How to keep feet warm while sitting

I've been trying to avoid over-doing it with the heating this winter (not just for money, I also hate the dry air that comes with it).

So far it's not so bad, cozy even, but the one thing that drives me crazy is how cold my feet get when sitting at my desk. Wool socks don't seem to make a dent at all, as if my feet can't even produce their own heat! They seem to get cold even when the rest of me is uncomfortably warm.

So far the next best thing is sitting in my chair cross legged with a blanket over my lap, but I can only sit like that for so long.

Whether you face cold landscapes on your way to work or you love being outdoors during wintertime, cold temperatures can cause serious discomfort. There’s nothing worse than wearing a scarf, a hat, gloves and many layers of clothes and still feeling the cold creeping into your toes. So how do you keep your feet warm and protected during wintertime? Here are some handy tips. 

1. Pick the right socks

Let’s start with the basics: socks. Many people think that wearing layering or thick socks is the best solution for dealing with cold feet. But they actually create pressure on your feet and cut off blood circulation to your toes. So in order to keep your feet warm and dry, you need socks that are breathable, moisture-wicking and thin or medium-thick.

That being said, the material that your socks are made from is something to think about. Our advice? Don’t wear cotton socks. They might feel comfy, but they actually make your feet colder and cause frostbitten toes. They have little to none insulation value (especially when they get wet) and they absorb and hold moisture. So opt for woollen socks instead! Wool is one of the warmest materials that you can find and both repels and absorbs water. Bonus: they aren’t too bulky so they fit with almost any shoes.

Extra tip: always carry an extra pair of socks with you in case your feet get wet during a cold rainy day.

2. Wear appropriate boots 

Your shoes provide the outer layer of protection against moisture and play a huge role in how your feet maintain (or don’t maintain) warmth. This means you should wear breathable, waterproof boots that allow your feet perspiration to escape. So ditch the heels, fancy dress shoes or loose trainers and put on a good pair of warm winter boots with thick soles.

Also, make sure to check them regularly for little holes and/or tears to prevent water from getting in. Found a hole? Immediately repair it.

3. Wear warm innersoles

Did you know that you lose heat faster by simply standing on cold surfaces than having cold air around your feet? If your feet are still cold after you have tried the two suggestions we mentioned above, you may try woollen innersoles. Adding thicker or additional innersoles into your boots will not only add an additional layer between the shoes and your feet, but will also give you an extra comfort and reduce unpleasant odors. You can easily get them in your nearest MISTER MINIT shop.

4. Stay active to boost circulation

If you start to feel the cold creeping into your toes, take a walk, get running or do jumping jacks. Physical activity increases the blood flow to your extremities and eventually boosts your body temperature. Plus it gives you more energy and a better mood. What more  benefits do you need?

5. Dry boots between wears

You’ve read it a couple times already: wet feet lead to cold feet. So when you get home, immediately remove your boots and leave them to dry by using scrunched up newspaper  until you wear them again. After all your feet will get cold much faster if there's moisture left in your shoes. But whatever you do, don’t leave them by a heat source or they’ll start to cringe!

Extra tip: did your boots get dirty during the day? Clean them immediately to avoid lasting scuffs and stains or spray them beforehand with a suitable shoe protector. The protector  will not only make them stain-repellent, but also waterproof for a couple of months. You can find one in your nearest MISTER MINIT shop. Better to prevent than to cure, right?

1. Thicker doesn't necessarily mean warmer.

2. Avoid cotton. Seriously.

3. Always go for merino wool.

4. Why? Because wool both repels and absorbs water, which means that it's a magical material.

5. Get toe warmers.

6. If your feet are always cold, try liner socks.

7. Use winter footbeds to keep cold from creeping in through the soles of your shoes.

8. For a winter boot, wear thinner socks. For a sneaker, go for something heavyweight.

9. Try Darn Tough socks if you're a winter runner.

10. If you're wearing dressier shoes in cold weather, try thin hiking socks.

"I would recommend the REI Merino Wool Hiking Socks," Mackey says. "They carry all the benefits of wool socks (warmth, moisture management, and cushion), but aren't too bulky so they fit with almost any shoes."

11. Try a pair of supportive Ibex socks.

"All of our mountain guides wear Ibex because they're really warm and they're made in America," Julian says.

12. For wet weather, go waterproof.

13. To dry soaked socks, pin then to your backpack or put them under a hand dryer.

14. Don't drink caffeine!

15. For a tall, well-insulated sock, go for Smart Wool.

16. And always carry an extra pair of socks with you (because your feet sweat even when you're cold).

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