I've used my LG neoprene shoe covers with regular hiking shoes (Keen or Merrell) with no issues. There is a slight arch in front of the heel which holds the cross strap nicely. I wouldn't do a lot of walking in them but to and from the garage and into the occasional convenience store is no problem. Last year I bought some Merrell Capras (low top trail running, light hiking) shoes that are very water and wind resistant. I got them a bit loose so that I can easily wear heavy wool ski socks with them. Add a layer of neoprene that covers the toe, instep and ankle and they are good to around 10F for an hour or two. Below that I switch to insulated hiking boots with a wool felt insole and one or two layers of wool socks. When it gets too cold for insulated hiking boots with two layers of wool socks, I switch to the trainer (estimated -25F depending on the wind). I tried my heavy tall winter snow boots (rated to -75F) and it can be done, but they are so clunky that it takes the fun out of it. If I had to use them for short commutes < 5 miles or so they'd be OK.