Cold Weather Cleat Hacks: 2 Do’s and 2 Don’ts

If you are an athlete in Virginia, you know the struggle of a February pre-season or a late-winter tournament. There is nothing quite like the feeling of a hard turf field making your feet numb. Standard cleats are designed for breathability, which is great in July but a total nightmare when winter hits. Here is how you can hack your cleats to stay warm- and what we at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center think you should avoid.

Don’t: Use Chemical Toe Warmers in Tight Cleats

It is incredibly tempting to grab those grab-and-go chemical heat packets and shove them into your cleats before a game. However, this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make for your foot health. These warmers require oxygen to produce heat, and inside a tight, synthetic athletic cleat, there is almost zero airflow. This often causes the packet to stop working entirely and leaves you with a hard, uncomfortable lump under your toes.

Even worse, if the packet does heat up, the tight fit of a cleat presses that concentrated heat directly against your skin with no buffer space. From a podiatric perspective, this is a recipe for thermal burns or blisters.

Do: Swap Your Insoles for Wool or Felt

Most cleats come with a very thin, perforated foam insole designed to let air in. In the winter, that foam acts like a cold sink. A pro move is to remove those factory insoles and replace them with a thin wool or felt insert.

Since cleats are usually a tight fit, look for the ultra-thin versions so you don’t crowd your toes and cut off your circulation. This would make your feet even colder!

Don’t: Double Up on Heavy Socks

Your first instinct might be to wear two pairs of thick wool socks, but you should avoid this at all costs. Cleats are built to be snug and responsive. If you cram too much sock into the shoe, you compress your foot. This can actually cut off circulation and make your feet colder.

Do: Use Cleat Covers or Over-Socks for Wind Protection

If you have ever seen football players wearing what looks like spats over their shoes, they aren’t just doing it for style. These are often cleat covers that provide an extra layer of windproof material over the laces and mesh.

If you don’t have a professional cover, a thick pair of tube socks with the heels cut out can be pulled over the outside of your cleats. This extra layer traps a pocket of dead air around the shoe, which acts like a miniature wet suit for your feet.

For more foot care facts and advice, consult Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Fairfax County, Virginia, about any podiatric concerns you’re facing. Set up an appointment today to find relief!