The Joy of Warm Feet

Smartwool Winter 2013 Collection:  Outdoor, Running and Skiing Socks.  Wynter Scarf  by Carve Designs

 

Ahnu Monte Vista Hiking Boots

No matter what outdoor activity you choose, during the winter months, expect it to be ruined by cold feet.  Ugh!  That is if you didn't take the time to prepare a bit.  First of all, you need to plan what activity you are going to be engaged in as well the weather conditions that will be present.  After that, choose the right socks as the foundation of your warm footwear strategy.  You can also look for footwear with built in Gore-Tex TM and Thinsulate TM. 

A good example of this technology at work are Ahnu's Monte Vista Hiking Boots.  Made of both finished leather and suede, they are waterproof and contain over 200 grams of insulation but do not feel bulky.  Speed laces allow for a custom fit as a boot that is too tight will limit circulation to your feet and cause them to get colder sooner. This is the sort of technical boot to look for because during the course of the hike, your feet may tend to swell. You may need to adjust the fit at the end of the day to prevent your toes from going cold and numb.

WATERPROOFING=WINTERPROOFING
These newer high tech materials are not only lightweight but encourage sweat to evaporate while offering a water-proof barrier to rain, snow and mud. You can also add an additional layer of water protection by using Sno-Seal or NikWax to winterize your boots.  The time to do this is now before you even hit the first snow drift. Once unprotected leather is gets wet,  waterproofing products may not take as well.
Suede is especially notorious for absorbing water and staining so you will need a special suede spray like one in this Sheepskin Care Kit from The Walking Company.

Sheepskin Care Kit from The Walking Co.

Do Your Feet Too!
Similarly you can seal moisture & warmth in your feet by coating them with a thick layer of petroleum jelly, cocoa butter, lanolin or a combination of all three. Moisturized skin holds in warmth much better than dry, cracked and flaky skin. Put your socks on over the salve and your feet will get conditioned while you walk.  Do this about twice a week or more often if you have very dry feet.


BOOT DRYERS
Another way to insure warm feet is to make sure your footwear is completely dry between wearings. A wet leather boot is just that and the moisture trapped within will quickly freeze once you go out. We used to just place our boots in front of the fireplace but sometimes you can't always regulate heat coming off a log so consider getting a boot dryer.

Dry Guy above here, can be set via a timer for a variety of temperatures, up to 180 degrees and is a lot safer for your boots than exposing them to uncontrolled heat. It really completely drys your boots, down to the toes in a very short amount of time.

MERINO WOOL SOCKS
In addition to choosing breathable yet waterproof  footwear, you might want to consider exploring the joy of wearing merino wool socks.  Gone are the days of itchy wool, these take comfort to a whole new level!
What is especially great is just as I mentioned at the start, you can choose the right sock for the specific activity you have in mind. By doing so, you can choose where the added thickness and padding will best serve the sport.  For example, when running, look for extra cushioning at the heel and ball of the foot. 

I especially like merino wool because it is very warm and soft while being able to be knitted into a very thin sock that does not bunch up in your ski boot.  Some of the best merino wool is from Australia and New Zealand.  Bluey of Australia can even tell you what flock their woolen products hail from! I used to keep sheep and know that is no easy task.


Why Wool?
Wool is a natural polymer that believe it or not stays warm even when wet.  However, its natural moisture dispersion abilities keeps excess water buildup from being a problem.

Fine Cushion Sole Socks by Bluey of Aus.

Just to be sure, pack an extra "dry" pair when you go skiing or hiking.  Sometimes the simple act of changing into fresh, dry socks can save your outdoor excursion big time.  I've gone hiking and fell off a log into a bog.  My sock was wet and since I didn't have an extra pair, I had to take it off.  Now if had been really cold, that could have pretty much made the trip a total misery instead of the partial one it turned out to be.  So consider keeping a pair of warm wool socks in your first aid kit, car or bicycle as they can also be placed on your hands to help combat hypothermia.  

Both Smartwool and Bluey Aus. offer beautifully made merino wool socks for just about every outdoor activity imaginable.  Check them out as they are going to be your best friend this winter when the temperatures drop out there. 

Gore-Tex Paclite Snowboarding Pants are perfect for Alpine Skiing too.

Natural Foot Pain Relief

Topricin Foot Cream & Footsie

This is the time of year that calls for warmer footwear and socks instead of the sandals we've been wearing over the summer.  The only problem is, having your feet under wraps so to speak, during physical activities such as running, walking, skating or skiing causes sweat, bacteria, fungi and odor to build up.  Not a good thing.  Yeast and bacteria are almost always present on the skin but you only need: heat, warmth, moisture and darkness to see them multiply.

Athlete's Foot
Fungi, such as that which causes Athlete's Foot can cause itching, redness and in severe cases, a breakdown of the outer skin layers.

Natural Solutions
Before you reach for those OTC Athlete's Foot creams or sprays, consider a natural alternative:
Tea Tree Oil or Melaleuca alternifolia

This all natural essential oil is effective against bacteria, yeast and fungi.

Merino Wool Cushioned Socks by Bluey

How to Use:
Add 4-8 drops of Tea Tree Oil to an 8 oz Spray Mister filled with water. Remember that moisture makes the problem worse so spritz your feet and socks with the Tea Tree Oil Spray and let them dry a bit before putting your athletic shoes on.

Consider Wearing Merino W
ool Socks:
I especially like these women's Urban Fine Cushion Socks from Bluey Australia. Wool has a natural wicking action that draws moisture away from your feet, allowing them to stay warmer but dryer.  I wear Merino wool socks in my hiking boots and seldom have a moisture problem. The Cushioned Socks shown here have extra loft on the soles so they are more comfortable for hiking because they keep air circulating in the boot.  Spraying your feet, boots and socks with the Tea Tree Oil Mister will help keep them fresher and resistant to bacteria, yeast and fungus growth.


Painful Feet
I think you know to make sure your shoes fit properly but many of us women still equate foot size to beauty or something.  I ski and skate so I know that a proper fitting boot is integral to a good performance on the snow or ice surface.  Still, even with the best fitting footwear, my feet are sometimes "maxed out" being on the slopes all day or skating for several hours at a time.

If this sounds like you, try to:

Take a break after an hour or so and completely remove your footwear.

Stretch and flex your ankles and toes.

Apply some pain cream to your feet/ankles, (I keep a tube of Topricin Foot Cream in my ski and skate bags).


Once you get home, you can opt for the full Epsom Salt tub soak if you wish.  Another treat is using the Ma-Roller Footsie pictured in the lead photo. You simply roll your foot over it perpendicular to the grooves.  It is based on the art of triggering your Reflexology pressure points but is just really feels fantastic!

Topricin's Foot Retreat Gift Bag, perfect for you or someone you know with sore feet.

Why Smartwool is So Smart

Merino wool rules in this super comfortable Women's Channing Cycle Jersey in Carbon from Smartwool

This is the time of year that you're not sure how to dress.  It's even more difficult if you are going out to do some jogging or ride your bicycle.  I usually check things like humidity and wind speed before choosing my workout apparel for the day.  Fortunately, there is one fabric that can be worn every season of the year with only a few modifications.  That fabric is wool and it is a natural polymer.  Polymers consist of two monomers linked together but what makes them so cool is their ability to repel large droplets of water, i.e. rain yet allow smaller ones like sweat vapor to escape.  Silk and wool are examples of natural polymers.  Wool is the most adaptive of fabrics and the way Smartwool has designed the Channing Jersey maximizes this material's full potential.

Why Wool is the Natural Choice

Read the tag of Smartwool's Channing Jersey and you'll learn a lot about what a well made wool cycle jersey should be.  The Channing is made from Smartwool's new Technical Knit Merino which incorporates 75% Merino wool with 25% polyester.  It is naturally antimicrobial in part due to the fact that it does not allow moisture build up which is a key component of bacterial growth.  This jersey has extra porous panels on the sides and at the nape which allow an even higher transfer of moisture from your skin to the air.  The Channing has very comfortable cuffs that don't cut into your arms and a griping bottom hem that helps keep it in place while riding.  The front side invisible zipper pocket is genius and the back of the jersey has two rear open pouches.  Get ready to turn heads too.  This is a VERY smart wool jersey that looks fantastic both on and off the road.

Microweight Baselayer Zip-T by Smartwool

The cut of the jersey is comfortable, not skin-tight allowing you to wear a baselayer under it if you wish.

It's What's Underneath That Counts

An easy way to transition into the season is to wear this Microweight Baselayer Zip-T underneath on extra cool and windy days.  I'm talking about  50-55 degree weather with a slight wind.

The beauty of having an essential baselayer like the Microweight is that it can be used for all four seasons.  Wear it alone for high performance in the heat or under your cycling / running jersey when the weather is cooler.  No need for a jacket you'll only take off once you're warm.  Smartwool fibers maintain a more even temperature in all weather conditions, hot - cold or somewhere in between.  I've worn both the Baselayer and the Channing Jersey and was TOTALLY comfortable.  I even get itchy from cashmere so being able to wear wool next to my skin was a revelation.  It got warm... it got cool but I seemed to maintain an even comfort zone no matter what the weather was doing.  Wool is also naturally water repellent and fire resistant.  I've raised Finn sheep and know that lambswool is definitely God's miracle fiber!

Keep it Clean

Now sportswear is generally no good if it can't take a little rough treatment.  We've been testing Smartwool technical pieces and socks for several months and can tell you they can take a beating.  The socks don't bleed when washed and the clothing pieces can be tossed in the machine.  I recommend hand washing fine wool and silk fabrics with Sport Wash which maintains the fabric's natural wicking ability while completely removing any odors.  Sport Wash rinses completely and leaves your technical clothing soft and fresh. Add Sport Wash's Hair & Body Soap to your daily routine and you'll find your athletic wear staying much fresher longer and requiring fewer washings.  A win-win situation!

 

Use Sport Wash on all natural and synthetic pieces and Hair & Body Soap on yourself!

Spring X-Training: Stayin' Dry & Cool!

So chill & be comfy all day long! Exofficio's Chica Cool Hoody

One thing for sure.  Getting your exercise, anyway and anytime is going to be a major plus in staying on track.  I believe that the clothes you pick when first getting dressed should prepare you for anything the day can bring.  Who says you need to be dressed in Spandex 24/7 to be ready to work out?  Really there is NO need for that when choosing the right technical pieces can take you from your morning walk to lunch or shopping afterward.

Chica Cool Long Sleeved Hoody by ExOfficio

The Chica Cool Hoody features a travel-ready silhouette that utilizes Dri-release fabric. This proprietary fabric has a unique look and unbeatable performance. Chica Cool wicks moisture, resists odors, and looks outstanding on or off the road.  Yes, all of us athletes sweat, (mist if you must), and what is so cool about this hoody is its ability to keep you dry and fresh smelling all day.

  

Little details like the front pouch pockets, an adjustable hood and thumb holes on the sleeves make this a very travel-worthy essential!  No matter what you day throws at you, you'll keep your chill factor going in this versatile hoody.  VERY comfortable top!  Made of 85% Polyester / 15% Cotton. Imported.  Slim fit, FreshGuard treated fabric.  Shown here: Black Pebble.  Price: $65.00 by ExOfficio

Hiking Medium Mini Socks from Smartwool Price: $15.00

Smartwool Socks
Another essential for your morning jog includes some well made socks.  While cotton socks are great, they often do not breath well enough to allow your feet to stay dry in your footwear.  Say no more!  Smartwool has been taking the industry by storm with their sport-specific socks for everything from snowboarding to cycling.
If you get a wet spring such as we are predicting, the extra humidity in the air is going to make staying dry even more difficult.  Jogging and hiking in these conditions can leave you with wet, soggy feet.  Ugh!  Smartwool's soft Merino wool naturally wicks away excess moisture, keeping your feet amazingly cool and dry.  These hiking specific socks offer extra non-bulky cushioning in the ball and heel area.  Talk about happy feet!  We've paired these socks with Sperry Topsider's SB-1070 boating-performance shoes.  Made with a new Hydro-Grip™ Rubber Traction Compound, these are perfect for wet, slippery paths and surfaces while drying very quickly.  Find them online under women's performance shoes at the Sperry website.  Price: $90.00

GORE BIKE WEAR ALL WEATHER CAP

Signature GORE BIKE WEAR Cap
A true classic!  This traditional road cap is made with highly innovative fabrics. Extra benefit: It is waterproof.  Not for just biking although its fit is made to easily go under a bike helmet.  It is small and light enough to fold up and pack in your pocket. Looks great with the bib turned up.
Turn the bib down as shown and it really repels the rain.
Made of GORE-TEX® Paclite® for great breathability while offering full weather protection.  Features:

• GORE-TEX® PACLITE® stretch
• Inner toweling band
• Elastic back for maximum comfort and fit
• Reflective print for more safety
• Reflective logo

Rain Logic Jacket by ExOfficio

This little jacket is a rain essential.  Leave home with the Rain Logic and don't worry about getting caught in a downpour.  In fact the Rain Logic is so tricked out with features that you'll want to wear it even if the forecast doesn't call for rain! 
The Rain Logic Jacket features a 2.5 layer fabric that’s fully seam sealed to offer lightweight rain protection. It's made with mechanical stretch nylon, a thin polyurethane membrane, and treated with a durable water resistant finish so it fights the elements for you.
Check out the product details to discover hidden features like security zip pockets, arm pit zips and an adjustable hood.  The armpit zippers help to keep you extra dry by allowing you to regulate extra ventilation to those areas before working up a sweat.  The hood comes up to completely cover your neck and chin similar to an expedition jacket.  I've worn this jacket on rainy days with high winds and was completely comfortable.  Get ready to turn heads as this is not your mother's rain jacket!  Available in Black (shown), Deep Lapis and Wine. Price: $199.99 online from Exofficio

Rain or Shine know YOUR conditions!  Kestrel Pocket Weather Trackers