Commuting - sandals for cold footwear?

This was a result from another thread, but anyone tried riding with sandles in cold and/or wet weather? The article even specifically references Seattle cyclers (which is coincidentally where I'm from and riding). Seems versatile, but wondering if actual shoes still would be better?

http://users.rcn.com/icebike/Clothing/footwear.htm

Are they crazy? My feet get cold in the cooler months when walking around the house either bare-footed or with only socks. Brrrrrrr!
I'm sure not going to try riding with sandals in cool weather. :eek:

I have been told by at least 2 people that sandals, combined with wool socks, are warmer than regular shoes in winter.

Tom, from Colorado Springs, uses them year round (he commutes) and toured Iceland in them. I believe he puts some sort of waterproof covering during rain, snow. He is one of those meticulous engineers, so I would believe him.

Never tried it myself.

Just out of curiosity, why would you want to ride in sandals in cold weather? I suppose if it's something you've just got to do, go for it. I would wear neoprene or goretex socks if I just had to wear sandals.

If I understood correctly on some other posts it seems that recumbent riders sometimes use sandals with socks and a weatherproof cover even in fairly cold climates. It would seem that keeping dry and having insulation with some weatherproofness is the key. I would suppose the sandals allow for some sock layering to increase the insulation factor.

'bent Brian

If you think about it, they'd offer more sock layering than pretty much anything else out there, and probably be more comfortable. You could probably fit two pairs of wool socks and a pair of regular socks w/out any problems. That would be warmer than most winter boots I know of with only 1 pair of socks, especially with a booty over the whole thing. If it's not raining or snowing, then you would also get some breathing action, so your feet would be less stinky and sweaty when you get to work...

The more I think about it, the more it seems like they just might be on to something here...

Let a Seattle boy chime in here. I used to wear my Teva's year round here until I switched to clipless. I stil wear them year round when I am not in the saddle. As Denver mentioned wear layered socks with wool as your outer layer and your feet stay toasty warm. int the rain I just throw on a pair of Sealskinz waterproof socks.
I even wore them through that really bad cold snap we had 3 winters ago when it got to to the low teens. I don't know about the sub zero riding of the midwest but since it is dry for the most part you should be able to do it.
If Teva ever makes a bike sandal I will go back to year round sandle wearing.

My friend that turned me on to the Shimano sandals rides them year round ... granted it is in Austin, but we do get down to freezing a few times a year. His solution is neoprene shoe covers for 99% of the time with wool socks if it gets really cold. Though he didn't use the socks once last winter. That will be my approach this winter.

When we're talking sandals, are we talking about sport sandals or something a little nicer? Something waterproof I assume.

When we're talking sandals, are we talking about sport sandals or something a little nicer? Something waterproof I assume.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/image_zoom.cfm?img=product_images/400/20_0858.jpg


This sandal ls is all I wear anymore. Haven't worn "regular" bike shoes since I got them.

I wear those shimano sandals allmost all the time now too (Cannondale slip on "clogs" the rest of the time, as a "dressier" off bike option without carryng spare shoes-really cheap at Nashbar now).

For warm, and warm rainy weather they are super barefoot (I have that really funky cut-out tan on my feet as proof!). For cooler, and cooler wet riding I throw on some wool socks. For cold riding just a thicker wool sock+liner sock. For cold&wet (or cold&snow) seal skinz type neoprene waterproof "storm sock", wool sock(like a thick hiking sock), and a liner sock.

I use eggbeater pedals on all of my bikes, so I only have to add various layers on my feet for comfort, without buying an oversized cycling shoe for the extra room to layer socks. If I used platforms & powergrips, or clips & straps I suppose I would just ride with my hiking boots for the extra layering/waterproof.

I use the Shimano SD-60 Sandal every day, in warm weather. They are also great for wet. They are all synthetic, so they don't damage or stretch due to water. They are overall just a fantastic sandal - I wear them when I'm not cycling too. I haven't ridden in cold weather (unless 78degF counts, the coldest yet) but my experience with regular sandals is that they are nice and warm with wool and water proof socks (just as others in thread pointed out)

There is also a Lake SPD sandal and in the latest Nashbar catalog a 'Exustar' brand SPD sandal for $40. Has anyone seen or tried this one, it may be good for a low cost SPD sandal to beat around it so I don't wear out the fantastic Shimanos. Is it also stiff like the Shimano?

Al

I did work one winter in spd sandals w ski socks under goretex socks. It was wicked cold! brrrrr! I had foot problems that made the more comfy sandal my choice. Later a knee problem made orthotics desirable so I got back into shoes but my feet hurt! Theres another guy who done many winters and with out the goretex. Just wool in the cold rain and snow! Going down the road feeling bad!

Enough testimony here where it's convinced me to at least try it. I've been commuting a lot this summer, and hopefully can keep it going through fall and winter. Coldest weather i've ridden in is about 40F, and my feet were numb at the end of my ride (be it short ride, 6 miles). My current commute can vary from 9-12 miles, depending on where I decide to catch my bus.

My current shoes can barely fit a wool sock, much less allow for layering. But most sandles I've encountered allow for a lot of adjustment.