As the temperature starts to drop in the fall the first thing you do to keep your feet warm is wear toe covers over your cycling shoes. By the time the temperature is in the 40′s you probably removed the toes covers and started wearing shoe covers. As the temperature keeps dropping you finally start looking for something else to help keep your feet warm. 3M Thinsulate Thermal Insoles are a fantastic, yet inexpensive, way to have warm and happy feet during long bike rides in the winter.
3M Thinsulate Thermal Insoles
3M Thinsulate Thermal Insoles are composed of four layers. First, there is an abrasion-resistant antimicrobial layer on the top to help keep odors down and wick moisture away. Under this is a layer of comfortable memory foam, followed by a layer of Thinsulate polyester fiber insulation that does a wonderful job of keeping your feet warm by trapping air molecules between the bottom of your feet and the cruel weather outside. The bottom layer acts somewhat like a shock absorber and has additional antimicrobial and moisture wicking properties.
I have cycled with these insoles for several weeks and they work exactly as advertised. I have no way of measuring for certain, but based upon my experience I think these insoles increase the internal temperature of my shoes by at least 10 to 15 degrees. I believe these insoles would provide even more heat if my cycling shoes and shoe covers formed an airtight seal (not physically possible). Not only are these insoles extremely comfortable on long rides, but they do an excellent job of keeping me feet dry as well.
3M Thinsulate Thermal Insoles are available at many sporting goods stores, such as Cabela’s, Dick’s Sport Goods, Bass Pro Shops and REI. While this product is usually marketed to hunters and hikers, I think any winter cyclist would love to have a pair of these insoles. These insoles are available for women’s sizes from 5–12 and for men’s sizes from 7–14. These insoles sell for around $20 a pair and if you ride in the winter you will never regret this purchase!
Tracy Wilkins
November 23, 2011 at 8:29 AM
I tried a similar, competing product a few years ago and didn’t have much luck. Those insoles look like they’re pretty thin. The ones I tried were considerably thicker. Too think, in fact, for most regular shoes. The only thing they worked comfortably in were my winter cycling boots, which already had a really nice insulated sole.
If I didn’t have the boots, I would probably give those a try.
All Seasons Cyclist
November 23, 2011 at 10:22 AM
My Lake Winter Cycling Boots came with a Thinsulate insole. I wrote this review mainly for people who use toe or shoe covers. I try to wait as long as possible to use my winter cycling boots because they are so heavy! I saw a video on YouTube about these insoles that was very informative — but I couldn’t get it to play yesterday or I would have included a link in the review.
anniebikes
November 24, 2011 at 6:46 AM
I never heard of these insoles…I’ll keep my eye out for them in area stores. Thanks.