Don't let anyone fool you...there is no way to keep your feet completely warm in stockingfoot waders while winter steelheading for extended periods of time. Anyone who says their feet stay totally warm and toasty in their stockingfoots is full of [censored]! All that you can do is limit the effects of the cold on your feet.
All the main keys to limiting the effects of the cold on your feet have been stated previously...4 key points;
1. Wiggle Room: Both in your stockingfoots and in your boots. Having either one be too tight will further reduce bloodflow to your feet and toes.
2. Polypropylene L-i-n-e-r Socks: Intended to wick away any moisture from your feet. I like the Tech-Spun l-i-n-e-r-s the best, as they are thicker than others I've used.
3. Wool Socks: Look for wading/hunting socks with a high percentage of merino wool and no cotton in the blend. You also want socks that have a thick nap to them and make sure they fit properly. The best socks I've tried so far were Cabela's brand and Gander Mountain brand socks. Tech-Spuns are good too, but the Simms socks SUCK!!! The Simms have a high percentage of Merino wool, and thick nap, BUT the diameter is WAY too NARROW, so they end up stretched thin when you wear them...(very poor design).
4. Move: While standing in the water I regularly wiggle my toes in my boots to keep blood circulating and circulate the little bit of air in my stockingfoots. Also I find doing a series of calf-raises where I extend onto my tip toes really helps to warm my toes too. I also do a lot of walking as well.
Another thing to try...On my drive to the river I just wear my l-i-n-e-r socks and a pair of crocs for shoes so that my car's heater blows onto my feet. Don't let the heater be so warm that your feet sweat though. Also I put my wool socks near the heater as well so that they are preheated for when I put them on. This keeps my feet from getting cold as fast. My feet don't stay toasty warm, but still I manage to endure full days of winter steelheading. If you are still unable to endure the cold after applying the above methods, then you may want to instead use insulated bootfoots, as those can actually keep your feet toasty warm.
John
Sun May 26, 2013 2:24 am :: TSS Main Page ‹ View topic - Help with keeping feet warmer?
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