By Dr. Douglas Milch
As the temperature plummets with the frigid winter weather, many people complain of cold feet. The feet are the body areas located farthest away from the heart. As our core temperature goes down, the body shunts blood away from the extremities and towards the core or trunk. As a result, some people have feet that feel like ice.
It is recommended to keep the core temperature warm. When the core temperature rises, blood goes to the extremities. One can keep the core temperature warm by dressing appropriately.
One suggestion is to dress in layers as clothing traps air that acts as a layer of insulation. Dressing in layers also allows one to shed clothing if you are getting too warm. If you are too warm, you have a tendency to sweat and evaporation of that moisture is a cooling process which you want to avoid in frigid temperatures.
Avoid cotton as this material traps moisture and it doesn’t wick the moisture away. The innermost material should be one that wicks away moisture. Your shoes or boots should not be too tight as this doesn’t allow enough room for a layer of air insulation. The innersole or foot bed should be insulated as well to add another layer between your feet and the cold ground.
The outer layer should be made of a material that shields you from the wind. It is even better if it is waterproof or at least water resistant.
Furthermore, a hat, hood or balaclava are essential as 60 – 70% of heat loss can occur through the head.
As far as sock materials are concerned, there are different ones to consider.
Silk is super-absorbent and a good inner sock layer choice. But it can be expensive and lack durability.
Polypropylene is good as a sock liner as it has excellent wicking capacity. It works well with an outer wool sock.
Metallic sock liners have silver or copper threads running through them that produces extra warm through friction.
Wool socks are bulky and trap a large layer of insulating air. Wool retains its warming abilities even when it becomes wet.
Cotton is a poor choice as it absorbs moisture, but dries very slowly. Stay away from cotton socks in cold weather.
Electric socks are available as well. These socks have wires running through them which heat up when connected to a battery. People with a lack of sensation in the feet should probably avoid these socks.
Experienced outdoorsmen seem to agree that Merino wool is an excellent choice.
In addition, there are warming packets like Hotties that you can put in your shoe gear.
People with circulatory problems need to pay special attention to their feet.
I recommend visiting one of the many outdoor stores in the area as they have experts that can point you in the right direction.
A bicycling advocate once said, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad choices of clothing.”
And for some people who might be less hardy, the wisest choice may be to just stay inside!