Staying warm in winter on the bike can be a challenge sometimes though there is plenty of kit around the help you. Jackets and trousers, for example, can come with hefty thermal liners to help keep the warmth in, particularly when the outer layer keeps the rain and wind out.
Similarly, layering up with a set of base layers, either year-round examples or warmer winter ones for when the temperatures really drops, is pretty much a given and hands and fingers that are out in the worst of the weather on exposed handlebars can easily be protected by winter gloves or indeed, heated gloves and grips to prevent numbness and cold.
But what about the feet? Toes can be just a vulnerable as fingers to the cold – generally, the feet are perhaps one of the most exposed parts of the body.
Related: Best mid-layer motorcycle clothing
Sure, like winter gloves for example, you can get plenty of waterproof and windproof boots that will keep your feet dry and keep chilling windblast away but what about when the ambient temperature drops and those toes get chilly?
This is where a pair of heated socks can come to the rescue. They will add warmth to the part of your body most exposed and furthest away from the core to not only keep your feet warm but also, prevent the rest of your body from getting cold as it tries to maintain the temperature in your tootsies.
With this in mind, here are some of our favourite ways to keep your toes warm this winter.
1. LPCrilly
These short socks aren't cheap but they do get really good reviews online and look like quality
They have three heat settings with temperatures ranging from 35°C to 50°C and control is by a push-button on top of the sock. They are washable as well, once the battery is removed.
Pros:
Washable
Three heat levels
Rechargeable batteries included
Cons:
Button may be in way of boots
Gerbing are one of the brands of motorcycle clothing that produces quality heated kit and these
They use Gerbing’s Microwire heating technology to provide heat both above and below the foot and draw just 1.4A of current when in use. They are designed to be wired directly to the bike’s battery via a wiring harness or via a connection to Gerbing’s heated trousers to provide heat at all times on the bike.
Pros:
Tall to keep lower leg warm
Heating surrounds feet
Powered by bike so permanent heating
Cons:
Can only be used on the bike
3. Keis S301
Keis are another brand famous for heated kit which can either be powered directly from the bike's
These are to be used over a pair of thin socks, not on bare feet and under waterproof boots and use Keis’s Micro Alloy Element technology for even heating of the feet. They connect to the battery or the bike via a wiring harness or from heated trousers and can be used with their own heat controller to vary the level of warmth.
Pros:
Power from battery of bike
Low current draw – 0.6A
Optional heat controller
Cons:
Must be worn over another pair of socks
Not strictly heated socks but these air-activated heated insoles will still help keep the chill
They are good for eight hours yet will be ready for use for months as long as they are kept in their packaging. They are used by several European winter-sports teams and after their single-use, can be disposed of in regular rubbish.
Pros:
Always ready
No electrical power needed
Suit any footwear
Cons:
Single-use, disposable items
5. Macna Lava
These long socks from Macna are designed to be used in isolation or with other items from the
Control comes from a smartphone app so there are no buttons to get in the way and they can be powered directly from the bike’s battery, via a wiring harness or via Macna clothing or from dedicated rechargeable batteries, though the batteries and wiring systems are not included.
Pros:
Connect to bike or rechargeable batteries
Work with other Macna heated clothing
Smartphone app controls heating
Cons:
Power supply not included
Another pair of socks to use a Bluetooth connection to your smartphone for control, these also use
Pros:
Bluetooth control
Rechargeable batteries
Whole-foot warning
Cons:
No direct-wiring option
If you don't fancy the idea of heated socks or really like the non-heated ones you already have,
Pros:
Work with existing socks
Powered by battery or bike
Even heating over base of foot
Cons:
No heat to top of foot
Non-Heated Options
Sometimes the need is for the in between, where the weather is turning and you want something with comfort and some warmth.
While heated options are great, and there are many great options, here's some which are less heated and more thermal lined.
8. SealSkinz
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These 100% waterproof socks are very breathable, with a lining which will protect you from water,
That wet suit style lining is actually a hydrophilic membrane, which is 100% waterproof and pulls moisture away from your skin. This means that any sweaty feet will be kept dry by these socks, like magic.
Pros:
Warm and comfortable
No need for extra socks
Extremely waterproof
Cons:
Quite pricey for a pair of socks.
These knee length wonders will keep your toes toasty over winter. Branded with the official Moto
These have a thick knit in the heel and sole for comfort and shock absorption and using high density materials, they double up on comfort and with an added bonus of keeping your feet warm.
Pros:
Nice long length
Shock Absorbing
Comfortable
Cons:
MotoGP Logo is marmite