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Cold weather running socks ?

Mr Person

Mr Person

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Any recommendations for cold weather running socks (not hiking)?



I used extra-insulated nike socks for years but it seems my new pair of running shoes is less insulated. It was only low-20s today and my toes were completely numb by the time I got back from one of my shorter- runs (3ish miles). I need to be able to at least do that much when it's 0 out not counting windchill and I don't want frostbite. I'd also rather not have completely numb toes since balance is kind of essential to not falling over or twisting an ankle.

I suppose in a worst-case scenario I can loosen the laces and wear two pears of socks, but I'd rather hear about it if anyone has something that works reasonably in 0 or below....
 
Electrically heated socks?
 
If you want to bust out the dough, for $120 cold weather Under Armor running shoes. I was running in those things in Korea where it was getting as cold as 15-20 degrees.
 
Mr Person said:
Any recommendations for cold weather running socks (not hiking)?



I used extra-insulated nike socks for years but it seems my new pair of running shoes is less insulated. It was only low-20s today and my toes were completely numb by the time I got back from one of my shorter- runs (3ish miles). I need to be able to at least do that much when it's 0 out not counting windchill and I don't want frostbite. I'd also rather not have completely numb toes since balance is kind of essential to not falling over or twisting an ankle.

I suppose in a worst-case scenario I can loosen the laces and wear two pears of socks, but I'd rather hear about it if anyone has something that works reasonably in 0 or below....
Click to expand...



stockings.jpg


Ok, yes, I'm utterly unhelpful, and a giant nerd.
 
Try Darn tough socks, they are expensive but they have a lifetime warranty and are very warm. They usually make hiking socks but I am pretty sure they also sell running ones.
 
I ran for 39 years - average of 2,000 miles a year and the only time I needed something extra would be if I had to run when there would be snow of at least three or four inches or more and I knew my feet would get wet. Then I simply wore and extra pair of thinner socks over my usual pair. And that worked fine. Layering is the key but you do not want to go too thick as it can make your shoes feel small and tight.
 
haymarket said:
I ran for 39 years - average of 2,000 miles a year and the only time I needed something extra would be if I had to run when there would be snow of at least three or four inches or more and I knew my feet would get wet. Then I simply wore and extra pair of thinner socks over my usual pair. And that worked fine. Layering is the key but you do not want to go too thick as it can make your shoes feel small and tight.
Click to expand...

I would go for the shoe/sock combo. The “fluffier” the sock, the more foot movement inside the shoe which can lead to other problems. I’d expect to add a few ounces. If you can find useable electric socks I’d give them a look - REI, Cabelas, etc.
 
Mr Person said:
Any recommendations for cold weather running socks (not hiking)?

I used extra-insulated nike socks for years but it seems my new pair of running shoes is less insulated. It was only low-20s today and my toes were completely numb by the time I got back from one of my shorter- runs (3ish miles). I need to be able to at least do that much when it's 0 out not counting windchill and I don't want frostbite. I'd also rather not have completely numb toes since balance is kind of essential to not falling over or twisting an ankle.

I suppose in a worst-case scenario I can loosen the laces and wear two pears of socks, but I'd rather hear about it if anyone has something that works reasonably in 0 or below....
Click to expand...

We work out most mornings down to about 15 degrees or so, and I've worn Smartwool medium cushion (real similar to Darn Tough wool version) for years, summer and winter. I don't think I've ever had a problem with my feet even getting cold up to about an hour of exercise (we do bootcamp style stuff outside, and run 3-4 miles other days), unless they got wet somehow, obviously.

My expert analysis from 1,000 miles away is it sounds like a weird shoe problem. My wife wore Asics running shoes for 15 years or more, then 3 years ago or so got a pair after design change that cut off circulation to her toes. Wasn't the size - just the way the shoe hit her feet - and her feet would "go to sleep" on any run over a mile or so. Bought a new pair of another brand - no more problems. Seems more likely you've got a circulation problem than a socks problem. Hard to believe low 20s would cause your feet to be numb from cold after a half hour of exercise.

Good luck!
 
JasperL said:
We work out most mornings down to about 15 degrees or so, and I've worn Smartwool medium cushion (real similar to Darn Tough wool version) for years, summer and winter. I don't think I've ever had a problem with my feet even getting cold up to about an hour of exercise (we do bootcamp style stuff outside, and run 3-4 miles other days), unless they got wet somehow, obviously.

My expert analysis from 1,000 miles away is it sounds like a weird shoe problem. My wife wore Asics running shoes for 15 years or more, then 3 years ago or so got a pair after design change that cut off circulation to her toes. Wasn't the size - just the way the shoe hit her feet - and her feet would "go to sleep" on any run over a mile or so. Bought a new pair of another brand - no more problems. Seems more likely you've got a circulation problem than a socks problem. Hard to believe low 20s would cause your feet to be numb from cold after a half hour of exercise.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

I've been using these since summer. The only time my toes got numb was today, and today was the coldest I've run using this pair. It's the same model I always get, just slightly newer. It looks like they removed some of the insulation from the top of the shoe, probably to lighten it.

So...definitely not circulation. I'll have to try other socks.
 
Mr Person said:
I've been using these since summer. The only time my toes got numb was today, and today was the coldest I've run using this pair. It's the same model I always get, just slightly newer. It looks like they removed some of the insulation from the top of the shoe, probably to lighten it.

So...definitely not circulation. I'll have to try other socks.
Click to expand...

Just a suggestion. Good luck.
 
Mr Person said:
I've been using these since summer. The only time my toes got numb was today, and today was the coldest I've run using this pair. It's the same model I always get, just slightly newer. It looks like they removed some of the insulation from the top of the shoe, probably to lighten it.

So...definitely not circulation. I'll have to try other socks.
Click to expand...

Something similar happened with my latest pair of Nike cycling shoes. They weren't marketed as hot weather shoes but the vents in the soles sure makes it cold when the temps dipped. I think they do that for sweating, but good gawd that's cold! My running shoes are pretty warm, so I don't have a problem there. I think the warmest socks I ever had were Drymax, but's that's been a couple of years ago -- they were quite warm. I have some Smartwool socks now and they're also decently warm, comfortable and wick well, but, as I said, my running shoes aren't too chilly. I like arch compression in my running socks, which the Smartwool also has.

Good luck to you -- I can't stand cold feet. If your running shoes are anything like my cycling shoes -- I feel for ya.
 
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