Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on January 8, 2017 at 12:14pm

Yes, it would be a lot better in my experience. I use the toe covers in the fifties a thin shoe cover in the fourties and a thick set from gore bike wear in the thirties. Sometimes I even use heated shoe inserts.  I don't have a disease but I do like to be warm.

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Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on January 9, 2017 at 11:39am

It's a little odd that the covers you have now are rated on the website for use between 45 and 55 degrees, while the ones you're thinking about are rated between 50 and 65.  Maybe it's just a mistake, but that and the half-price markdown makes me wonder if the second ones are as warm as they look.  Also, the available sizes for those are pretty limited. 

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Permalink Reply by Kevin O on January 9, 2017 at 1:38pm

Yes, full shoe covers (aka overshoes) will be better than toe covers.  If the fit is not too tight you can put the toe covers on and then put the shoe covers on over them.  Pearl Izumi, Endura, and Gore all make pretty good cold weather shoe covers.  You might be able to find a deal at Nashbar.com or Performancebike.com on these brands and other brands if cost is a concern.

Cycling shoes with cleats also let in cold at the cleat on the bottom of the shoe.  The cleat attachment system usually employs a metal plate just under the ball of the foot, which gets cold quickly.  You can help combat that by using insulated (aka thermal) insoles (aka footbeds) to replace the stock insoles in your shoes.  Lake Cycling, 45Nrth, and Specialized all make insoles for cold weather cycling.  There are other options out there, too.

Warm socks also help.   Some people put their feet in plastic bags to help fight the cold, too.  Just make sure that your shoes don't fit too tight and that the warmer (and likely thicker) socks don't make the shoes fit too tight either.  The blood needs to be able to circulate to your feet to help keep them warm.  You also need a little bit of room in your shoes to trap the body heat between your foot an the shoes/shoe covers.  A lot of people have bike shoes that are a half-size or even a full size (or more) larger than normal so that they can wear thicker socks and still have room for blood flow and to retain body heat.

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Permalink Reply by ad on January 10, 2017 at 7:04am

I second the recommendation regarding thermal insoles.  I ride with Lake's winter boot, and one of the biggest improvements I noticed is the bottom of my foot no longer goes cold on rides (which happened when I used regular MTB shoes w/ thermal covers).  The shop that sold me the Lake boots also noted they consider the insole one of the biggest features that'll keep your feet warmer on rides. 

To the degree you can buy the insole alone (without buying the pricey boots), I think it's worth it. 

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Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on January 10, 2017 at 11:35am

I use thermal insoles in all my footwear in the winter.  They make an appreciable difference.  I agree with Kevin that having oversized shoes or boots is key.  Stuffing your thickly-socked feet into your regular size of shoes, with insoles, just doesn't work.  You need some room for the air to warm up in there.  

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Permalink Reply by Scott Chillson on January 10, 2017 at 2:43pm

I puts those iron oxide hand warmers in between my booties and my shoes. Much warmth

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Permalink Reply by Dave Grossman on January 10, 2017 at 2:46pm

I bought a pair of Fasterkatts last year and I love them.  I have cold feet all the time and I have gone on some 4 hour rides in 10-20 degree weather in them and had good results.  I tried covers and never got the warmth I was looking for.

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Permalink Reply by Duppie on January 10, 2017 at 5:03pm

Work brought me to Calgary,AB this week. I had a chance to visit the local MEC (Canada's version of REI). They have no less than a dozen models in stock. I ended up with a pair of Castelli's.
I followed this forum's advice and bought a roomy pair. We'll see how I like them...

https://www.castelli-cycling.com/Products/Men/Accessories/Shoe-Cove...

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Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on February 5, 2017 at 1:47pm

I'm fine down to about freezing without anything. If I try to ride in the high 20s without booties, I get cold toes (my commute during the winter is about 75 minutes), however I also notice that my ankles get pretty chilly. I suspect while the toe covers will help, they aren't going to do anything about heat loss around your ankle and lower leg. I've got a cheap set of SPA booties I found on eBay. Rear entry and zipper make them a breeze to put on and remove.

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