02Giant 

I am looking for some winter shoes to use with my Xpedo platform pedals. They would be worn down to 25-30º temps. I want something that the soles would stay soft/flexible when it is below freezing.
A few years ago I bought some Shimano Mountain type shoes, not for winter but to wear while using the platform pedals, the soles were too hard and I was having slipping issues. Should I be looking outside of cycling specific shoes?

wolfchild

Merrell, North Face, Salomon make all types of different hiking and trail running shoes, they are good for riding with platform pedals. Many of them have grippy flexible soles. Some are insulated and have a Gore-Tex lining in them, great for winter. I get mine a little bit bigger so I have enough room to wear two pairs of wool socks.

bikemig 

+ 1. Platform pedals rock in the winter because you have lots of choices for shoes that keep your feet warm. When it's really cold, I use my winter boots with a thinsulate lining; most of the time my hiking shoes work just great with wool socks. This has gotten me through an IA winter no problem.

02Giant 

Thanks to both for your suggestions, more searching to be done.

John Nolan 

I really like my Keen winter boots for winter cycling.

ThermionicScott 

Regular sneakers work fine for me in 25-30°F temperatures -- the key is to use warm socks. Thick wool is your friend.

noglider 

I'm going to try my work boots which I normally never wear.

revcp 

I use Five Ten Free Ride. Very sticky sole, even in the cold. 20-35F I wear them with vbl socks and medium weight merino. Below that temp I wear Salomon Toundra boots.

scoatw

I'm working on winter #9 using LL Bean Snow sneakers. A good cold weather hiking boot using Primaloft insulation. The new ones are waterproof. Mine are not. I start wearing them when the daytime temps go to 42f/5c. They keep my feet comfortable down to about 0f/-17c. When its that cold I've got two pair of socks on. A work sock and a good quality wool hiking sock. I like Redheads from Bass Pro shops. Primaloft has twice the R value of Thinsulate. Over the years the boots have held up well over everything that mother nature throws at me. I also use a gaitor to help ward off the cold and keep the snow out of the top of my boot. I paid $69 back in 07, now they are $99. Its still a good deal.

02Giant 

Thanks again to all for the suggestions.

I really like the LL Bean SS, especially the velcro closure pair.

Wilbur Bud

Whatever you buy, be sure to get a size or two larger than normal, so that your thick socks (or two pair of thinner socks) are not compressed, as the compression will reduce their ability to keep your feet warm.

Jimbob68

+1 on the LL Bean snow sneakers but any hiking shoe/boot should work well with wool socks.

Men's Waterproof Snow Sneakers 3, Mid Lace-Up | Free Shipping at L.L.Bean

irwin7638

I've been really happy with my Chrome Storm Boots in the winter.

Marc

scoatw

You can't go wrong with them. They'll last forever. I have the hook and loop style. They're handier than heck. A lot better than laces. IMO. And you have the great LL Bean return policy if don't like them. But I don't think that that will happen. They have a great temperature range. I bought a size larger to accommodate two pair of socks.

noglider 

Got a link? I googled and didn't find. Thanks.

02Giant 

You bet!

Men's Waterproof Snow Sneakers 3, Mid Hook-Loop | Free Shipping at L.L.Bean

GravelMN

When it gets too cold for regular MTB shoes with wool socks and shoe covers, I switch to riding the platform side of my dual sided pedals. My shoes of choice range from waterproof Merrel Capra trail running shoes, to moderately insulated hiking boots, and when it gets really cold, my heavy winter boots. Wool ski socks are great and my heaviest boots are loose enough that I can wear two pair of socks and still have toe room. Obviously once I get to the heavy boots I don't go on epic rides, but they are great for fighting cabin fever during an extended cold snap in January.

02Giant 

I pulled the trigger on the LL Bean Snow sneakers hook and loop version, should have them by the end of the week. They claim good to -15º with moderate use.
Last winter I wore my Mavic road shoes with merino wool socks and thermal covers. At times when the temps were in the mid 20's I about froze my feet, this was on the road bike. I plan to ride the hybrid more this winter, especially when it is colder, wearing more layers than I wore on last years rides.