dekindy

I started looking for winter specific shoes today that will accomodate my existing SPD-SL pedals and would prefer to purchase from a LBS so that I can try them on and visually inspect them. Nobody has ordered any for this year and the only pair that I can find that might be my size are some Gaerne Polars for $150 on closeout. I can find very little information other than they might not be as warm as other brands. One UK reviewer says that they will not keep you as warm as you would like below 4 degrees C which is 40 degrees Fahrenheit. I do tend to wear less clothes than most folks so maybe I don't need as heavy insulated shoe as other riders and this might be okay for me. Anybody have any experience with these shoes?

Hezz

The older style of Gaerne's were not very warm. No insulation. The newer ones might be better. It looks to me like they might have updated the design. IF you get on occasional ice I would not recommend using the road shoe. You cannot walk around or stand up on ice with the road shoe models. It is often better to switch to standard SPD or another that is compatable with mountain bike shoe models for winter riding. Unless you are dealing with strictly wet conditions without snow or slush.

Whatever you do make sure you get the shoes at least 2 sizes oversized. I would try on the shoes with a normal cycling sock and find the right size and then go 2 sizes over. The Gaerne's I had were also kind of narrow so if you have a wide foot they may not work so well.

dekindy

I went to the store and while I was trying them on called a couple of riding buddies and found out that one of the new winter riders in our group had purchased the same shoes from the same store that I was at. He loves his. I wear a 43 and they had a 44. I was able to put it on with a Woolie Boolie that my existing road shoes are not big enough for me to wear comfortably with that sock so I think I got the right size. Now it is going to be several days before I feel well enough and the weather is nice enough to get out and ride and try them out.

ChuckD6421 

Hey dekindy,
I found this thread searching on winter shoes. How about an update? Do you like them?

C.

dekindy

I and my riding buddies only ride on the road if we do not have to modify our road bikes, other than adding fenders, which I don't do. It has been snowy, rainy, or icey ever since I purchased them so I have not had a chance to use them. I noted your question and will give you my personal feedback.

I could not find much information on them. The model I have was manufactured about four years ago which is no big deal, just wanted you to know. It was the only winter specific shoe that I could find in the city of Indianapolis and luckily it was in my size.

FYI on of the guys that started riding with us recently purchased them and has worn them a couple of times. He says that they keep his feet warm and comfortable. I talked to him before I purchased mine so I am confident they will work well.

If you can buy them big enough to get a Toasty Feet insole by Polarwrap in them that will make them even warmer. Many of my riding buddies purchased these insoles and felt they added a lot of warmth to their summer riding shoes they were using with shoe covers for winter riding. Even after buying Lake winter specific riding shoes they are using the Toasty Feet insoles in their Lakes.

dekindy

I have ridden the Gaerne Polar's twice now.

The first ride it was in the forties and very windy. I thought they might be too warm but my feet did not sweat at all. I was surprised that they would have that broad a range.

The second ride was New Year's Day with temperature around 30 degree F. and very windy. The wind chill brought the temps down to 20 degrees or the high teens. I wish the shoes were slightly warmer but they were a big improvement over summer shoes with booties as far as warmth or convenience. As long as I remember to wiggle my toes my feet will not get uncomfortable. A riding buddy is considering putting chemical warmers on the outside of his Lakes and I may try that also. I wish that I had not waited so long.

If I had not found the Gaerne's locally and already purchased them, I have read good things about these and it is a great price. Mail order is tough when it comes to shoes. Maybe you could do a search and determine sizing.

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/No...ts/5360032089/