I don't know about that Portis. I wear a cleated cycling shoe year round and don't do too bad. If it gets near zero or below, I might need to add some chemical warmers. My commute is only 35-40 minutes. If it were longer maybe it would be different.

The most important thing about these shoes I think, is that they are a little too big.

I bought some boots



Now it is just my hands I need to take care of...

When you use the chemical warmers, they last much longer than you actually need. If you put them in a plastic ziploc of some kind and get all the air out when you get home, they will be good for a few extra uses. They also don't stay as warm when there are booties over the shoes, as they need air with which to react to create heat.

When I use chemical warmers, I need them for 12 hours. They don't last 12 hours ... 8 or 10 maybe.

I've only ever used them when I've done bitterly cold winter centuries.

I usually have much shorter winter rides than Machka, clearly... I also have the hardest time with cold feet, to each their own, and if you do find that you are out for less than ten hours in the wintertime, it's just an FYI if you find they have heat left when you get home that you can save them for re-use.

I did not know that. The bike forums come through again!

I typically don't need them very often but if I did, the cost certainly would concern me.

Keep body core warm and dry. If it cools body starts to shut off blood flow to extremities. I use wool work socks, Shimano MTB shoes and Sugoi booties for water protection.

Booties are the easiest way to keep them warm

Machka and I are neighbours and I use pretty much the same strategy in keeping my feet warm... a few weeks ago it was -46 with the wind chill and tonight it is -42 (although I am not riding).

Polypro socks as a base, then wool socks and a boot appropriate for the temps has been sufficient for this extreme weather... having your shoe/ boot too tight is a sure way to freeze your feet.

I use two pairs of boots...the lighter pair is good for temps down to -25 while the feltpacks (like Sorels) will keep my feet warm at temperatures below -40 C.

My theory is that, the most important fact about cold toes while cycling is the pressure on the pedals which lowers bloodflow to the toes. I know for sure that, after a bikeride when I can't feel my toes anymore, if I stop and walk around, my toes will warm up - provided that I have otherwise adequate shoes+socks.

So this tells me someone should invent something that a larger area of the foot impinges the pressure on the pedals, so as to have sufficient bloodflow in the feet during pedaling.

I sure as heck ain't use any coussinet auto chauffant. I managed -25C in the previous winters, so I will, this winter as well. Somehow.

I'll use theory.

Yesterday I wore two pairs of booties over my Sidi winters. The first pair was a cheap nashbar set that didn't have much water resistance and the outer pair were PI AmFIBs. Seemed to do the trick for the over 7 hours I was cycling. My feet seem to get cold when stopped but after a few minutes of cycling they are fine.

I got a set of these


then cut 5"x5" pieces of fleece [equivalent to Polartech 200 windstopper] and used an elastic band to lightly hold it in place over my toes. I put the shoe covers on over top and I was absolutely fine in the entertaining conditions that Sixty Fiver and Machka mentioned.

For my feet to stay warm, I need to maintain blood circulation. I can easily over-tighten my shoes, so in the winter I just barely do them up. I've given up on neoprene booties, as they provide too much compression on my feet, reducing blood flow. As always, YMMV...

Similar for me, but I got these


As far as hands I splurged on the Assos winter glove pack. AMAZING!!!

I was out yesterday morning, with flurries as I left the house and I was warm for my entire 2 hours. I would have ridden longer but I was getting annoyed with the sleet pelting my face (My unresloved issue is prescription glasses that don't fog up)

Late reply, but for upper 20's and 30's temps on a 15 mile ride, all I would need is normal socks and shoes and a pair of Performance Neoprene Booties. Right now they are on sale for $20 (50%off) These are quite a bit thicker than other booties I have seen or tried. Mid 20s and lower I add a layer of Performance Neoprene Socks on over top of regular socks. That gets me down to being comfortable in single digits on my 10 mile commute.

Also.. I wear a same model pair of shoes that is 2 sizes larger (44 vs 42) to allow for the extra bulk. Shoes that are too snug with extra thick socks will cut circulation and the socks will do more harm than good.

It also depends on how hard you are riding (ie.. avg. heart rate and blood flow). If I get cold I go faster. If I can't go faster due to weather/dark/etc. I make sure I overdress a bit.

OH ! Here it is. So the consensus is basically buy the proper footwear. Well, I have a pair of Garneaus on the way but until then I'm going to try plastic shower caps as covers. We'll see !

What works best for me on my 9 mile one-way commute on the 25-40 degree days is a neoprene sock with air-activated toe warmers on the outside of the sock. That way I can wear my regular ventilated cycling shoes and not have to shop for winter shoes in a size 48. I usually drive if it's colder than 25, but will be getting electric socks to compliment my electric gloves sometime by next winter. Or I may try electric insoles with the wireless remote, which would be great to zip tie or Velcro on my handlebars.

I have a pair of those. They're warm but super hard for me to walk in and I have to be so careful not to scratch somebody's floor so I don't wear them.

Skidoo snow machine boots. Platform pedals.