How to have warm feet while belaying

I recently climbed the Grand Teton taking the Full Exum route which is on vertical rock thus requiring rock shoes. When climbing my feet were just a little chilly but when I was belaying they got frigid. I was fine but I not comfortable. Is there an easy way to keep my feet warmer at belays without the need to take off my rock shoes? I would have worn socks but I can't fit my shoes on with socks on. Thanks for the help!

Size your rock shoes so you can wear them with socks 

I guess you could get a pair of down booties sized extra large so that you could stuff your whole foot with climbing shoe on inside, if you didn’t want to get another pair that works with socks.

Emilio Sosawrote:

I guess you could get a pair of down booties sized extra large so that you could stuff your whole foot with climbing shoe on inside, if you didn’t want to get another pair that works with socks.

This.

Emilio Sosawrote:

I guess you could get a pair of down booties sized extra large so that you could stuff your whole foot with climbing shoe on inside, if you didn’t want to get another pair that works with socks.

That's an amazing idea, thank you

Puffy pants are another option. Keeping the blood warm before it hits your feet is key. Not sure how many times people have complained about cold feet belaying while ice climbing. I’d give them puffy pants and they were all good. 

Some folks wear socks on the outside of their rock shoes.  Just cut out the toes and maybe the heel, and you can keep them on the whole time.

climbing coastiewrote:

Puffy pants are another option. Keeping the blood warm before it hits your feet is key. Not sure how many times people have complained about cold feet belaying while ice climbing. I’d give them puffy pants and they were all good. 

What pants do you recommend?

A bit weird but effective: get a large pair of thick warm wool socks. Cut a slit in the bottom. Wear them over your shoes. When climbing, poke your shoes out the slit and slide the socks up, like floppy ankle warmers - while belaying tuck your feet back in them. Makes your feet slippery so if you need traction for your belay stance for any reason it’s not so great, but in that case just poke your toes out or whatever. Nice thing is they’re keeping your ankles warm even while you climb and it’s nothing extra to carry.

I guess if you already have big feet it might be hard to find socks big enough... I wear women’s medium socks and men’s large works for this. 

Tom Salernowrote:

What pants do you recommend?

I only have ones with full side zips due to the crampons while ice climbing. So Patagonia Micro Puff Pants (not sure if they are still making them) and MH Compressor pants are the ones I own, but I’m guessing you could get away with ones without full side zips as you should be able to get your rock shoes in and out of an elastic cuff pant. Might save a bit of money. 

Stand on the rope

Are those down bootie suggestions a joke? I genuinely cannot tell. Get climbing shoes you can wear socks with for mountain stuff, a stiffer shoe can make up for the floppier size. Your feet get colder when your shoe reduces circulation.

Alternatively, you can pee on them or something. Pee is warm, and also your body has to work to keep your pee warm when it’s in you, so you burn calories and lose that heat elsewhere. Win win. 

Liam Hoeferwrote:

Are those down bootie suggestions a joke? I genuinely cannot tell. Get climbing shoes you can wear socks with for mountain stuff, a stiffer shoe can make up for the floppier size. Your feet get colder when your shoe reduces circulation.

Alternatively, you can pee on them or something. Pee is warm, and also your body has to work to keep your pee warm when it’s in you, so you burn calories and lose that heat elsewhere. Win win. 

Not a joke. I use cheap synthetic booties I found on sale at REI. I have Raynauds, and the booty at the belay is a game changer for keeping my feet warm but allowing me to wear tighter fitting shoes, since floppy shoes don't really work when I'm trying to climb harder lines.

When you wear out mountaineering socks, cut the feet off and use them as leg warmers. You can pull them over your heels if you want. (I used mine this morning!)

I feel like if your shoes are so tight you cant wear socks, they are shoes you'd want to take off at a belay anyway. 

On cold climbs I pack my socks in pants pockets and put them on at belays when I take off my climbing shoes. My belay socks, it's nice. Also works great to protect your feet from sharp granite crystals at semi hanging belays. 

SinRopa wrote:

Have you ever looked into contrast hydrotherapy?  I've posted some info on a few MP threads about a friend who had Raynauds and basically cured it with that method.  Some links as well:

https://organicmd.com/raynauds-or-just-cold-hands-here-is-the-treatment/

https://www.nytimes.com/1988/01/19/science/simple-method-found-to-warm-cold-hands.html

I have. I've done it a bit, but never prioritized overcoming the practical/logistical hurdles needed to do it multiple times a day. Consequently, it wasn't super effective. I should probably give it a more dedicated attempt again. I do have a host of other strategies, some of which does hinge on exposure. In winter I can often walk to work, and the consistent cold exposure helps, especially if I'm wearing a t-shirt but also mittens.

Loosen your laces/velcro at the belays to get some blood flow back.

Eat more fatty foods at the belay. Cheese or meats work super well. 

I like the over and under socks ideas. Biggest thing for me is to have fast partners and use lots of chemical warmers. one in each glove and one on the back of my neck. 

Ted Ravenwrote:

Eat more fatty foods at the belay. Cheese or meats work super well. 

As a skinny guy, this has helped me--or maybe some nuts or cacao nibs for the vegans.  

Nick Goldsmithwrote:

I like the over and under socks ideas. Biggest thing for me is to have fast partners and use lots of chemical warmers. one in each glove and one on the back of my neck. 

Why specifically the back of your neck?