Earlier this week Morning Light Host Michael Wolch said skating outside wasn't for him. His feet got too cold! So we decided to put together a short list of things you can do keep warm while taking advantage of our great Winnipeg outdoor skating trails, ponds and rinks.
1. Make Sure Your Skates are Properly Fitted 
One of the most effective ways to avoid cold feet is to make sure your skates are properly fitted. Skates should be snug, but not too tight. There should be a little room at the front of the boot to allow circulation to your toes. After skating for an extended amount of time or if your're playing hockey outside, it's normal for your feet to swell a little. A good fitting skate should give your foot the room to comfortably do that.
It seems intuitive to want to wear a heavy sock or multiple layers of socks if you are trying to keep your feet warm. You may even be tempted to go with a larger skate size to accommodate socks or toe warmer packs.
DON'T!
Your feet will sweat, a lot, and the moisture will get trapped. This moisture will cool rapidly and make your feet feel frozen quickly. Thick sock material will also cause friction and rubbing between the skate and your foot, which could result in painful blisters, and your skates will be too big to perform properly.
A regular pair of socks--even trouser socks will do the trick! A thin sock will not interfere with the boot fit, which means maintaining consistent blood flow throughout the foot.
You can also try a technical sock made specifically for hockey.
Hockey socks are thinner and are designed to be moisture wicking, venting and temperature regulating to keep your feet drier. Less sweat in your boot means your skates are light so you won't tire as easily.
Always put on socks that are completely dry too. Grab a fresh pair each time you go out instead of leaving the same sweaty pair in your bag that may still be moist from the last skate.
TIP: Sprinkle a little baby power in your skates for both dryness and odor control.
3. Laces 
Believe it or not, your skate laces could be causing your feet to get cold.
Waxed laces stay tighter longer but they may be adding to your problem with keeping your feet warm. The laces may be preventing your skate from expanding as previously mentioned, which restricts blood flow and causes cold feet. Non-waxed laces allow more give. You may have to tighten your laces during your skate, but the benefit will be that your feet will be warmer.
And finally, there's always those disposable or non-disposaable heat pads made specifically for your toes. Some of them say they'll last up to 6 hours! Just make sure they're not TOO hot and that they don't interfere with the fit of the skate boot.
So there you have it! Don't be a Michael! Keep those toes warm while you're enjoying a good outdoor skate in Winnipeg! Get out there and enjoy the winter!
One last thing . . . .don't forget to bring US with you! You can stream Classic 107 any time at classic107.com
We'll accompany you on your wonderful outdoor skate with great classical music all day long!
Sources:
http://www.sourceforsports.com/Blog/4783/How-To-Prevent-Cold-Feet-in-Your-Hockey-Skates.aspx
http://www.figureskatingadvice.com/2015/01/what-to-wear-on-your-feet-when-figure.html
Fri, May 3, 7:30 PM
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