Warmest shoe covers?
 

I currently have Sidetrak neoprene shoe covers, and they're not warm enough in sub-freezing temps. Yesterday's commute took place in 25f weather, and my feel actually hurt the last 5-6 miles. I'm looking for something warmer, but they have to fit (Sidi Dominator) MTB shoes (size 44.5).

Suggestions are appreciated.

(Yes, I've considered Shimano MW80 shoes, but can't find my size at a reasonable price.)

I have some PI Amfibs that are warmer than any of the other 3-4 pair I've got.

It's the heat loss through the cleat that gets me though and no shoe cover is going to fix that.

I've resorted to some Lake MX255's (that look like work shoes) with waterproof uppers purchased a full size large to accomodate thicker insoles and hunting socks. That gets me down into the 20's. Switching out the hunting socks in favor of Sealskinz over trekking socks keeps enough wind off my calves to get me into the teens. Lower than that and fogging eyewear and watering eyes shuts me down.

I tried some PI covers last year, and could not get them to fit snugly over my Sidis. I may just pop over to Excel in Boulder and try a bunch on.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...covers-booties

I just bought (online tonight) a pair of Pearl Izumi Barrier Shoe Covers. I was looking at some Mavic Infernos, and a pair from Gore.....but my experience with PI clothing helped me to decide. I have a few PI jersies and shorts and an awesome pair of wool tights that I got in 1993 that have really held up well and are toasty warm.

I typically wear a size 42 cycling shoe.......I got a Large pair from advice of friends.

Next week here at Fort Campbell on the KY/TN border it's supposed to be in the mid/low 40's next weekend......with colder weather to follow. I'll let you know how they work!

Dave

You might find something slightly warmer but essentially no shoe covers are very warm. Some homemade ones that can insulate the bottom of the shoe might work better but will be a little more bulky. I would not worry about the shoe covers. Get a cheap pair of cycling shoes a size bigger and two sizes wider. Wear a neoprene sock and then a thick wool sock and then use your shoe covers. This combination is pretty warm. About as warm as using some dedicated Lake winter cycling shoes which are about the warmest of the ones made.

It is possible to layer booties. I wear these over my shoes: http://www.rei.com/product/729120. I "customized" them to fit over a cycling shoe. Then I put on a garden variety Performance bootie over them. With a lightweight wool ski sock, I am good down to the teens (fahrenheit).

I am thinking about a pair of those Lake winter shoes though. They look sweet.

BL

Had the same problem here in Northern Indiana. My solution, though freddish, works.
I wear normal weight wool socks, then winter weight wool cycling socks. I then put on a neoprene bootie. Then I wear an extra size larger high synthetic thick ski socks. I cut a slit in the bottom, then put them over the neoprene booties. I then cover the toes and tops with duct tape and place a few reflective strips on the rear for dark riding. Sounds stupid but it works,

Thanks for all the advice. I'm seriously considering buying some shoes that are 1/2 to 1 size larger than my Sidi's, and then just wearing thicker/warmer socks. I'm pretty sure that part of my problem stems from wearing shoes that are a snug fit with anything thicker than Defeet Levitator socks.

I rode for about 2 1/2 hours today in about 38 degree weather. Wool Defeet socks, ancient Time Racing shoes, PI Barrier neo shoe covers. By the end my toes were cold....but I could have ridden farther.