Dusk

I just purchased "HotBed" insulating insole inserts made by Shock Doctor. They are 2.5mm thick and have an R factor of R12 per inch.

Riding in MN I find that my clipless pedals act as a heat sink and create a cold spot on the bottom of my foot, then if my foot sweats it really gets cold.

I put the insole under the Sidi insole as the “HotBed” instructed.

Friday I rode at 36 degrees in the rain with wicking socks that I wear in the summer, and a cotton sock over that, Sidi Dominator 4 shoes and PI Winter covers. My feet were dry but they got cool then cold on a 20 mile ride.

I rode today at 30 degrees dry and the same 20 mile route, with wicking socks that I wear in the summer, the Sidi Dominator 4 shoes and PI Winter covers with the insoles in place. My feet were really warm to the point of being hot. I need to move to my lighter shoe covers until the temp drops into the teens and lower.

Check them out on there website:
https://www.shockdoc.com/midBand/midBand.html

You can order from the company and there is no shipping charge.

These are great for cycling and any shoe you want to warm up.

Cheers,
Dusk

astompa

Interesting. Is the "hotbed" a special product that they make besides the insoles? The web site doesn't really mention hotbeds. You also might want to try wool socks.

cyclinrunt

Thanks for posting!

I see the hotbeds on the site, and I'm going to give these a try, I'm desperate to do something for my cold feet! I already use another insert in my Sidi Genius shoes - a Carnac for arch support, so I hope both will fit in there OK.

Dusk

You must not be looking around the site they are there. They are red in color and you can just order from there.

Wool socks won't fit in a summer riding shoe. If I bought larger shoes maybe it would work but, I like my Sidi and at $175 I'm not real interested in buy a larger pair when a $19 insole keeps me warm.

Cheers,
Dusk

Dusk

They don't add much to the shoe but you'll have to see. The HotBed goes under the shoes insole or the Carnac in your case. The standard Sidi insole is pretty thin and works with the HotBed but I do notice that they are snug so I just don't tight down the Velcro and ratchet as much as in the summer. For me the additional insole is more comfortable than wearing two pairs of socks.

I’ll be interested in hearing how they work for you.

Cheers,
Dusk

outashape

I have them and they did not keep my toes warm. The insert is further back from the toes, more by the ball of the foot. In addition, you have to use the chemical packs especially for them, or perhaps the smaller toe warmers. If you use the hand warmer size, there is not enough room for the air to circulate and they stop working.

steveknight

here is what I just ordered https://www.lickbike.com/productpage.asp?PART_NUM_SUB='2969-40'

Portis

I have ridden the last two days in the teens. (F) Both times my rides have been near or over two hours. I wear a wool cycling sock, with a wool hunting sock (thicker) over them. I wear a pair of Thinsulate lined hiking boots for shoes. I bought these shoes 1 size large to allow for the extra socks. They actually are almost 1.5 sizes to big, which is a big plus.

I have worn my cycling shoe over the same sock combo in the 20's in the last couple weeks. My feet got a little chilly. Not so with the hiking boots. My feet were toasty warm for 2 hours and 23 miles this morning. It is really quite simple at these temps. Make sure you have a couple pairs of wicking, (wool etc), warm socks and a pair of insulated shoes that have LOTS of room for air in them. Your toes should not be touching the end of your shoes.

bac

Your feet are going to thank you. I bought these last year, and they kept my feet warm, and me very happy last winter!

steveknight

I had used shoe covers last year but a pair of the neoprene oens wore out before the season was over and at size 47 I could nto find any that really fit. I tried golashes with the cleat cut out on my bent but that caused my feet to get weter then without.

Guest

I assume these are in male or female sizes? How do I figure out what size works for me? I have a size 8.5 womens, 41 European.

Koffee

Dusk

Don't know what you are talking about. What insert further back? There are no chemical packs for them?

Check the site you are talking about another product.

Cheers,
Dusk

Dusk

Those are a great option. But if 19.95 keeps me warm down to 0 or lower, why spend the cash?

Cheers,
Dusk

Dusk

Dudes did you pick up on the tread? The hotbeds work to keep your summer shoes working all winter. Yea.. I can wear sorel winter boots, if I want, but here in MN they not needed for an active 40 mile road ride.

Cheer,
Dusk

Dusk

At 8.5 US womans you would want the Medium. The Mediums that I have are Mens 8-11 and womens's size 9-12. E.U sizes 41 - 45 UK 7-10 Mondo 26-27.5


Cheers,
Dusk

Guest

Thanks! It's just one more tool to keep me riding in sandals this winter!

Koffee

dobber

I second that. Picked up a pair last month and they are very warm / comfortable.

steveknight

but do your feet stay dry too? here in portland where rain is the norm thats more important most of the time then warmth. after three pairs of shoe covers last eyar these don't cost that much. I can hardly get two pair of socks on with these shoes I have now.

Guest

I did my order. Thanks again for the tips!

Koffee

vrkelley

Are they easy to put on and take off?

dobber

No more so than any other MTB shoe with laces and straps.

cyclinrunt

Can you use the Lake shoes with Look cleats? What size would I wear? I wear 7 1/2 women's, or Euro 39.

bac

Lake has a road version of the MXZ called the CXZ for road cleats such as Look. I've not used them, but I do own a pair of the MXZs, and they are fantastic. In terms of size, go @ least one size (perhaps 2) larger than normal. The fit of the shoe is pretty standard, but you'll want to run thicker socks (and perhaps toe warmers, etc) than with non-winter specific shoes:

Lake Winter Shoes

cyclinrunt

Thanks! I'm waiting for my hotbeds, and thicker shoe covers first. If that doesn't work, I'll check the Lake option out. Hopefully they have something in my size. I'm determined to find a way to keep my feet warm!

dobber

Just to throw a contrarian view in. My MXZ's are the same size as my other cycling shoes, including my Lake MX160s). I use just a standard wicking type socks and have pedalled along quite comfortably on my 45 min commute with morning temps hovering around 10°F.

Everyones chill point is different. I live in a generally mild (make that cold) temperate area (extreme Northern NY). Winter temps can dip down to -25°F. I usually wear nothing more than a hoodie with a Levi jacket.

Going up a size or two in shoes would leave me with overly sweaty feet or boots that didn't fit well. An individual would be well advised to consider such factors when purchasing such an expensive item.