What's the best way to keep feet warm?

[flamin lib]

when I ride my motorcycle and at temps below 40f my feet get cold. The rest of me is just fine, have gloves and jacket and foul weather wind proof pants so it's all good 'cept for the feet.

I've learned that cotton socks are a bad thing and that wool is preferred. What about "sock liners" and such? Don't plan to ride much past 35f or so.

[X_Digger]

1. Thought about hot socks or heat packs?

What kind of boots are you wearing, and when's the last time you treated them to some sealant? Also cuff keepers to keep your pants against your ankles, or stuff them down in your boots.

[flamin lib]

2. Really don't want to go to extremes as I'll only ride a little

in these conditions. Hoping for advice on what sort of socks work best and if there is a "liner" or something to wick sweat away and keep the feet dry. There's enough room in the boots for quite thick socks and the boots are quite water proof.

I think I'm on the right track with wool socks but looking for affirmation and perhaps some tweaking.

[conscious evolution]

3. wool or wool blend socks

are the best way.
Smartwool makes good cold weather socks.REI also has a line of socks that are pretty good.
Both Smartwool and REI are a little on the pricey side ($10.00-20.00 a pair) but they are worth it.They tend to last for several years too.imo,you get your moneys worth.

[flamin lib]

4. Thanks. That's the sort of thing I'm looking for nt

[SteveM]

5. I use a poly liner with a thick wool blend over that...

I also use a sealer, rubbed into the leather to break the wind (the outdoor wind, not mine). Since I hunt a lot, which involves walking and sitting and consequent changes in body temp, I pay attention to the lacing of boots/shoes: I keep them rather loose to allow breathing and to discourage sweat from forming. If you use foot wear daily, and the shoe gets wet with perspiration, stuff them with newspaper and they should be mostly dry by morning.

[flamin lib]

6. I hunt too and those are really good ideas. I'll be lacing the boots

tight for riding 'cause ventilation at the mid thirties with a 70 mph chill factor is something to be considered!

[ManiacJoe]

7. Is there anything you can do to make your helmet warmer?

When your brain gets cold the feet and hands are the first places it steals warm blood from. A very thin wool hat might help if you can fit it into the helmet.

[old mark]

8. I used to hunt in very cold weather with just heavy leather boots, but 2 pairs of socks -

cotton next to my feet, and insulated socks on top of them. Keeps you very warm - nothing makes you uncomfortable more than cold feet.

mark