Bigger Shoes and Thick Socks or Shoe Covers?
12-18-16, 10:38 AM
#26
Senior Member
Some folks here do run to the mods when they get their feelings hurt. I'm a big boy, I'll just take it like a man....
12-18-16, 10:39 AM
#27
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12-18-16, 11:22 AM
#30
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12-18-16, 11:42 AM
#31
Senior Member
I would not buy an over-size pair of shoes just to fit thicker socks. If you want to get winter shoes, that's fine, but simply getting summer shoes a size bigger is kind of a waste.
Generally, the warmth scale goes:
Toe covers -> shoe covers -> booties -> Winter shoes
Shoe covers and booties work best for occasional use, since they can get torn up a little walking around. These are best for using 10-20 times a year. If you're going to be using them every ride from Nov-Mar it's potentially worth getting a dedicated pair of winter shoes. In that case, you probably want SPD for easier walking, and just pedal swap in Nov.
Generally, the warmth scale goes:
Toe covers -> shoe covers -> booties -> Winter shoes
Shoe covers and booties work best for occasional use, since they can get torn up a little walking around. These are best for using 10-20 times a year. If you're going to be using them every ride from Nov-Mar it's potentially worth getting a dedicated pair of winter shoes. In that case, you probably want SPD for easier walking, and just pedal swap in Nov.
12-18-16, 05:59 PM
#32
Senior Member
Newspaper is the cyclists best form of insulation. Put a sheet under your outermost layer on your chest. CUT strips of newspaper and tape it to the toes of your shoes. Cover your shoes with an old pair of socks. Cut a hole for your cleats. Why spend money?
12-18-16, 07:59 PM
#33
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I actually do okay with just a mediocre pair of neoprene booties. If it's below 45F, I might throw a chemical warmer in. I do a lot of rides at 3:00 AM and as long as I wear enough clothing to keep the rest of me warm my feet don't often get too frigid. (Oh, but when they do, wah, wah!)
12-18-16, 10:18 PM
#34
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I have cold feet. I want to commute in the morning for 1.5 hours without the toes falling off. Thick socks and shoe covers didn't do it for me. Instead of spending $20 here, $30 there, I bought a pair of Shimano SH-MW7s on sale for $130. I bought a size larger than normal for thick socks. Also got a pair of cheap thermal insoles to protect foot from the cold metal pedal. Between being sick and rain, I haven't yet been able to bike to work to see if I can survive a 1.5 hour ride at mid-40s. Oh, the other best winter investment: a fleeze lined thermal skull cap. Your Mom knew what she was talking about when the made you wear a hat because your body heat escapes through your head.
12-19-16, 01:52 AM
#35
Senior Member
I should be getting some shoe covers soon. I'm eager to get them as my toes have been very cold on my commute. Last year I taped newspaper to the outside of my shoes which helped some, but not as much as I liked (with a thin pair of wool/mix socks and one pair of thick wool/mix socks).
