Originally Posted by
Shimagnolo
I've happily been using Pearl Izumi Barrier GTX as my winter shoes for years;
Thinsulate for warmth, and Goretex for waterproofing.
I use the same thin socks I wear in the summer.
I think they are out of production now, but here is a list I compiled some time back of various winter shoes:
45nrth Wolvhammer
Exustar E-SM450
Gaerne Akira (Road) waterproof
Gaerne Artix (MTB) - Same upper as Akira but with MTB sole.
Gaerne Polar (Road and MTB) - not waterproof
Lake MXZ3
Louis Garneau 0
Northwave Avalanche Pro
Northwave Celsius J GTX
Northwave Fahrenheit (road)
Shimano MW02
Shimano SH-MW80
Sidi Diablo GTX
Specialized Defroster
Thanks for the list, looked into a lot of them.
I agree overall with people saying 0-10deg C isn't winter, and I should have clarified. No snow, just cold-ish and wet all the time. Since moving to the West Coast I've forgotten what real winter is, and never have been a real winter rider. Good for those who put on the real boots and commute, but that's not my situation.
The big reason for liking the Northwave, or any more or less Waterproof shoe is that these shoes end up getting walked in a lot too. I switch into loafers at work but if going out for lunch, stopping somewhere on way home etc I would switch back into the shoes I ideally commute with. Those Northwave seemed to fit the bill for that- something booties and double socks etc wouldn't.
So the RIGHT question would be: Best Waterproof SPD shoe/boot that offers some warmth and also works for walking around in.
Originally Posted by
mcours2006
At the risk of not giving the OP what was originally asked, those shoes are a bit of an overkill for Vancouver winters. Seriously!
$350-$400 is a lot of money to spend on a pair of shoes for commuting. I get the water proof part, but Extreme Winter for 10C? C'mon.
If you have your heart set on them and you've got the cash, go for it. But there are alternatives that are a lot less costly and equally effective.
Ya extremely expensive, completely agree. The current SPD shoes I've used for almost 5yrs now are basic Pearl Izumis that cost me $100, and have now seen better days, so I figured I'd invest in the next pair.
Originally Posted by
Lanovran
Ah, ok... In that case, I wouldn't recommend winter shoes/boots at all. At 50°F (heck, even down to 32°F, depending on your tolerances), I'd recommend one of a few different options, depending on the specific situation:
• Lightweight, waterproof, cleat-compatible shoe covers.
• A double-layer of socks for extra insulation (still prone to getting soaked, though).
• Insulated, waterproof socks.
• My favorite on this list: water- and wind-proof oversocks, which are worn (as the name implies) over your socks, but inside your shoes. I have a pair of
these and I really like them a lot more than shoe covers.
Like above, the waterproof system needs to be multitasking, and in addition to riding, could also be used to walk around off the bike. Thats how I got fixated on a high quality shoe/boot, as opposed to covers/extra socks etc. Maybe I'm thinking of a bike shoe utopia, but I'd like to wear a single pair of socks, and ideally only switch out the shoe at work... too much to ask for?