Cold Weather Shoes necessary?

[Lush]

Hey everyone,

I am just curious, when is it necessary to wear special shoes? With necessary I mean; when does it become uncomfortably or even dangerous to wear shoes without special insulation? (I wear Merrell's GTX shoes now.)

anyone?

thanks in advance,
Lush

 

[big_swede]

If you can't decide when it is uncomfortable you should probably see a doctor...

Seriously, it is very personal, and depends very much on the conditions and activities. But I don't understand what you mean by special shoes? All shoes are special and have a field of use, don't they?

My ordinary hiking boots gets bumped by my winter hiking shoes when the temperature goes down below -5 or so, mainly because of the inferior insulation in my ordinary (or three season) boots soles. But often when it's that cold I can use skis, so then I use skiing shoes. If it's really really cold and I'm planning on sitting still or riding snow scooter I have a pair of sorel snow scooter boots. Very warm but cumbersome to walk in.

Sometimes when it's not really cold but damp I get a lot colder then in -40. I think damp conditions around 0 degrees is the worst.

 

[RobertRogers]

I live where it gets down to nearly -40F or -40C every winter.

IMHO when it starts getting down below the freezing point (32F or 0C) you are really needing extra insulation on your feet. But this depends upon level of activity. For example during periods of high exertion you may not need much insulation. But as soon as you stop you may cool off fast.

At least if the temps are above freezing you run no risk of actually freezing your feet (frostbite), though you may get very uncomfortable indeed, perhaps dangerously so, if your feet become wet and cold for long periods of time. But short term freezing won't happen.

When temps get very far below freezing you can succumb to frostbite very quickly depending upon conditions and the clothing you wear (again, especially if wet from sweat or other water).

 

[perpetualelevator]

I'm going to agree with the others, but will add that your socks will make a huge difference in your comfort level. Wicking moisture away from your feet is important and some heavy wool socks will allow you to wear shoes or boots with less insulation. And they can be changed for warm, dry ones much more easily than the boots can.

I would also like to ask big swede what a snow scooter is? Like a Vespa with skis, or is it what we would call a snowmobile, or Ski-doo?

 

[Lush]

If you can't decide when it is uncomfortable you should probably see a doctor...

thanks guy's
I went to a doctor. He said: "ask on a forum", hehehe

What I mean; is it OK to be outside for day's in a row with GTX shoes (which are usually rather thin) and a pair of good socks? I mean they are hiking shoes.

I never ever had problems with getting really cold feet before. But then again. I was never day's outside colder then -10 °C. That's why I ask.

But I think I get the picture... Well not completely. It is still a personal matter of course. I will post a pic of my toe if I lose one

 

[Limaed]

Hi Lush
In winter I prefer boots and have a pair fitted with yeti gaiters which are nearly as good as wellies because they cover the whole boot, the boots I wear are British Forces issue combat boots with the cold weather lining. I have the boots half a size to big this ensures my toes dont get constricted which in turn keeps them warm. Its quite cold and very wet here in winter and this combinations works well in keeping me dry and warm.
Im not keen on a Gore-Tex lining as I think they make your feet sweatyas the Gore-Tex can't keep up with the sweat produced but it depends on how active you are. I've heard seal skin socks are very good though ive not tried them myself.
Hope this helps Ed

 

[Lush]

Hi Lush
In winter I prefer boots and have a pair fitted with yeti gaiters which are nearly as good as wellies because they cover the whole boot, the boots I wear are British Forces issue combat boots with the cold weather lining. I have the boots half a size to big this ensures my toes dont get constricted which in turn keeps them warm. Its quite cold and very wet here in winter and this combinations works well in keeping me dry and warm.
Im not keen on a Gore-Tex lining as I think they make your feet sweatyas the Gore-Tex can't keep up with the sweat produced but it depends on how active you are. I've heard seal skin socks are very good though ive not tried them myself.
Hope this helps Ed

Wow, those kind of Gaiters are a very good tip! I saw them at the dump store the other day, but they were not in good condition. I bet they add some warmth. Another thing to spend money on, terrific, haha
thanks

 

[big_swede]

I would also like to ask big swede what a snow scooter is? Like a Vespa with skis, or is it what we would call a snowmobile, or Ski-doo?

It's what you call a ski-doo, but that is just a brand, I think. Over here they are known as scooters. Google gets most results on snowmobile, but I will still call it snow scooter, otherwise people around here won't understand...

And Lush, carry a lot of spare socks and be certain you can fit a couple of thicker socks. When membrane shoes, such as your gtx hiking shoes, freeze, it takes a long time heating them up. The first couple of kms will be rather stiff walking. It is better with uninsulated and unpadded shoes in colder conditions, or a removable insulation.

 

[perpetualelevator]

It's what you call a ski-doo, but that is just a brand, I think

Thanks, that's an interesting tidbit. Yes, Ski-doo is a brand, made by Bombardier, but sometimes in Canada it's used as a general term, like Kleenex, or Bandaid. Which I realize may not help if you have different brands for facial tissues, or sticky wound dressings, but hopefully I'm not just sounding like a crazy person?

 

[Lush]

And Lush, carry a lot of spare socks and be certain you can fit a couple of thicker socks. When membrane shoes, such as your gtx hiking shoes, freeze, it takes a long time heating them up. The first couple of kms will be rather stiff walking. It is better with uninsulated and unpadded shoes in colder conditions, or a removable insulation.

Cool answer, as I didn't know that. Makes me happy I don't have to spend extra money on shoes with extra insulation that will freeze when damp
thanks again!