winter biking shoe question?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 133
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
winter biking shoe question?
Hello
I was communting 3 times a week (9 miles round trip), occassionally more often, up until mid october, it was about then I switched from a road bike, using biking shoes (very stiff sole) to a mtn bike with platform pedals. Part of the reason I switched is my feet were getting pretty cold in the mornings and my biking shoes were on the narrow side making it tough to wear heavy socks plus they are super ventilated. with the platform pedals I was planning on using an insulated ankle high boot with heavy wool socks. well I developed a bad case of Plantar Fasciitis so I quit commuting until it healed up. I don't want to blame the switch in pedals/shoes, since I do other workouts beside commuting, but it occurred at the same time.
Anyway, it's almost healed up, so I'm thinking I want to start commuting again. but I'm wondering if I should get a winter mountain biking shoe. I wondering how warm they are, how stiff of a sole? they are pretty spendy - which I don't mind getting new gear but then again I'm sort of frugal and spending $200+ for a pair of shoes - yikes.
This would be the first winter, that I'm bike commuting.
So looking for reccomendations.
Thx
I was communting 3 times a week (9 miles round trip), occassionally more often, up until mid october, it was about then I switched from a road bike, using biking shoes (very stiff sole) to a mtn bike with platform pedals. Part of the reason I switched is my feet were getting pretty cold in the mornings and my biking shoes were on the narrow side making it tough to wear heavy socks plus they are super ventilated. with the platform pedals I was planning on using an insulated ankle high boot with heavy wool socks. well I developed a bad case of Plantar Fasciitis so I quit commuting until it healed up. I don't want to blame the switch in pedals/shoes, since I do other workouts beside commuting, but it occurred at the same time.
Anyway, it's almost healed up, so I'm thinking I want to start commuting again. but I'm wondering if I should get a winter mountain biking shoe. I wondering how warm they are, how stiff of a sole? they are pretty spendy - which I don't mind getting new gear but then again I'm sort of frugal and spending $200+ for a pair of shoes - yikes.
This would be the first winter, that I'm bike commuting.
So looking for reccomendations.
Thx
#2
pro in someone's theory
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Posts: 3,236
Bikes: FTP
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 72 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
If you look in the winter forum it seems pretty evenly split between riders who use a winter cycling shoe and those who simply use a strap/clips with winter boots. Some of the determining factors are things like how much snow you might have to walk over and how much you value the stiff sole.
#3
tougher than a boiled owl
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Rocky Coast of Maine
Posts: 1,125
Bikes: Fetish Cycles Fixation / Fuji S12S / Gary Fisher MTB / Raleigh Grand Prix / Ross Professional / Kent comfort cruiser
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The winter cycling boots are very expensive. If you have a long commute 10+ miles one way and you plan to go all winter in very cold temps then they are worth it. I broke down and got some this year so I could continue using my spds. but had previously just used platform pedals and insulated hiking boots which worked fairly well for those cold months. I now spend 3 hours per day on the bike commuting weather permitting that is, so I wanted to continue using the clipless pedals for efficiency. I'll have to say if you decide to get some get them 2 sizes larger for thicker socks. I got 1 size larger and it wasn't enough for my really thick wool socks.
#4
Motorcycle RoadRacer
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,826
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Just speaking for myself, and I am on vintage racing bikes that I outfit with toe-clips and straps. Lately I have been wearing Converse leather high tops with two pairs of socks.. I am warm at 20 degrees for about 7 or 8 miles...My commute is like yours about 8 miles, and sometimes I make it longer..
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Denver, CO - City Park
Posts: 247
Bikes: Fuji, Ridley, Bianchi, Charge
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I use summer mtbx shoes all year around. In the winter I take two sandwich bags and cut a sock in half. I put the sandwich bag on the outside toe of my shoe and then use the sock to hold it in place and add a little warmth. It is cheap, works well and when they wear out they are easy to replace.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,489
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
Keeping in mind that my commute is less than 10 miles one way, the temp only drops below 20 degrees a handful of days each year, and I ride in snow, ice and freezing rain, I prefer my Shimano MT60 Goretex shoes with light wool socks and Performance toe covers. On the really cold days, I throw on a pair of neoprene booties. In effect, with this "system" I can layer. With full winter boots, that's not so easy to do.
__________________
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
#7
Senior Member
I have Shimano winter MTB shoes, which are much warmer than regular MTB shoes. When it gets cold, I'll add wool socks, another pair of wool socks, Sugoi Resistor overshoes, and then when even that is not enough (in the teens F), I'll use regular hiking boots on platform pedals. Right now, with temps hovering around freezing, winter shoes, a single pair of wool socks and Sugoi Resistors keep my feet nice and warm.
#8
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,393
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,693 Times
in
2,515 Posts
I don't think I could justify winter cycling shoes for my commute. Since I ride long distances all winter recreationally, I have two pairs of winter shoes. I really hate cold feet, and neoprene booties weren't hacking it. My warmest shoes are the 45nrth Wulvhammer, which are expensive, but very warm, rated down to zero Fahrenheit. I have intermediate warmth shoes which are lighter weight, and they have done fine down into the '20s.
#9
Plays in traffic
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,971
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
9 Posts
Depending on your distance, conditions, and tolerance for cold and wet, you might want to try some of the less expensive ideas above, especially on your first winter. There may be other things you'll discover that make winter cycling unsuitable for you. I used plain old winter hiking boots and platform pedals in my first winter.
Then I bought a pair of Lake MXZ302. I'm beginning my seventh year with them, so they're now costing only $40 a year to own. But that $280 purchase price was indeed breathtaking. They're the most expensive shoes I've ever owned. But they've been worth every penny. There are other, less expensive, choices available these days.
Then I bought a pair of Lake MXZ302. I'm beginning my seventh year with them, so they're now costing only $40 a year to own. But that $280 purchase price was indeed breathtaking. They're the most expensive shoes I've ever owned. But they've been worth every penny. There are other, less expensive, choices available these days.
#10
ride for a change
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 2,221
Bikes: Surly Cross-check & Moonlander, Pivot Mach 429, Ted Wojcik Sof-Trac, Ridley Orion. Santa Cruz Stigmata
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I don't think I could justify winter cycling shoes for my commute. Since I ride long distances all winter recreationally, I have two pairs of winter shoes. I really hate cold feet, and neoprene booties weren't hacking it. My warmest shoes are the 45nrth Wulvhammer, which are expensive, but very warm, rated down to zero Fahrenheit. I have intermediate warmth shoes which are lighter weight, and they have done fine down into the '20s.
#11
I’m a little Surly
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Near the district
Posts: 2,422
Bikes: Two Cross Checks, a Karate Monkey, a Disc Trucker, and a VO Randonneur
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 699 Post(s)
Liked 1,294 Times
in
647 Posts
I wear the same hiking boots I wear at work all day..
#12
Banned
Platform pedals.. rubber bottom shoes, LL Bean has a wide range FS.
I can live without SPuD pedals for the winter..
I can live without SPuD pedals for the winter..
Last edited by fietsbob; 12-18-13 at 01:54 PM.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 83
Bikes: 1989 Simoncini, Motobecane Fantom Cross Pro, No-name aluminum 29er hardtail, Univega Winter Beater
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have the Louis Garneau 0 degree shoes and they are nice and warm. Two things: Get them a size or two up to fit big, warm socks. They are VERY stiff. Like, they don't bend at all. Feels great while riding but walking can be awkward. The hard plastic is also not the grippiest stuff in the world. But I usually buy bike stuff based on how it feels while actually riding.
#14
ex-everything.
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Charlestown, MA
Posts: 606
Bikes: venerable surly crosscheck
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just scored a pair of 45Nrth Wolvhammers (the retail gods have smiled upon me), in time for some rather nasty winter storms here. Absolutely fantastic, and miles above using straps/platforms with my wool-lined Keen winter boots. Once upon a time I got bona fide frostbite commuting Albany -> Schenectady in Garneau "winter" shoes with Pearl Izumi overshoes on top; never again do I want to experience the thawing process.
If you're doing a daily commute in sub-freezing temperatures on a consistent basis, I would heavily recommend considering either the Lakes mentioned above by tsl or the Wolvhammers.
If you're doing a daily commute in sub-freezing temperatures on a consistent basis, I would heavily recommend considering either the Lakes mentioned above by tsl or the Wolvhammers.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 9,201
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1186 Post(s)
Liked 289 Times
in
177 Posts
I started commuting this year (65km round trip) and thought about getting some winter shoes. Instead I just used my regular road shoes and neoprene booties. The coldest I've ridden in is about -8 and they were fine for a little over an hour. Most of my rides are above freezing but the roads are often wet so the neoprene keeps my shoes clean (albeit not dry). I use wool socks.
Now that I've been commuting for a few months I wouldn't bother with heavier shoes. The booties work well and are relatively inexpensive. I'd rather have extra pairs of road shoes that can be used anytime than specific shoes that only work when it's cold.
Now that I've been commuting for a few months I wouldn't bother with heavier shoes. The booties work well and are relatively inexpensive. I'd rather have extra pairs of road shoes that can be used anytime than specific shoes that only work when it's cold.
#16
Senior Member
Hello
I was communting 3 times a week (9 miles round trip), occassionally more often, up until mid october, it was about then I switched from a road bike, using biking shoes (very stiff sole) to a mtn bike with platform pedals. Part of the reason I switched is my feet were getting pretty cold in the mornings and my biking shoes were on the narrow side making it tough to wear heavy socks plus they are super ventilated. with the platform pedals I was planning on using an insulated ankle high boot with heavy wool socks. well I developed a bad case of Plantar Fasciitis so I quit commuting until it healed up. I don't want to blame the switch in pedals/shoes, since I do other workouts beside commuting, but it occurred at the same time.
Anyway, it's almost healed up, so I'm thinking I want to start commuting again. but I'm wondering if I should get a winter mountain biking shoe. I wondering how warm they are, how stiff of a sole? they are pretty spendy - which I don't mind getting new gear but then again I'm sort of frugal and spending $200+ for a pair of shoes - yikes.
This would be the first winter, that I'm bike commuting.
So looking for reccomendations.
Thx
I was communting 3 times a week (9 miles round trip), occassionally more often, up until mid october, it was about then I switched from a road bike, using biking shoes (very stiff sole) to a mtn bike with platform pedals. Part of the reason I switched is my feet were getting pretty cold in the mornings and my biking shoes were on the narrow side making it tough to wear heavy socks plus they are super ventilated. with the platform pedals I was planning on using an insulated ankle high boot with heavy wool socks. well I developed a bad case of Plantar Fasciitis so I quit commuting until it healed up. I don't want to blame the switch in pedals/shoes, since I do other workouts beside commuting, but it occurred at the same time.
Anyway, it's almost healed up, so I'm thinking I want to start commuting again. but I'm wondering if I should get a winter mountain biking shoe. I wondering how warm they are, how stiff of a sole? they are pretty spendy - which I don't mind getting new gear but then again I'm sort of frugal and spending $200+ for a pair of shoes - yikes.
This would be the first winter, that I'm bike commuting.
So looking for reccomendations.
Thx
#17
One Man Fast Brick
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 1,121
Bikes: Specialized Langster, Bianchi San Jose, early 90s GT Karakoram, Yuba Mundo, Mercier Nano (mini velo), Nashbar Steel Commuter, KHS Tandemania Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I wouldn't worry about using winter clipless footwear for a 9 mile r/t commute. I would just go with insulated hikers and platforms. I have winter mtb boots and really like them, but my commute is 30 mi r/t.
#18
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,629
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3871 Post(s)
Liked 2,568 Times
in
1,579 Posts
I think one of the most important parts of keeping your extremities warm is to keep your limbs warm, so that enough blood is circulating. Thanks to my AmFib tights and long-sleeved merino jersey, I can wear less-substantial gloves and regular sneakers with thick wool socks, and often find sweat when I peel those off.
#19
Señior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 13,749
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 446 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
I'm too cheap to buy Lake shoes. So I just wear big waffle stomper high top hunting boots, extra large with two pair of socks and platform pedals.
I'm currently experimenting with staying in my regular shoes but adding some DIY electric warmers under the sole, both feet powered from a 7.4v lighting battery. My first version is drawing about 3 watts per side, and it absolutely helped - my toes were a bit chilly but given the temps without it they would have been painfully cold. I think for a 2nd version I will probably go to 5 watts per side. That's still only about 1.2 amps total draw so a Magicshine battery will keep my toes toasty for 2 or 3 hours.
Maybe not practical, but it's fun to experiment.
I don't bother when it's warmer, over about 20*F just regular mountain bike shoes and warm socks is good enough.
I'm currently experimenting with staying in my regular shoes but adding some DIY electric warmers under the sole, both feet powered from a 7.4v lighting battery. My first version is drawing about 3 watts per side, and it absolutely helped - my toes were a bit chilly but given the temps without it they would have been painfully cold. I think for a 2nd version I will probably go to 5 watts per side. That's still only about 1.2 amps total draw so a Magicshine battery will keep my toes toasty for 2 or 3 hours.
Maybe not practical, but it's fun to experiment.
I don't bother when it's warmer, over about 20*F just regular mountain bike shoes and warm socks is good enough.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Lancaster, PA, USA
Posts: 1,851
Bikes: 2012 Trek Allant, 2016 Bianchi Volpe Disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I use hiking boots with thick wool socks. They're fine for my 7 mile ride down to about 15F. Don't worry about proper biking shoes and stiff soles and all that for a commute. Traffic lights and stop signs will slow you down more than floppy shoes ever will.
#21
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,393
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,693 Times
in
2,515 Posts
I got frostbite commuting in Wisconsin. Lost my big toenail. There was no such thing as a winter shoe back then, I was out of the norm using shoe covers. If I was doing that now, I would definitely use the wulvhammers. Pacing around cursing while your feet warm up is no fun, I'm hoping that is past now
#22
Senior Member
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 298
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I got a pair of Grip Grab Arctic shoe covers this winter and they've been a revelation, allowing me to stay on the road bike and SPD's way below freezing. Awesome, well-built product. Below 25 or so I add chemical toe-warmers between my two pairs of socks. Get the size up from your shoe size. Only time I wear non-cycling shoes now is when there's snow on the ground and I'm on the MTB.
#25
Full Member
I have a similar commute, and I've been using some fleece-lined, waterproof shoe covers on my regular road shoes (SPD). These are the ones that I have, and they're fantastic! I arrive at work with my toes still nice 'n' toasty. I've been using them in temps with wind chills down in the tens (Fahrenheit), and I haven't had any issues. Any colder, and I can just add an extra pair of thin liner-type socks.