Any recommendations on the warmest brand of toe warmers on the market? I had a decent pair but had to leave them behind in the special needs bag during my last race.
Also, what material is the warmest? Neoprene vs. thermal… ?
I can’t wait having toasty feet again! 
Thermal will be slightly warmer than neoprene, but 90% of the warmth is in the wind block. I personally prefer the neoprene ones as they are cheaper, pack lighter, and come on/off a bit easier. If you want toasty toes add wooleator socks and/or go with full booties.
I’m a huge baby when it comes to cold weather riding. just got the Specialized Element windstopper shoe covers. those with thick socks make winter riding tolerable for at least a few hours. they are pretty thin so i was surprised at how well they worked. Definitely with the extra $$$
I’ve been pretty satisfied with the Castelli Diluvio Shoe Cover
http://www.artscyclery.com/Castelli_Diluvio_Shoecover_16/descpage-CSDS16.html
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If you want the warmest toes possible, buy some chemical insole warmers, good Smart Wool or similar socks, and use a windproof booty over your cycling shoe. Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Heatmax-Inc-HotHands-Insole-Warmers/dp/B0143AS5AY
The insoles adhere to your socks and are relatively thin. They are formulated to work in a low oxygen environment and last a few hours. They get me through a1 hr commute in whatever weather Wisconsin throws at me. I put them in a ziploc bag when I get to work to suspend the chemical reaction and wear them again on the trip home. If you have serious circulation issues on the bike like I do, no practical amount of insulation will help you-- you need a heat source.
For toe caps only I go with the Gore wind stopper. They’re caps not booties.
Not sure if you’re looking for just the toes or the whole foot, but if the latter, Pearl Izumi’s winter gear has totally converted me this year. I suffered through last winter trying a bunch of kit, took a forum rec for Pearl Izumi at the start of this year, and both the PRO soft shell WxB shoe cover and PRO AmFIB super glove have been revelations. My hands and feet get freezing cold easily (vestige of ski & winter surfing damage I think) but I’ve been comfortable through to the coldest outdoor temperatures that I’ll bear this year. (Though I’ll note that sometimes I supplement the shoe covers with Castelli neoprene toe covers in an abundance of caution approach.)
I second the Specialized element toe warmers. Best ones I have every had.
De Soto also makes a nice, basic toe warmer out of neoprene-- work great!
On a related note, can anyone recommend chemical toe warmers that actually work?
It seems like they work about 20% in my experience and I’ve never found a reliable brand. But when they do work they are awesome…
I’ve tried a bunch and had the best luck with “HotHands”. Opening them up a couple minutes before install and sort of massaging them a bit seems to help. Still get a dud every once in a while, but better than the other brands I’ve tried. I’m probably close to 80-90% working (vs. your 20%).
after years of suffering with battery operated heaters that stop working and disposable heaters that don’t work, i finally got a pair of winter cycling shoes 4 years ago and never looked back. they look like mini ski boots, have a ton of insulation and no vents so they keep your toes (and feet) nice and toasty. i can’t believe it took me so long to get a pair.
the best shoe covers i’ve tried (and own) are assos fugu. hours at 35F or below and i begin to get frozen toes, then i’ll either try chemical warmers in the shoes (which die quick because no air flow), or just trainer hah
Zwift FTW!
Zwift FTW!
never will stoop that low 
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On a related note, can anyone recommend chemical toe warmers that actually work?
It seems like they work about 20% in my experience and I’ve never found a reliable brand. But when they do work they are awesome…
I’ve found Heat Factory toe warmers work great. I ride and run with them with no problems. I was diagnosed with Rynaud’s a few years ago, anything before 50 degrees and my toes go numb instantly. I’ve run in as cold as -9 with them without a problem.
On a related note, can anyone recommend chemical toe warmers that actually work?
It seems like they work about 20% in my experience and I’ve never found a reliable brand. But when they do work they are awesome…
As others have said, the key is to open them 15 minutes before putting your shoes on. I get the self adhesive toe warmers at walmart (also avail at Meijer, etc) in a predominantly orange package. They’re about $1 a pair when you buy the bigger packs, and always work predictably.
2 thin pairs of socks, a thin windstopper type shoe cover, and chemical warmers are good for 3 hours on the road bike in 25-30F temps. And I’m the type to always have cold feet (even as I type this).
Any recommendations on the warmest brand of toe warmers on the market? I had a decent pair but had to leave them behind in the special needs bag during my last race.
Also, what material is the warmest? Neoprene vs. thermal… ?
I can’t wait having toasty feet again!
Warmest Toe Warmers** on Earth**