I live on the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border, so it should come as no surprise that winter riding is a little nippy. I’ve been using neoprene shoe covers from Descente for the past three years, and they’re on their last legs. As I search for new kit, I’m curious if there is better technology out there. Whether hiking, running or biking, my feet are always the first thing to get cold, and I think it’s getting worse as I get older. My usual system in cold (sub 40) weather has been to don wool socks, tape a heat pack to the top of my shoes, then slip on the heavy covers. After a few hours today in mid-30s weather, my toes were frozen.
Any thoughts on materials other than neoprene for the truly cold days? I’ve seen windstopper fabrics, fleece, etc, but I have no experience with them and shoe covers are shockingly expensive so I want to be somewhat confident before I buy.
I just moved to MD from CA, so maybe not the best judge of whats cold, but I’ve been riding in the high 30’s wearing some wool socks with neoprene booties. One other trick I like to get a little more warmth is a small plastic bag over your toes, between the sock and shoe. I use the fold top sandwich bags. In mild weather that alone can make enough difference and is great in the spring and fall when it starts out cold but warms up. Today it was 45 when I started and wore the wool socks, plastic bag and toe covers and was fine.
I ride in Alaska. We know cold. A lot of local riders use the Bontrager Rxl Waterproof Thermal Shoe Cover: http://bontrager.com/model/07876
Pair it with neoprene socks and Sidi Diablo GTX and you can ride to minus 5-10F easily.
Are you wearing the same shoes that you do in the summer? If so, a shoe that fits well with thin or no socks is going to be too tight when you wear thicker wool socks, and you will actually be colder than with your normal thin socks. I have a pair of MTB shoes that are a little too big normally, but fit perfectly with the thicker socks.
Also, you want to get the heat packs on the inside of the shoe. I usually stick mine to the bottoms of my socks. It feels strange at first but I don’t notice it after I start riding. Again, if your feet are jammed in there, you are going to be cold.
a proper winter riding shoe is going to be better than the best overshoe. I’ve had a pair of sidi diablos for 4 yars and they work very well in the new england winter.
lake makes some very nice winter shoes, and there is the new feet never cold winter boot from 45 north.
All that said, dry feet (I gold bond my toes to make sure they are bone dry), dry socks, and dry shoes are the best start to keeping feet happy in any temp. Grabber makes toes specific warmers that are flatter and toes shaped and has some sticky to keep them in place on the bottom of your sock as you put your shoes on. same goes for xc skiing, down hill skiing, and any other cold weather activity.
I ride in Alaska. We know cold. A lot of local riders use the Bontrager Rxl Waterproof Thermal Shoe Cover: http://bontrager.com/model/07876
Pair it with neoprene socks and Sidi Diablo GTX and you can ride to minus 5-10F easily.
+1 for the RXL’s… I move between northern New England and western PA throughout the year and wouldn’t go anywhere without these booties. They are absolutely awesome. Done the job on clear 0* days as well as rainy/snowy 20* days. I’ve never had to wear super heavy socks and don’t need different shoes for different weather. Just throw the RXL’s on over your normal socks and normal shoes and go. I hope they come out with a glove if the same caliber!
I use the Pearl Izumi Barriers. I also put a strip of duct tape over the vents on the bottom of my shoes. I have the same issue as you with freezing feet, but this has worked for me so far this year.
I wear the Pearl Izumi PRO ones throughout the winter. I know living in the DC region doesn’t get much snow, but it can get pretty cold and windy and these keep my feet nice and warm. Definitely paired with some nice warm socks.
Being able to wiggle your toes makes a big difference. You’re better off with a thin wool sock, or ideally getting a larger shoe. I hear the winter-specific shoes work well, but just getting a cheap pair one size up so you can wear expedition grade socks will help a lot.
Use the old school flap (not ziplock)sandwich bags over your socks/toes, then put your shoe and neoprene covers on or use the adhesive back toasty toes warmers stuck to the top of forefoot of shoe before putting neoprene covers on. If it’s really, really cold do both bags and toasty toes.
I live in MA as well, closer to RI, and have been riding all winter when not icy and time allows. I’ve been down the route of heavy socks, shoe covers, etc. This year I bought a pair of Lake Celsius GTX shoes(boots) and haven’t looked back. They make a world of difference. I don’t advocate one brand over another and a friend wears the Specialized version. They really make a difference…
I’ve got a few pairs of booties. You need em 'cause one weight does not do all temps well.
New, never worn PI Barrier Lite. Got em 'cause a riding buddy tore my Pro Tarmacs. The Tarmacs were light. Wind and water proof. Warmer than you’d expect. Could wear em from the 50s down to the high 30s.
Gore insulated booties. For when its really cold. 40s and down are where these shine.
Belgian booties. IOW heavy weight socks with a sole cutout for cleats. 50s and up
Toe booties. Combined with some Gore Tex socks, these do OK down to the upper 30s in mtn shoes. My toes do get cold, but never wet. I’ve got some ca '95 PBS toe booties that are finally about to give up the ghost. Next up: Garneau’s version. Looks promising.
Wool socks are key. Synthetics and cotton stay wet and cold. Wool may get wet, but it’ll still insulate.
The other part of the equation is to keep the rest of you warm. Especially your core. Warm core = warm extremities. AMHIK