Originally Posted by
cyccommute
Pearl Izumi makes a water resistant shoe -
the X-Alp Seek IV. 45NRTH makes the
Fasterkatt. The only problem with the Lake and 45NRTH shoes is that they are made for winter and could be very hot in the summer. The X-Alps are a bit cooler but can still be how in summer.
I'd suggest the X-Alp for summer riding, tape over the cleat vents in the bottom under the insole and adding a shoe cover. The combination of the sealing, water resistance of the X-Alp and the shoe cover should keep your feet dry...from outside water. Your feet can still get wet because of sweat. I've never had rain gear (jacket, pants and shoe covers) that didn't leave me swimming in pools of sweat.
Actually in summer I don't even use rain gear -- getting wet doesn't bother me if it's warm out. But for those cold rains in spring and fall, a warm waterproof shoe is a must have. Those Fasterkatts look better than the Lake boots; they're waterproof, and made with a rubberized shell instead of leather. The Lake boots look nice, but even a high degree of water resistance will eventually soak through. I'm very all-or-nothing when it comes to rain gear.
Edit: Ha! I just looked up authorized dealers of Fasterkatt gear, and one of the dealers is the bike shop where I go for service all the time!
I've seen winter boots there on the shelf, and those were probably the ones.