

kevray · 02-19-2003, 12:00 PM

I have always found Blackberry brandy will keep all limbs warm.

chillybones · 02-19-2003, 06:13 PM

u.i.-great ?-ifishers, all good answers,i'm trying them all.

chillybones

notaclue · 02-19-2003, 06:39 PM

I am with kevray

ReelTrouble · 02-19-2003, 11:04 PM

I suggest BIG propane heaters :smile: .

On a serious note, dont look just in the hunting and fishing section of the store, go to a shop that specializes in mountaineering, skiing, snowboarding, you know, the guys who are out in the sub-zero, really cold stuff. They have all kinds of battery powered socks, disposable foot warmers for inside you boots. They also have really thin socks, and when you layer them, they are golden.

As well as a fisherman, im an avid snow skier, and the one thing that has kept me out of cold feet while skiing is putting on warm socks, then into warm boots. Start warm, stay warm is what I say. Im not sure if everyone does this or not, but I stay LOTS warmer if i place my boots in front of the heater in my car so the insides are nice and warm when I get to where ever im going. Make sure you put on a pair of socks that are nice and toasty as well. If nothing else, it feels nice to put on warm stuff.

Give it a shot, I bet it will help

idsteelhead · 02-19-2003, 11:54 PM

A little trick I use on the Salmon River in Idaho fly fishing with real COLD water temps. A light pair of socks a gel pack hand warmer the kind you break in a thin package. Put that against the ball or arch of your foot and put on another light pair of socks. Good for about 6-8 hours depending on water temps.

cully · 02-20-2003, 06:29 AM

Patagonia socks! Your feet will never be cold again. 17 bucks or so. A lot of money for sure but worth it. I took a dunking yesterday in the Alsea. Full body splash. Completly dunked. I wear capilene ( patagonia's name for polypropolene) and polartec. It's probably going to be found out that it causes cancer but I told myself years ago that I would not be cold again after taking a dunking. Even after yesterdays dunking it only took a few minutes to start to warm up and the water just flows off the polar wear. I was near dry by the time i got home.

dawhunt · 02-20-2003, 07:15 AM

I'm a diabetic and it seems like my feet are always cold cus of poor circulation,I've yet to find a way to keep them warm when fishing esp. winter steelhead.No proplem if I stay home on those really cold rainy days, but those are the best days.So I deal with it.
Bob

Firedog · 02-20-2003, 02:19 PM

Get some "Smart WooL" socks. A buddy of mine had my wife get me some for christmas and it is the first time I have had warm feet in my neoprenes. I used to wear two pair of socks, one cotton and one wool. Always had cold feet now I wear one pair of Smart wool socks and cozy warm all the time.

TideRunner · 02-20-2003, 06:25 PM

Wear a hat. Not a cap, but, a good knit hat. 90% of your body heat releases thru your head.
Next time any of you are out, take off your hat and see how quick your feet get cold...it's a no-brainer.
Quality socks and proper fitting boots are just as important, but, only half the ticket to a warm day.

SSPey · 02-20-2003, 07:17 PM

bootfoot neoprenes. accept no substitutes - my cold feet days are OVER

Chilly one · 02-21-2003, 08:05 AM

I've found that if I buy my boots a half size bigger and put a felt insole in each boot insulates better and you do need your boot foot NOT TOO TIGHT! It cuts off the circulation. Need airspace in there and quality socks! Jim Beam is a a good friend to fish with also. Good Luck on the cold feet. Chillyone.....