Pacific Northwest - What boots do you use ?

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Just curious as to what boots you use against these frigid temps to protect the toes.
rnorris
01-31-09, 08:14 PM
My commuter just has toe clips on it so I ride in waterproof hiking boots in really bad weather. I use zippered shoe covers for my bikes with clipless pedals.
So what brand are they. And how cold have you used them in.
ghunter
01-31-09, 10:06 PM
I have some very thick shoecovers from Endura that are warm and waterproof:
http://www.endura.co.uk/Product.aspx?dept_id=107&prod_id=14
I've ridden in them in the mid-30's and in pouring rain, never a problem with merino wool socks underneath. I've heard good things about the Shimano gore-tex booties but never tried them. I prefer the flexiblity of covers.
woodway
01-31-09, 10:31 PM
Lake Winter Mountain Bike shoes. They are expensive, but work well for me.
Your profile say Ohio? It does not get quite as frigid here in Western Washington. Typicaly morning commute temps in the low 30's.
This is kind of a bump. Looking for some look compatible shoes that will keep the toes warm down to 25. My current shoes give me nothing!
unixpro
02-01-09, 09:44 PM
I have a recumbent with a fairing that keeps my feet nice and dry, so I wear my tennies :)
When I was riding my DF, I would wear my tennies, but with waterproof shoe covers I got up at Mountain Equipment Coop in Vancouver.
Oh, and I always wear SmartWool or Alpaca socks at this time of year. Very warm and soft.
BengeBoy
02-01-09, 09:50 PM
I love my Specialized BG Defroster MTB boots. With good socks, plenty warm down to the coldest weather we've had in Seattle (mid 20's).
I don't think they are Look-compatible, however.
Hmph. Maybe I'll need to go SPD eventually.
I've found that wool socks make a huge difference. Mid weight wool socks w/PI SPD shoes and PI Amfib covers. Rode 10 mi to work this morning in 32 degrees with toes just barely getting cold by the time I reached work. I've tried multiple layers of socks, with neoprene and Hydroskin socks, but wool is the best.
I appreciate all of your responses. But I'm talkin' single digits or below. Any of you folks up in Alaska reading this. What do you guys wear when its 20f or below and you don't need to put the NEOS's on yet.
woodway
02-03-09, 03:05 PM
Maybe you should post to the Great Lakes or Northeast forums? They probably ride in single digit temps more then most people who frequest this forum.
CliftonGK1
02-03-09, 03:27 PM
Maybe you should post to the Great Lakes or Northeast forums? They probably ride in single digit temps more then most people who frequest this forum.
Search the Winter Cycling forum. If that doesn't work, check the Canadian regional forums. I've heard people talking about temps down to -20C up in the Canadian high plains.
Here in Seattle we don't usually see anything worse than +15F, and even that's rare and doesn't last long. I wear polypro sock liners, Smartwool socks, my regular MTB shoes and some insulated booties.