donrhummy

I have shoe covers for cold riding from performance bike and they are useless. By halfway through my ride, my toes are frozen off. What's the best/most effective pair I can get? Are there any that actually work?

jamiewilson3

Try wool socks with the shoe covers.

Wool naturally insulated. The shoe covers provide some warmth, but they mainly benefit wind protection. You have to be close to the skin to really have warmth, and the socks are the best route for that.

bbattle

Pearl Izumi Amfibs. DeFeet "Blaze" wool socks. Good to go.

donrhummy

Unfortunately wool socks are too thick, I can't get in the shoes w/them.

merlinextraligh

neoprene socks, a bit clammy but warm. I use them instead of neoprene shoe covers on the outside. No problems engaging cleats, or walking, and easier to get on.Comfortable at least to 40 degrees.

If its really brutal neoprene socks inside and neoprene shoe covers outside would keep your feet warm in any weather this side of Everest.

Imachad

+1 Pearl Izumi Amfibs

donrhummy

Thanks! Can you recommend any brands?

waterrockets 

I like the Pearl-Izumi Amfibs if it gets below freezing, and Calientoes up to 45. For 45+ just a taped shoe vent is enough. Wet may change this though. Below 20 and I wear two pairs of cycling socks under the Amfibs.

At about 10 degrees and below, I wear thick black rubber galoshes with a cleat cutout. Man, that's one part of training in Colorado I don't miss

merlinextraligh

^^^^
I've got 2 pairs, can't remember their brands. One has a fleece lining and is a little more comfortable.

These are cheap https://www.cabelas.com/spodw-1/0005518.shtml

Performance also has some for $14.

Tennessee

I have the same problem. My feet stay cold. I am currently using DeFeet Hi Top Wooleator Socks (They are thin, just like regular cycling socks) and Pearl Izumi Amfibs shoe covers. My feet still get a bit cold at 30 +/- degrees but it is at least tolerable.

I've never tried the neoprene socks. I might give it a try.

merlinextraligh

The definite downside is they are clammy. (In fact, Neoprene works by retaining and warming moisture). But they'll keep your warm.

onkey

I think it helps to have a pair of winter shoes that are 1 size bigger. This way you can add a thick pair of wool socks and be good to go.

I use assos neoprene socks, smart wool socks and sidi winter boots. When I double up socks with my regular cycing shoes, its too tight and my feet freeze.

Hope this helps a bit

El Diablo Rojo

I use Craft neopreme shoe covers. I love them as with all Craft stuff, very well made and effective.

bdcheung

+infinity

NuckingFuts

+1

I use these during my rides now, and it's nowhere near freezing up here. Breathes well enough where even in mid-40's weather, it's not too uncomfortable or where my foot ends up like i walked through puddles.
YMMV

Idunno445

Calientoes down to 45 or so, Amfibs colder than that. Under 30 I wear calientoes with Amfibs over them. Mmm... warm toes....

Nick

Steev

As onkey alluded to, make sure that whatever you use, there is enough room in your shoe for some air. A tight shoe & sock combination will limit blood circulation in the foot and leave no room for the air layer that all insulation relies on. Guarranteed cold feet.

Lucky07

I've Giordana booties which are basically a copy of the PI AmFibs. I wear a thin Cannondale wool socks underneath. +1 on the fact that your feet and toes need a bit of air space around them to stay warm.

probable556

I use duct tape. Not pretty, but who cares.

bluecd

these are the only things that keep my toes warm.

zacster

I bought a pair of neoprene half covers and I've only used them once in this balmy winter, but they didn't keep my feet warmer at all. Now that it's cold I'll have to give them another try.

donrhummy

I'll check out the PI Amfibs too but I'm wary that they'll let cold air in since they need a hole for the cleat.

tubescreamerx

it's on the bottom though, and if it's a snug fit there shouldn't be any way of air creeping in around your pedals/cleats and around the bottom of your shoe.

brians647

In sub 35 degree weather, my feet still freeze, even with wool socks and AmFibs. Everyone's different I guess.

domestique

NOT Descente's........ doesn't protect from the wind that much and even eith Defeet's blaze wool socks my feet were blocks of ice. (also because of Neoprene the sweat has no wear to go).

FWIW, I have terrible circulation in my feet and fingers. They are either sweating profusely or cold as ice.