ekimyel

So I've been doing some research on these forums and elsewhere, and it seems a lot of people use regular winter boots when riding in the winter. I want to get out and ride this winter on my cyclcross bike on the road only, no trails. I was thinking of getting the lake winter cycling shoes, but should I just put platforms on my bike and ride with regular winter boots?

Machka 

I just use my normal cycling shoes ... only this year I decided to purchase another pair in a size larger. My decision was made when they went on sale. My cycling shoes are Lake mtn bike shoes, and now I've got a pair in a size suitable for summer wear with thinner socks, and a pair suitable for wearing with a couple pair of thicker socks.

I only go into platform pedals and regular winter boots when the temperatures drop below about -30C.

biffstephens

Winter boots for me...

Hezz

I have some winter cycling boots and while I like them they are only good down to about 25-30 degrees F for 60-90 minutes. I have tried lightweight stiff soled hiking boots in the past with good results. This year I am going to try that approach again but with SPD platform pedals and cleats imbeded in the outsole. In the past I used them with SPD non platform pedals and they worked but left a little to be desired. My theory is that the platforms extra surface area will help enhance bloodflow and be warmer.

Portis

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ht=lake+review

Loflyby

Tried this year for the first time was an unknown shoe to me.....the Kashmir Answer. I was very pleased. Used in ice bike riding, ice/snow covered trails and 323 miles this winter in East Central Iowa, these shoes were comfortable down to temps of -5F and up to temps in the low 60's this Spring. For low temps, one layer of wool and another layer of over sock were used. Additionally, chemical generators were used occasionally just to test the principal. In temps of 10 to 20 the generators were not used and the two layers of socks were sufficient. Anything above 30 only require one layer. Specifically, the shoe is constructed from very durable materials and has multiple layers within the shoe for cold protection. The velcro buckle system has been sufficiently stout to handle multiple usages and multiple soakings in ice, snow and mud. The clip on system that I supplied worked without flaw this winter on the shoe. The feature which impressed me the most was the thickly padded ankle pad, integral to the shoe. I now know why its there. There were two or three spills taken this year and it is viewed that this feature saved my ankles the pain of injury. Yes the shoe is approximately $119 but for me, it was worth the money spent for the support and utility that this shoe provided me this last 6 months. They will go on the shelf till next winter.

Biker boy
Cedar Rapids, IA.

CastIron

I've run the Lake jobs for three years now. Never thrilled with them, but I will say that in all but deep snow and exceptional cold exposure (time vs temp), proper cycling shoes for winter are great. I'm looking for a new set this fall.

chipg5

I have a few pairs of old boots I don't really use anymore and would love it if I could somehow mount the SPD clips into the bottom of them for winter riding.

I found that riding with my regular shoes was way too cold. Doubled plastic bags plus chemical warmers were okay. BUt when I rode with non-SPD regular boots my feet felt fine. So anyone ever try mounting spd hardward into regular winter boots?

cyclingvirtual

I just use warm overshoes over my racing shoes.
Saves getting extra pairs of shoes, more layers are warmer IMO.

If its really cold i use plastic carrier bags in between the shoe and overshoe.

ianjk

I ride in waterproof hiking boots with clips and straps, no complaints or cold feet.

rajman

I ride in winter boots + BMX pedals. This has worked for me down to about -30 C.

goalieMN

I used some insulated, low-top, waterproof boots on old-school BMX pedals to below zero weather this winter here in Minnesota this past winter with good results. FWIW, it is 10-miles each way, and usually right into the wind on the way home.

Closed Office

My favorite winter cycling boots are just ordinary work boots, but without the steel toe of course. They used to be really common but with the latest safety regulations they are getting a lot harder to find. They are tall enough for a lot of snow. My feet do get cold in them sometimes, but I like them enough that I'll put up with that.

edit: I should add a bit. Since the work boots are getting harder to find, the last pair I bought was Greb-Kodiak hiking boots about 10 inches high, with the same soles that are on the boots that the post office mail delivery people use in winter. They are good, I got them big enough for winter socks, and they have been through 4 winters so far, and still look good.

best wishes, lloyd

KLW2

+1

Perfect for me too.

chipcom 

I use the Answer Kashmirs when the roads are wet/snowy/icy or when the temps get down below freezing.

DataJunkie

I use a pair of size 11.5 waterproof hiking boots on bmx pedals when the temps go south and the snow falls. I can't keep my feet warm with any version of cycling shoes I have tried. Plus, it is nice to have the half second to put your feet down when your bike starts to go out from under you.

Feathers

Sidi winter cycling shoes coupled with neoprene stretch booties over top.
N-I-C-E!

Podolak

I use mountain bike spd shoes. When it got down below 0 F I put some plastic bags over them. I will be buying booties this year though. However, generally when it was in the teens and twenties (F) they were just fine.

chaadster

ekimyel,

I think you'll find regular winter boots too clunky and heavy for riding, regardless of the pedal type. If you just want to go out and ride, investing in a pair of cycling boots is the way to go. If you're commuting and want to minimize the stuff you need, I've had good luck using gaiters and rubber overshoes (Totes) on street shoes. That said, my ride is only about 15-20 minutes in winter weather, hardly enough time for feet to get cold! Oh, and I run toeclips.

For regular fun rides, I wear full neoprene overboots over my Shimano mtb shoes. Those are warm, but clicking into the SPDs is frustrating because of the rubber sole of the overboots. Theyre also too narrow for the heels of dress shoes, so I don't use them for the commute for that reason.

Gonzlobo

I wear REI water socks underneath Sidi MTB shoes (but then again, my winters are dry and cool).