The simple trick to keeping one's upper body warm is adding layers. However, wearing multiple socks does not work for the feet. At least not for me. Any advice? Preferably non-electric solutions.
Photo credit: Shashi Chaturvedula.
Sometimes what causes your feet to get cold is that they were warm in the first place, so they sweated. Now you are walking around in damp cold socks. There are a couple things you can try to mitigate this:
- Wool is warmer when wet than Cotton. Wool socks can come in a variety of cushion/warmth levels, so you can pick what works for you.
- Sock liners are a thin sock to wear under your normal socks. They are usually made of synthetic fabrics that wick the sweat away from your feet to the outer sock so your feet don’t feel wet. They can also help with chafing and are usually used for outdoorsing or sports.
- Wear breathable shoes as long as you aren’t walking somewhere too cold and wet. When your socks can dry out your feet will feel warmer
- Wearing slippers alone can end up both sweaty and drafty. Wearing socks with your slippers can keep your ankles warm and reduce how drafty they feel, but the draftiness of the slipper can also help to keep your socks dry.
- Take off your shoes or slippers periodically to let your socks dry out.
- Feel free to change your socks whenever you want. There is no rule that says you have to wear the same pair all day.
This may also sound counterintuitive, but put on a sweater or vest. When your core is more exposed, your body will reduce circulation to your extremities to keep the heat in your core. If you insulate your core, your body will increase circulation to push the heat to your extremities to keep your core cool.
Lastly, get a good night’s rest. Thermoregulation is one of the things that will suffer for lack of sleep.