Ep 3. Cold Feet

In season 9 episode 3 of the popular science entertainment show Mythbusters, titled "Cold Feet," the team tackles the age-old myth of whether or not your shoes can save you from an electrical shock in a bathtub.

The episode starts off with a bang as hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman conduct a series of experiments to determine if standing in water while wearing shoes can protect you from an electrical shock. They first test a model of a human foot with and without shoes using a Tesla coil, which simulates the effects of electricity in a bathtub. The results show that while the shoe does offer some protection, it's not enough to completely prevent an electric shock.

Next, they move on to a full-scale test using a mannequin in a bathtub with and without shoes, again using the Tesla coil to simulate the electric shock. Despite their best efforts to replicate real-life scenarios, including setting up a GFCI circuit to simulate a foolproof safety measure, the results are not what they hoped for. The test shows that the shoes do not provide enough insulation to prevent an electric shock.

Undeterred, the Mythbusters team decides to take a different approach and try to debunk another myth related to cold feet, this time involving whether or not warm feet will help you fall asleep faster. To test this theory, Adam and Jamie each strap a device to their feet that measures the temperature of their feet and records how long it takes them to fall asleep. The results are surprising, with Adam falling asleep much quicker than Jamie despite having colder feet.

This leads the team to conduct further tests to determine if there are other factors at play, such as the position of the feet or the type of socks being worn. They also test the effectiveness of different foot warming products, including heated socks and foot baths. Ultimately, the results are inconclusive, with both Adam and Jamie falling asleep at roughly the same time despite the varying degrees of warmth in their feet.

The episode concludes with the team revisiting the original myth and conducting a final test to determine if there are any shoes out there that can truly protect you from an electric shock. With the help of a professional electrician, they test various types of shoes and even add an extra layer of insulation to some of them. Despite their efforts, the shoes once again fail to protect against an electric shock.

Overall, "Cold Feet" is a fascinating episode that showcases the Mythbusters team at their best as they attempt to debunk two common myths related to feet. While the results of the first test may be disappointing, it's a great reminder of the importance of electrical safety and the dangers of mixing water and electricity. The second test is equally intriguing, as it highlights the complex nature of sleep and how different factors can affect our ability to fall asleep quickly. All in all, this episode is a must-watch for fans of the show and anyone interested in science and experimental testing.