How to Keep Feet Warm in Winter: Outdoors, at Home, at Work and in Bed
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Not medical advice. This article shares general information only. It is not a substitute for advice from a doctor. If you have numbness, pain, skin color changes after cold exposure, or a condition that affects circulation or feeling (such as diabetes or Raynaud's), talk to a health professional.
Cold feet can ruin an otherwise perfect winter day. Your coat and hat might be doing their job, but if your toes are numb ten minutes into a walk, or your feet feel like ice under your desk, you'll want to be anywhere but where you are.
The good news is that warm feet usually come down to a handful of fixable things: the right socks, boots with enough room, staying dry, and keeping the rest of your body warm. Here's how to keep feet warm in winter, broken down by where you are: outdoors, at home, at work and in bed.
Why feet get cold so easily
A few things work against your feet in winter:
- They're far from your core. When you're cold, your body tends to keep warmth around your core first, so hands and feet often feel the cold first.
- They're in contact with cold ground. Snow, ice, concrete and tile pull heat away through the soles of your shoes.
- They sweat. Feet sweat inside boots even in cold weather, and damp socks feel cold.
- Tight footwear. Boots or socks that squeeze your feet leave less room for warm air.
So the goal is simple: insulate from the ground, stay dry, leave room, and keep your whole body warm.
Outdoors: walks, commutes and snow
1. Swap cotton socks for wool or a synthetic blend
Cotton holds moisture against your skin. Merino wool and wool blends are the usual recommendation for winter because they handle sweat better and still feel warm when slightly damp. Synthetic hiking socks are another option. Search merino wool winter socks.
2. Choose the right sock thickness for your boots
Thick socks only help if your boots have room for them. If thick socks make your boots tight, you'll likely end up colder. Our winter boot sizing guide explains how to check the fit with winter socks.
3. Try a thin liner sock
A thin liner under a warmer sock moves sweat away from your skin and adds a layer without much bulk. It's a good option on long, cold days.
4. Wear insulated, waterproof boots in snow and slush
Wet feet get cold fast. For snow, slush and icy sidewalks, insulated waterproof boots make the biggest difference. Our guide on how to choose snow boots explains insulation, waterproofing and grip, and rain boots vs winter boots covers when each makes sense.
5. Look for a thick sole
A thicker sole puts more distance between your foot and the cold ground. Thin-soled fashion boots are often the reason feet freeze on city sidewalks.
6. Add a warm insole
Wool, felt, fleece or foil-backed insoles add a layer of insulation underfoot. Check that your boots still fit with the insole in. Search wool insoles.
7. Keep snow out
Gaiters, or tucking your pants over the top of your boots, stop snow from getting in at the ankle and melting into your socks.
8. Keep your boots dry between wears
Damp boots make cold feet. Remove the insoles and let boots dry overnight at room temperature. Avoid putting them right next to a heater or radiator, which can damage leather and glue. Our guide on how to care for waterproof boots explains drying and re-waterproofing.
9. Use toe warmers on the coldest days
Air-activated toe warmers stick to the outside of your sock. Follow the maker's directions, and don't use them if you have reduced feeling in your feet. Search toe warmers.
10. Keep moving
Standing still on cold ground chills feet quickly. If you're waiting for a bus or watching a game, shift your weight, wiggle your toes and walk around when you can.
11. Dress your core
Keeping your core warm helps your whole body, feet included, feel warmer. A thermal base layer, a warm mid-layer and a good coat all help your toes. See our guide to layering for cold weather and our thermal base layers guide.
12. Don't forget your head and hands
A hat, scarf and gloves keep you warmer overall. Our winter accessories checklist covers the essentials.
At home: cold floors and drafty rooms
13. Wear warm slippers with a real sole
Socks alone on a cold tile or wood floor won't stay warm for long. A slipper with an insulated lining and a thick sole makes a big difference. If you're on your feet a lot at home, our guide to slippers with arch support explains which features to look for, and our shearling-lined boots guide covers cozy lined footwear.
14. Put rugs down on cold floors
A rug in the spots where you stand most (by the sink, the sofa, your desk) adds insulation between your feet and the floor.
15. Use a footrest or foot warmer at the sofa
Keeping your feet off a cold floor while you sit helps. A cushioned footrest, a heated foot warmer or a throw blanket over your legs all work. Follow the instructions for any electric warmer and don't leave it on while you sleep unless the maker says it's designed for that.
16. Block drafts
Draft stoppers under doors and closing curtains at night reduce cold air moving along the floor.
17. Warm up with a foot soak
A warm (not hot) foot bath can feel good after a cold day. Dry your feet thoroughly afterward, including between the toes, and put on warm socks.
At work: chilly offices and outdoor jobs
18. Keep a pair of warm socks and indoor shoes at your desk
If your commute boots are damp, changing into dry socks and indoor shoes keeps your feet warm all day.
19. Get your feet off a cold floor
A small footrest under your desk lifts your feet off a cold floor and away from drafts.
20. Take movement breaks
Sitting still for hours can make feet feel cold. Getting up to walk around regularly helps.
21. For outdoor work, wear work-specific wool socks
If you're on your feet in work boots all day, look for wool socks made for work boots, with cushioning, a height that rises above the boot and extra toe padding for safety boots. Our guide to winter gloves for working outside covers your hands.
22. Carry a spare pair of socks
Changing into a dry pair halfway through a cold, wet shift is one of the simplest ways to warm up.
In bed
23. Wear loose, soft bed socks
A pair of soft, loose wool or fleece socks keeps feet warm without squeezing. Avoid tight socks that leave marks.
24. Warm the bed before you get in
A hot-water bottle in a cover or a heated mattress pad can warm the bed before you climb in. Follow the manufacturer's safety instructions, don't use boiling water in a hot-water bottle, and avoid putting a hot-water bottle directly against bare skin.
25. Add a blanket at the foot of the bed
An extra layer over your feet, such as a folded blanket or throw, helps if your duvet is thinner at the bottom.
Quick checklist: warm feet for a winter walk
- Wool or synthetic socks (no cotton)
- A thin liner sock on very cold days
- Insulated, waterproof boots with room to wiggle your toes
- A warm insole
- Gaiters or pants over your boot tops in deep snow
- Toe warmers for long, very cold outings
- A warm base layer, hat and gloves
- A spare pair of dry socks
When cold feet are a warning sign
Cold feet are usually just a winter nuisance, but sometimes they need attention.
The CDC says redness or pain can be the first sign of frostbite, and that a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, and numbness can point to frostbite. If you notice those signs, get out of the cold and seek medical care.
Talk to your doctor if your feet are cold all the time, even when the rest of you is warm, or if your toes change color in the cold. If you have diabetes, Raynaud's, circulation problems or reduced feeling in your feet, ask your doctor or a podiatrist about safe ways to keep your feet warm, and be careful with heat sources such as warmers, heating pads and hot-water bottles, because you may not feel if they're too hot.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to warm up cold feet?
Get out of the cold, change into dry, warm socks and warm your whole body with a blanket or a warm drink. A warm (not hot) foot soak can help too. Don't put numb feet against something very hot, because you may not be able to feel if it's burning you.
Do two pairs of socks keep feet warmer?
Only if your boots have enough room. A thin liner under one warm sock can help, but two thick pairs in a snug boot can squeeze your feet and make them colder.
Why are my feet always cold in winter boots?
The most common reasons are cotton socks, damp socks or boots, boots that are too tight, thin soles on cold ground and standing still for long periods. Check each one before buying new boots.
How do you keep your feet warm in the snow?
Wear insulated, waterproof boots with a thick sole, wool socks, a warm insole and gaiters or pants over your boot tops to keep snow out. Keep moving and carry a spare pair of socks on long outings.
Is it OK to sleep in socks?
For most people, yes. Loose, soft, clean socks can help you stay warm in bed. Avoid tight socks, and if you have a circulation condition or diabetes, ask your doctor.
How can I keep my feet warm at my desk?
Keep dry socks and indoor shoes at work, use a footrest to lift your feet off a cold floor, block drafts and take regular movement breaks.
Read next: How to Choose Snow Boots: Warmth, Grip, Waterproofing and Fit →