Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 4
Bikes: SOMA Grand Randonneur, Gunnar Sport converted to 650B, Rivendell Rambouillet, '82 Trek 728, '84 Trek 610, '85 Trek 500, C'Dale F600, Burley Duet, Lotus Legend
Isn't "cotton" an abbreviation for "death in cold weather" :-)
Nonetheless, wicking liners + wool socks = damp socks in any shoes I've ever worn, no matter how open. Even open-toed sandals. Some of us have feet that sweat more than others. Damp socks = cold feet. Evaporating sweat dissipates a great deal of heat. Read all about VBL's on the Stephenson's site in my previous post.
I assume you mean -16 Celsius? I've been cross-country skiing at -16 Fahrenheit (actually down to about -30) and I just don't believe you could wear mesh shoes and wool socks at -16 F in any amount of wind. My hands stay pretty warm--once I get going I usually have to flip the "hood" back on my convertible mittens to let my fingers out, even down to 10F.
The point about making sure to have warm legs is good.