They sure are expensive. Are they worth it? Or is best to just use booties?
Lake, Sidi or Northwave?
Do you typically go up 1/2 size to accommdate thicker socks . . . or is it like ski boots where you continue to wear a thin sock?
Depends upon the temps you are riding…
Where do you live?
I went through the same decision after wearing booties for many years. I went with Lake. My only regret is that I did not do it 5 year earlier. I wear it with a reg sock to about 30 deg, a light wool sock down to 10 deg with no problems. Lower than that I would use one of those disposable heating pads on the top of my foot.
Sidi is gore Tex, if you are in wet conditions all the time go with it. if the cold is the problem, go with booties
I live in the midwest and ride in temps down to about freezing. I have always used booties, yet my feet are the first thing to get cold.
Did you go up 1/2 size with the Lake product? I know Sidi claims your standard size will accommodate thicker socks.
I second the toe warmers - you can get them from REI or someplace of the sort…
Hand/Toe Warmers
I have the Lake CX 110’s (only one I can find that will work for a high arch in a size 36…), and I toss on the booties, and put the toe warmers in my socks. I’m toasty all ride. If its below 30, I’ll usually toss a hand warmer in each glove, though my hands tend to stay much warmer than my feet.
Lake has some new winter cycling shoes coming out this fall that look really different from previous years. Supposedly are warm AND comfortable. I saw some pics but can’t seem to find them now.
I use some Shimano downhill mtb shoes I got on closeout a few years back. They are completely waterproof and windproof, and I use heavy socks and toe warmers when it gets below 20. Lived in Boston, and now VERY far north in NY, and have never had a problem with cold feet. I throw some SPD pedals on my beater for the winter, and am good to go. I recall spending about $80 for the shoes, and had the pedals laying around.
I think I went the same size. I’ll check later and get back to you. I went with the wide version.
I’d say those Lake shoes, Pearl Lobster gloves, and a cycling specific winter jacket are the best purchases I have made.
Perhaps I could write an article on winter cycling for Slowman…
I have both the Side Diablo GTX and Gaerne Eskimo. If you want cheap, you should be able to find the Gaerne for around $150. I don’t see any good reason to buy road winter shoes over MTB winter shoes…so, of course, you’ll need to change pedals on the road machine and/or devote a bike to winter riding (which I’d recommend). Neither are warmer than the other…but the Sidis are more comfy. But, the Gaerne’s are perhaps stiffer…esp laterally.
For anything down to 45, I’ll use road shoes and either Pearl, LG or Castelli covers. It really doesn’t matter. Fold over the top to avoid unzipping and you’re fine all day. An “on the road” trick would also be to put your feet in baggies prior to slipping them in your shoes.
Around 40, I’ll definately wear the winter shoe. If it will warm up, just a cycling sock. If it going to dip below 35, I’ll wear a mid-weight ski sock.
Below freezing, I’ll then toss a mondo-neoprene cover over the winter shoe.
Below 25, I’ll start to use the heaters as mentioned above. Unless it’s CX Nationals and then I’ll just wear socks, regular mtb shoes and freeze for an hour. ;o)
Below 15, I’ll use toe clips and Sorels (No weather condition will stop the Wed PM ride).
In either case above…your feet are going to get cold after 90 mins simply due to breathability and your feet getting wet. So…you can either be cold for 90 mins or use one of the above set-up to be comfy for 90 mins. At that point, they probably won’t get much colder…so you can chose to keep riding or call it a day.
Once you’ve mastered the cold, you’re ready to sign up for the Arrowhead 135. http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1614095&assetId=ec5e3eb8-d02a-4a98-8e57-4dd7567e4630
There’s lots of opinions about what works/doesn’t work for keeping your feet warm. Winter shoes should be effective in the dry, very cold of the midwest. I live in Portland Oregon and ride 52 weeks a year. There isn’t a shoe made that will keep your feet DRY on 3-4 hour rides even with full fenders. Having tried just about every shoe and bootie, the best solution is the cheapest and easiest. Produce bags from the grocery store. The order of dressing is: Dry Fit sock,DeFeet Woolie Boolie sock, regular road shoe, PRODUCE BAG with the top taped to your shaved leg & tights over the top of the bag, the bootie of choice for insurance.
The bags are thin enough to go right over your cleat and still clip in. You can get multiple uses but I just get a new pair each time so they’re sealed up still. Taping the top is optional for 1-2 hour rides. Just make sure the tights are over the top of the bag.
Yep…all bets are off when a NWer chimes in about riding in the elements!
My Specialized trivents and the Lake’s are the same size. I have a wide foot anyway, but I think the wide model would be good for putting on extra socks.
I got Sidi winter shoes and in February STILL put booties over them ( new england gets cold) and I stay nice and toasty.
I was out on some zero degree days (colder with the wind chill). I cannot imagine getting through the winter without them.
That is exactly what I use. But not much good when it is really cold. I think I will pick up a pair of the MTB Lakes. The shoe can double as a CX shoe if it is really cold. And all I usually ride in the winter is my cross bike anyway. If I can find a deal in the spring I might look at a road version so I don’t have to change pedals (speedplay road, eggbeaters for CX and XC).