Lake MXZ 300 vs SIDI Storm 3 vs Regular Snow boot
 

I find I like riding clipless since most of the time the roads are clear, but I'm getting cold with my toe covers and find the PI Toasters to be a PITA to work with. My boots are warm, but I keep lifting my foot off the cage on the upstroke and my foot slips off the pedal. (I guess those powercrank things really do train you to lift up). Anyway, I got my Nashbar catalog and what do I see but 2 winter riding shoes that are SPD compatible (of course neither are in stock in my size at Nasbhar, but I can find them elsewhere). I guess I want to know from people who have used them. How do the Lake and the SIDI compare to each other, and how do they compare to a lightly insulated winter boot? How about walking in them? Anyone use them and like/dislike them? Thanks for the input.

Well not personal expierence but a friend of mine, who is the GM of a LBS, swears by the Lake MXZ 300 and they carry Sidi as well. His comments are that they keep your feet warmer than regular shoes with covers because of the design being for warmth rather than covering a warm temp shoe with a bootie. I don't know if he has tried the Sidi and choose the Lake or if he just tried the Lake first all I know is that he loves the lake.

Hope that is of some help, sorry it wasn't first hand.

Good enough. I found a pair on clearence for $140 and figured I'd order them just to give them a shot unless someone posted that they fall apart in 2 rides, don't keep your feet warm or some other horrible commentary. Bike shop guys usually only use stuff that works, so thats a pretty good endorsement if you ask me.

I have the Lake MXZ 300's. They are really good to about -10C and much better than booties. They are a real pain to put on. You must undo the laces and velcro straps entirely, or be prepared to sweat.
Hockey

Right that is why I posted even though I didn't have personal expierence. I figure if that is what he uses when he gets the stuff at cost and can get either then there must be some merit. This guy does a lot of winter MTB riding here in central PA as well so the temps he rides in can get pretty cold.

Hope they work out for you.

How easy/hard is it to walk in them? Its about 1/4 mile from the bike rack through the building to the locker-rooms, so I want to be able to walk without looking like a duck.

Truly a PITA to get into but they are comfortable to walk in (without the cleats) and they do keep the digits warm.

I use the Lake DH300 with a special sock arrangement down to -40 and worse with wind and remain comfortable. I've never heard anything good about Sidi in comparison for real winter work. Looks like the MXZ 300 winter shoes are modeled after the DH I've got which are several winters old. You should be able to walk just fine in those MXZs with/without cleats, at least with Time cleats, I guess SPD are bigger
http://shopping.ofir.dk/shopping/ima.../lakedh300.gif

I've had my Lake MXZ300's for a few years and I'm very happy with them. They are not bulky so walking is fine, and comfortable for me down to about 0F/-18C. They are holding up very nicely.

This is my second winter on the Lakes, and I'm very satisfied. They work very well down to about 15F, and then I simply add some chemical toe warmers. My feet/toes have not been cold since I bought these shoes. They are well worth the investment, IMHO, and there is no problem with walking. :)

The Lake shoes are the best. I've ridden them in Alaska down to -15 F without covers. Still have to get off and run occasionally. But with neoprene covers they are good to -20 or lower. The outlast sole material is very tech. I saw them recently mail order for $118. Good deal. They are a bit hard to get on, but not that bad when you get used to it. I took out the inner laces and threw them away as I recall. Not needed. I got mine a half size too big in order to wear heavy wool sox or neoprenes.