Winter Cycling - SPD and Winter Riding....

History: I've been riding 365 for over 20 years, but as I get older my feet just seem to like riding in the winter less and less. I've done galoshes over my shoes, booties currently, but I want to get the real deal winter riding SPD compatible shoe/boot. I'm not really into winter boots and flat pedals. If I go out for over an hour I'm frozen. I'd love to be able to head out to an ice race and spend time on the ice, MTBing in the snow etc. Commuting isn't the issue but the fun rides are too short.

I've been looking into Lakes, Gaerne (polars and Eskimos) and Northwaves (Celsius and Fahrenheit)...someone said SIDI this morning.
I'd love to hear about ANY opinions on these. I've been told some interesting sizing stories, and some extra coatings to keep them waterproof. I think I'm leaning towards the Eskimos, but we'll see. Keep in mind this is Canada and I'll go out in -15C and colder. Thanks for any and all

I've been seeking feedback as well, on the Norhwaves in particular.

The cheaper winter shoes that MEC had caught my eye as well, but seem to be permanently out of stock.

I think I'm on the way to the realization cheap ain't going to cut it this time.

I've been seeking feedback as well, on the Norhwaves in particular.

The cheaper winter shoes that MEC had caught my eye as well, but seem to be permanently out of stock.

Do you mean these?
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442619907&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692667&bmUID=1190303384897

I was looking at these too. The MEC site indicate that they are only good to -10C.
I can go to -10C with my regular MTB shoes, wool socks and shoe covers.

I'm considering going to BMX flat pedals & winter boots on my Ice Bike commuter project. I will prolly hate them and go back to my CB egg Beaters. These boots may help and at $79, its not that big of an investment

I can walk to the corner in flipflops in -10.

I can go to -10C with my regular MTB shoes, wool socks and shoe covers.

I'm considering going to BMX flat pedals & winter boots on my Ice Bike commuter project. I will prolly hate them and go back to my CB egg Beaters. These boots may help and at $79, its not that big of an investment

In winter I switch my pedals to Shimano PD-M424 (they are only $50 most places). http://bike.shimano.com/catalog/cycle/products/component.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441763013&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302053522&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181785&bmUID=1190304953645

Personally I use polarfleece socks and a liner, but yeah any shoe can hit -10c (14f) without much issue in my experience. On slushy days I use a gaiter over my booties just to keep everything drier and it keeps me very warm.

For the really cold or wet days I use a set of winter hiking boots on the platform. Not ideal, but I found it to be as effective as any other platform pedal in hiking boots. Most days I use my SPD shoes though, so switching entirely to a platform pedal doesn't seem worth it to me.

I can walk to the corner in flipflops in -10.

:lol:
My commute to the office is 29km one way. In the summer it takes just less than an hour but on a few snowy/icy days last winter, it took over 1.5 hours. Toes were frozen on days colder than -10C after an hour on the bike.

Yea it seems to be after an hour for me as well.. I wondered about those 9V hunters socks too.

I've had the Lake winter shoes (301's) for two winters now. They're decent, if a bit snug. If I were in the market today I'd probably pony-up for the Gore-Tex Sidi jobs. Then again, I'm kind of a fan of Sidi. The Lakes are moderately insulated, but nothing to write home about. They are a bit warmer and more water resistant than a good shoe with booties and a wool sock.

I'm a big fan of Sidi too. (Action & 5.5 HT Carbons) However, $300+ for the MTB Diablo shoes is really steep.

I'm comfortable in my Lakes during the summer. Cold in the winter. Not enough insulation. They were tight until I got them wet a few times. The weird adjuster thingie keeps falling apart and I'm afraid I'll finally lose the pieces.

I can't recommend them.

I'm a big fan of Sidi too. (Action & 5.5 HT Carbons) However, $300+ for the MTB Diablo shoes is really steep.

It is steep. The Lake's aren't cheap either. But that and Nokians get me to work every day in the winter. It's about what the snow tires on my wife's care cost. Last as long too.

Pulled the trigger on the Exustar winter shoes from mec today. I tried them on in the store and they seem to have some quality about them. At a price of $79 bucks, its cheap enough to experiment.

I'll let you guys know what they are like once I get another set of cleats.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442619907&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692667&bmUID=1190602419724
http://www.exustar.com/sm450.php

i got a good deal on some lake winter boots last winter and used them with some success. they're not as waterproof as they claim to be, but when its dry they're pretty warm till the teens, and below that i add chemical foot warmers and i'm pretty comfy down to at least -5 (f).

the foot warmers have 4 hours of life in them and my commute is just under an hour so i actually take a snack sized ziplock bag with me to work and take the the warmers out as soon as i arrive and put them in the bag and squeeze all the air out of it. i usually get at least three hours out of them this way.

I've the Lakes (MXZ-301's) and enjoy them. They have plenty of room in the toe area so that even when wearing an extra pair of socks, you have wiggle room.

The BOA® adjuster thingy hasn't been a problem for me at all, I can recommend them fully.

History: I've been riding 365 for over 20 years, but as I get older my feet just seem to like riding in the winter less and less. I've done galoshes over my shoes, booties currently, but I want to get the real deal winter riding SPD compatible shoe/boot. I'm not really into winter boots and flat pedals. If I go out for over an hour I'm frozen. I'd love to be able to head out to an ice race and spend time on the ice, MTBing in the snow etc. Commuting isn't the issue but the fun rides are too short.

I've been looking into Lakes, Gaerne (polars and Eskimos) and Northwaves (Celsius and Fahrenheit)...someone said SIDI this morning.
I'd love to hear about ANY opinions on these. I've been told some interesting sizing stories, and some extra coatings to keep them waterproof. I think I'm leaning towards the Eskimos, but we'll see. Keep in mind this is Canada and I'll go out in -15C and colder. Thanks for any and all


I have tried three different types of winter cycling boots and all I can say is that if you get ones that fit right for winter. Meaning loose enough for a couple of pair of wool socks. That they are no better for keeping your foot warm than a standard loose fitting shoe, which also is loose enough for two thick socks and a shoe cover. THe cycling boots are more convenient because you don't have to put on a shoe cover. Neither are much good for extended rides in below freezing temperatures. For me they can go about 60 minutes at 20F and 90 minutes at 35F.

I think a better solution is to just buy an oversize standard cycling shoe and wear thick socks and make a breathable but insulated shoe cover. No one makes these so it is a DIY project. Unless it is really wet the breathable cover will keep your foot warmer as all the neoprene types trap moisture and limit the insulation value of your socks. Also, most of the cycling boots are not breathable which is their weak link. They are all lined with neoprene. Great for wet 40F but not so good in colder dry conditions.

Of course with chemical foot warmers the cycling boots can keep your feet warmer and this combination seems to be the ticket for longer rides.

...I think a better solution is to just buy an oversize standard cycling shoe and wear thick socks and make a breathable but insulated shoe cover...
Of course with chemical foot warmers the cycling boots can keep your feet warmer and this combination seems to be the ticket for longer rides.

Last year I got a pair of nashbar mtb shoes(in a deal w/dual-sided spds). They are 45s and I wear 43s, normally. Cycling socks, 100% wool socks and PB neoprene booties. When it got down to 15f I broke out the toe warmers. My commute was 19.8 mi each way. Never had a problem. Plenty of wiggle room, too. I found a pair of sealskinz socks at a thriftstore for $0.49 this summer and am going to try them out in place of the wool socks this year. Was looking seriously at the Lakes and decided on this option instead.

Last year I got a pair of nashbar mtb shoes(in a deal w/dual-sided spds). They are 45s and I wear 43s, normally. Cycling socks, 100% wool socks and PB neoprene booties. When it got down to 15f I broke out the toe warmers. My commute was 19.8 mi each way. Never had a problem. Plenty of wiggle room, too. I found a pair of sealskinz socks at a thriftstore for $0.49 this summer and am going to try them out in place of the wool socks this year. Was looking seriously at the Lakes and decided on this option instead.

I would wear the sealskins under a wool sock as they will help keep the wool socks dry and warmer.

Regarding the OP,

It should be noted that any winter cycling shoe that will be used in snow and ice conditions needs to be of the mountain bike kind with tread on the soles. Unless you plan on never having to stop. I can guarantee the first time you stop in road type winter shoes on a slick surface you will fall on your ass and curse the day you got the road version of the shoe. THe hard plastic of the sole is like wearing ice skates on ice and hard packed snow. THey are of no use for real winter activities. Be forewarned.

I finally got my cleats and it was cold enough to try these winter boots this morning (1 C of 34 F)
As noted previously, here is my review of the Exustar E-SM450 Cold Weather Cycling Shoe.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c76/TequilaJoe888/Junk/5011761_v1_m56577569830603459.jpg
Sizing
I wear size 42 Sidi Road & MTB shoes. The Exustar winter boots fit just slightly bigger. There is enough room for thick wool sock in the same size 42.

Fit
The 3 Velcro straps secured the boot very well. The heel cup isn’t as pronounced as my Sidi’s but, I had no heel lift when pulling up on the pedals.

Stiffness
The soles are nicely stiff. I wouldn’t say they are as stiff as my Sidi Carbon soles but stiffness is comparable to my Sidi MTB soles. I had no hot spots or numb toes.

Tread
They are very “walkable” due to the deep tread and my cleats do not cause any issues with the ground when walking. The tread is spaced wide enough and do not cause interference clipping/unclipping my egg beaters.

Warmth
Today, I wore light wool socks and these boots. I would say that these shoes felt as warm as riding with regular shoes, thick wool socks and shoe covers. My toes were not cold at all after my 1 hour commute today. The wide Neoprene ankle cover was high enough to go under my thermal riding tights and I felt no drafts. I would estimate that these would keep my feet warm for 1 hour at -15C or 0F with only thick wool socks and the boot.

Water proof
I haven’t tried these in wet weather yet but, the boot seems to have a good water proof lower. The area where the tongue separates from the lower is at the top of the foot, just below the ankle. Walking through ankle high puddles will get your feet wet. I will spray some Scotch Guard on the Neoprene upper so they will bead water off making them even more water repellent.

Overall, I’m very pleased with the boots and am waiting for the really cold weather to hit so I can see how these actually perform.

Regarding the OP,

It should be noted that any winter cycling shoe that will be used in snow and ice conditions needs to be of the mountain bike kind with tread on the soles. Unless you plan on never having to stop. I can guarantee the first time you stop in road type winter shoes on a slick surface you will fall on your ass and curse the day you got the road version of the shoe. THe hard plastic of the sole is like wearing ice skates on ice and hard packed snow. THey are of no use for real winter activities. Be forewarned.

:lol:

No worries there.. I only ride MTB style pedals....road shoes suck for anything but road riding, messing or commuting gets the MTB shoes...MTB shoes cleats are the ****!.

Thanks TJ (haha another TJ) for the review. I'll take an hour at -15C. That's a really big improvement over what I'd suffer for that time period now. I'm leaning towards the Gaerne Eskimos at this point I think. I've heard good things about their water proofness.

I used Answer Kashmirs all last winter, no complaints at all. One pair of thick smartwool socks was plenty down to 15F or so...and just a thin polypro liner under those kept my tootsies toasty down to below 0.

I have Answer Kashmirs and they are wonderfully comfortable. My only complaint with them is that the sole is not as stiff as I would like. I would say the sole stiffness is comparable to low priced MTB shoes.

Maybe I will try the Exustars this winter as they seem to have a stiffer sole which can make the shoe a little warmer as it has fewer pressure points.

Just some hints to get the most out of your winter cycling shoes.

Wear Seal-skins or other thin neoprene socks next to skin or over a very thin sock as a vapor barrier. Then the thickest wool sock you can get on with the shoe without having the shoe be tight.

I would also order the winter shoes 1 1/2 - 2 size oversize to make room for the thick socks. Worn this way the shoes work pretty good down to 15-20 F for 60-90 minutes depending on your foots cold tolerance.

I have used the Northwave road shoes and find them very warm in just normal socks, this year I'm getting the newer MTB ones as I don't like the road cleats. I've also started using Endura Thermolite socks which keep my feet warm in normal MTB shoes. I would say that a combination of the Northwaves, Thermolite socks and overshoes would be good to about minus 10-15 celcius. I've ridden the Northwaves at minus 5 celcius with normal socks. Oh and I hate the cold so much that it is 7 celcius here and I'm sitting on the computer in a hat and thermal trousers.

+1 on big enough shoes for extra socks. BUT, be sure to add an extra insole in the shoe. Cleats are a wonderful heat sink, so you choose to ride clipless in winter you need non-compressing layer(s) of insulation between cleats and your socks. This is one of the reasons I don't like to ride clipless in winter.

--J

I have not tried this solution as I live in London where it never gets very cold but maybe worth ago.

I have read that many of you guys like to use winter boots to keep your feet warm in the winter but that means no spd. Maybe you could vary this idea that a mate of mine uses for riding around town.

He takes and old pair of mbt shoes and cuts away the sole / grip. Places them inside a old skate shoe, cuts a hole for the cleat and uses high strength epoxy resin to glue the lot together and seal from water. Clearly you guys would use your warm winter boots for the warmth and then add in the sole of an old mbt shoe. He rides around town all the time with this set up no worries I know know of another guy who is a full time courier with this setup as well so it must be durable.

My thought is that this would give you a cheap warm boot for the winter with spd compatibility.

Pictures of what I mean here

http://www.londonfgss.com/discussion/2302/

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/3261/shoekr3.jpg

I've run the Lake winter shoes (with Time ATAC pedals) for the past 3 years, and they have been fantastic. I run them with one pair of socks down to about 5-10F, then I also slap in a pair of chemical toe warmers. My feet have not been cold in 3 years. I love this set-up!

... Brad

I've run the Lake winter shoes (with Time ATAC pedals) for the past 3 years, and they have been fantastic. I run them with one pair of socks down to about 5-10F, then I also slap in a pair of chemical toe warmers. My feet have not been cold in 3 years. I love this set-up!

... Brad

That's the setup I have. I can go out for 2+ hours with toe warmers, and not even think about my feet. Now if it would freeze up a bit...

i bought a pair of Lake 301s last year and they're great. they're not cheap or light, but they'll keep your feet nice and toasty, and they'll last forever. i used mine today...it was windy and +30F in the sun, +20 in the shade and my feet were perfectly happy. i bought mine in the summer and got a good deal. i'm using MTB SPDs on a cross bike.

here's the '07 version (http://www.lakecycling.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=CXZ302).

So I picked up the Eskimos...one size up. 219$
Thus far, couple days, -3 to -10c ish, my feet don't even know it's winter. Better reviews as the cold and slop progresses. So far, comphy ...wow

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/6642/photo24hr4.jpg

ha i was wondering when you'd post that. those look pretty slick! i like how there's not a bunch of fancy stuff on the outside to get all mucked up. is that piping reflective? i'll be interested to hear how they fare...

reflective indeed.. as is the logo on the back and the boot strap... bonus.
I'll treat the lower portion, but I'll have to torture them in the slop at some point to test em well.

Somehow I missed this thread! I got the Exustar shoes from MEC last fall. They did pretty well over the winter...

Sizing
Not too bad. Forefoot space was fine in my usual size [42]. The heel cup was wider than I like, but I have pretty narrow heels compared to most. The 4 straps [3 on the main foot and 1 ankle strap/closure] keep my foot from coming out. I can't really cinch them down tight, as my toes freeze in short order.

Exterior
They are made of synthetic materials, which is fine by me. I don't want to trash a nice set of leather shoes in our salt-laden streets. I was impressed with the water-resistance - so much so that I would recommend these as a good alternative to booties for keeping the rain out on monsoon days. The soles are stiff enough, with deep tread for walking in snow. I would be lying if I said they offered any sort of anti-slip function. The soles are basically plastic, so be careful when walking around on wet floors inside.

Warmth
Not bad. For most days [-15C and warmer], I rode with a pair of Ultimax liner socks on, and that was it. The total lack of mesh or other breathable fabric kept the heat loss from my feet to a minimum. Heat loss through the cleat was a non-issue. Past -15C, it got pretty tough to keep my toes from freezing. Using standard sizing meant there was extra room, but not too much. There was no way to go with super-thick socks or two pair. Going up a shoe size might work, but the fit was so sloppy with regular socks I couldn't justify it.

Overall
For 90% of my winter riding, I would say these are adequate. When temps get past -15C, they are not warm enough. I will try some booties or shoe covers to claw back another 10 degrees. Above 0C, they will probably be too warm. If you want to put in thick socks, go up a size. Regardless, for $79 these are a steal. I have seen the Sidi and Lake winter shoes up close, and I honestly can't see how they justify charging over $200 for them when the Exustars come in well under $100.

Usually I switch to platforms with boots in the winter, but would like to see what it would take to keep using my clipless pedals, especially since I'll be riding my MTB as well as commuting.

Today I went out in the woods with my normal MTB shoes that are a bit snug. I put a thin insole in to try to insulate the cleat, but I could only fit regular socks. It was supposed to get up into the forties (F) today so I thought I'd be alright. I was wrong, the first puddle soaked my shoes and my feet were freezing for a while after that. Then I thought they were warming up, but when I was done riding I realized they were just completely numb. I was down in a valley that wasn't getting direct sun and found out after the ride that it was still only 31F. It would have been approriate to wear the shoe covers I bought.

I still need something else for when the weather get even colder if I want to keep the clipless pedals on. I can't quite bring myself to spend several hundred dollars on a pair of boots, but the Exustar's are looking pretty nice to me. Popperly sized winter shoes that allow for thicker sock plus shoe covers ought to take me through most of the winter. I'll have to see about ordering form Canada. Thanks for the reviews.

Usually I switch to platforms with boots in the winter, but would like to see what it would take to keep using my clipless pedals, especially since I'll be riding my MTB as well as commuting.

Today I went out in the woods with my normal MTB shoes that are a bit snug. I put a thin insole in to try to insulate the cleat, but I could only fit regular socks. It was supposed to get up into the forties (F) today so I thought I'd be alright. I was wrong, the first puddle soaked my shoes and my feet were freezing for a while after that. Then I thought they were warming up, but when I was done riding I realized they were just completely numb. I was down in a valley that wasn't getting direct sun and found out after the ride that it was still only 31F. It would have been approriate to wear the shoe covers I bought.

I still need something else for when the weather get even colder if I want to keep the clipless pedals on. I can't quite bring myself to spend several hundred dollars on a pair of boots, but the Exustar's are looking pretty nice to me. Popperly sized winter shoes that allow for thicker sock plus shoe covers ought to take me through most of the winter. I'll have to see about ordering form Canada. Thanks for the reviews.


Try my idea for winter boots at the top of the page.

Try my idea for winter boots at the top of the page.Way, WAY OT, but "top of the page" varies depending on what you have in "Number of posts to show per page" in User Control Panel - Options. You're referring to post #26. Just sayin'. :)

--J

i have found on occasion that if i have to walk at all in the snow and i'm outside for a while that the cleats will get iced over. you can still pedal without being clipped in, but obviously that's a distraction especially in conditions you need to be paying attention the most. for that reason, switching to regular boots may be a good idea when, say, going toboganning or hanging out at outdoor concerts etc. unless you know you can go inside somewhere to defrost.

lakes, 2 euro sizes bigger than your walking shoe size,

and

with a thin shimano shoe footbed, on top of the lake shoe bed,
and two wool socks. one really thin, then a bigger one over that.
should have room for toes to wiggle and be plenty warm down to minus 10 F

or unstrap the outer cover of the lake and throw in a toe warmer,
and put it back.

I have the Lakes. Not bad in calm, dry cold conditions to about -15 C. Below that you'll need to walk now and then after an hour.
Hockey

Try my idea for winter boots at the top of the page.

I'm getting a new pair of warm weather MTB shoes in the spring anyway, and I have an old pair of boots I don't wear much. I may just rip apart my too tight SPD shoes and give this a try.

I got my Exustars going this weekend as well. For the price, this is really hard to beat. Much like my Salomon X-C ski boots in design.

After a couple MTB rides in the snow I'm convinced that platfoms are the way to go. I'm unclipping way more and the cleat area gets all clogged up with snow every time I put my foot down. On the road clipless may still work out though.

So far, the Eskimos have been flawless had one night right at -10C with wind for an hour and my toes didn't hav a clue it was cold out. Out and about in snow/rain/freezing rain and hail earlier....bone dry.

I can make it down to -20c with just neoprene booties and a normal mtb shoe with plain old cycling socks but I used to have trouble with this set up at -10c. Turns out, finding a shoe that fits just perfect is the key. Anytime your toe's make contact with the front of your shoe, they're gonna get cold unless they are really well insulated. I would say that fit should be your number 1 priority when searching for winter cycling shoes, find a shoe that fits (if its a winter one great, if not, pick a normal shoe and get good booties).
And just so nobody thinks its just cause I have good circulation, I have frost bitten both big toes before, so my feet can get real cold.

Shimano spd sandals are the answer. The 3-strap system means that you can slacken them right off and fit multiple pairs of thick socks on. Then a neoprene bootie over the top.
I find thin socks are ok down to -3C.
1pr wool socks down to -8C
1pr wool socks + long hiking wool socks ok down to -15C

All covered with neoprene bootie, of course.

The spd sandals have a very thick sole over the spd bit, so you don't lose heat through the metal.

I have been wearing the Lake MXZ301 Mtb's since last winter and they are really terrific. A little on the heavy side compared to regular cycling shoes, but quite warm. On the coldest of days last year I supplemented them with the iron oxide Grabber MyCoal Foot Warmers, which are good, but tend to overheat my foot with the Lakes. Once they're in your shoe there is no way to control the warmth, and as I warmed up they were at times, too warm.

Last week I ran across a site offering a 15% discount on the Hotronic m3 power plus custom foot warmers w/free semi-custom insoles, and free shipping. A search on Google for coupons gave me another 15%, and I was able to purchase the package for $129.

I wore the setup yesterday, and found that my feet remained comfortable, while my hands with wool liners and a Gore Windstopper outer left me with painful finger tips by the time I got home.

I'm very pleased with the Hotronics. Installation of the heating element into the semi-custom heatbed was straightforward, the batteries and charger appear to be first class, and the attachment to the boot is secure and not too heavy or even noticeable while cycling.

-10C, snow, wind, and slush. Went out to Mississauga,(hour plus a bit? didn't time it) I got a cold big toe on my left foot, and was completely dry!! Snow and winter crud almost to the knees. These boots rock. Was all warmed up and ready to head back out after 10 min at my inlaws.