surgtech1956
09-01-11, 06:50 PM
What are the best shoe covers for cold weather riding? I would prefer to not change my pedals out. This is my first year of riding with clipless pedals and riding into the winter months. Thank you
Winter Cycling - Shoe Covers
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tsl
09-01-11, 08:13 PM
I like the Endura MT500 (http://www.endurasport.com/Product.aspx?dept_id=107&prod_id=26). I found them to be quite durable commuting. I've gotten three years out of mine, and they certainly show it, but they're still quite usable. Others I've tried haven't lasted one year. I like them well enough that I just bought another pair to keep in the drawer for when the ones I'm using finally crap out.
No bootie will keep your feet warm when it gets really cold. First, your three-seasons shoes are designed specifically to keep your feet cool. No simple covering is going to reverse that design. Secondly, no bootie is going to insulate your foot from the cleat. The cleat works as a giant heat sink to suck heat out of your feet.
Booties will help your extend your season, but in my experience, they don't get me past freezing. Below freezing I break out the Lake MXZ302s (http://www.wintercyclingshoes.com/content/lake-mxz302.htm). I don't even need a second pair of socks until the single-digits (F). Now that's toasty--and clipless.
BTW, without a doubt, the Lakes are dearly expensive. But I'm also heading into my fifth winter with them. Spread over the 5 years, so far they're $50 a year, about what some people spend on new booties every year.
No bootie will keep your feet warm when it gets really cold. First, your three-seasons shoes are designed specifically to keep your feet cool. No simple covering is going to reverse that design. Secondly, no bootie is going to insulate your foot from the cleat. The cleat works as a giant heat sink to suck heat out of your feet.
Booties will help your extend your season, but in my experience, they don't get me past freezing. Below freezing I break out the Lake MXZ302s (http://www.wintercyclingshoes.com/content/lake-mxz302.htm). I don't even need a second pair of socks until the single-digits (F). Now that's toasty--and clipless.
BTW, without a doubt, the Lakes are dearly expensive. But I'm also heading into my fifth winter with them. Spread over the 5 years, so far they're $50 a year, about what some people spend on new booties every year.
gamester
09-02-11, 09:46 AM
tsl- Agree on the Lakes, they are dearly expensive. I think it all comes down to distance- I go about 4 miles each way commuting and can wear MTB shoes down to freezing without issue. I bought the Lake CX140 which were around $100 bucks and my feet were never cold with just thin cycling sox. The added benefit on those is they can handle low and high temperatures. Coldest I rode was 4 degrees last year and my feet were fine.
Not sure they'd be great at a longer distance without covers or wool underneath, but great for me!
Not sure they'd be great at a longer distance without covers or wool underneath, but great for me!
tsl
09-02-11, 12:38 PM
Not sure they'd be great at a longer distance without covers or wool underneath, but great for me!
And that's why they make so much different stuff. Not everyone's ride, conditions, or needs are the same.
And that's why they make so much different stuff. Not everyone's ride, conditions, or needs are the same.