Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Geoffrey Harding on November 22, 2016 at 2:56am

Showers Pass makes waterproof socks that I would have to believe are wind proof, but I have never tried them. Several years ago I rode with mountain biking shoes with SPD cleats all year round. They looked just like sneakers. When the polar vortex struck I was wearing wool socks, with toe warmers, and then shoe covers to block the wind, rain, and snow.

Assembling all of that took some time each morning so last year I bought insulated waterproof boots, that accept a cleat, and I couldn't be happier.

If you are looking to replace baggies you could go with shoe covers, but for heavy commuters they may only last a season. Hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on November 22, 2016 at 9:29am

NeoSocks work for me. They are made of neoprene and are windproof and waterproof.

https://www.amazon.com/Seirus-Innovation-Windproof-Weather-NeoSock/...

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Permalink Reply by djm on November 22, 2016 at 12:25pm

0)  Ive used GoreTex socks in the past but they didnt stretch which made them uncomfortable to use.

1)  Neoprene booties over your shoes.

2)  Insulated winter bike shoes (or boots if using flat pedals) and change into your gym shoes off the bike.  E.g.:  Lake, Northwave, 45Nrth.  Not inexpensive but a good value.

3) Chemical toe warmers.  I use these when its cold out.  Search for info on an older winter biking thread.

4) A "grown ass man" uses plastic bags if that works for him.

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Permalink Reply by Jasmin on November 22, 2016 at 12:38pm

there's oversocks for when it's just slightly chilly and neoprene booties that help me keep my feet -relatively- defrosted.

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Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on November 22, 2016 at 12:48pm

Yesterday I wore wool socks with neoprene booties over my shoes and my feet stayed fairly warm for over 3 hours outside.  

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Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on November 22, 2016 at 1:46pm

Have you considered getting a pair of decent winter boots/shoes?

I mean a "grown ass man" doesn't walk around the entire winter in gym shoes...

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Permalink Reply by Tiberculosis on November 23, 2016 at 2:31am

Yep.

Pull the plug on dedicated winter shoes. I fuddled around too many years saying, too expensive. These are a solid investment. Your local LBS should have at least one or both of these below.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/shoes/defroster-trail-mountain-bi...

http://45nrth.com/products/footwear

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Permalink Reply by JMinHP on November 23, 2016 at 4:29am

As much as I'd love a pair of 45NRTH Wolvhammers, they'd cost me more than my bike.

Like you, I also use normal (platform) pedals. Two winters ago I purchased a pair of gore-tex hiking boots/shoes** (Forsake Clyde Boot). I know gore-tex in shoes has mixed reviews, but they've been great for me for whole winters (including sub-zero temps) of 30 minute commutes paired with wool socks. Plus, they're not bike specific so I wear them for more than my bike commute. That's my recommendation - waterproof winter hiking boots/shoes.

** I don't know what "category" this shoe falls in, but hiking boots with sneaker soles has become a thing recently. I think Forsake was one of the first, but more established brands have followed along. Danner makes a sweet pair (Mountain 600).

- I agree with DJM re: gore tex socks. Not stretchy and kind of a pain. Neoprene socks are not bad if you go the sock route.

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Permalink Reply by David P. on November 23, 2016 at 5:28am

I think you would be better off looking at Gore-Tex lined shoes. This will keep the wind out, and the water too. I have one pair of GTX-lined Shimano SPD shoes, and GTX-lined hiking shoes and hiking boots. These all do a great job of keeping my feet cozy in winter.

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