BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

Indeed.

I am in the market for a new pair of boots to ride in during the winter. The pair I've worn the last two years don't stick to my new downhill pedals very well.

me too. didn't know that bit about large soles being a disadvantage.i am sooo over freezing toes (and fingers) all winter! anybody have some good suggestions for warm winter riding footwear that isn't a distinct disadvantage on the bike?

http://lacemine29.blogspot.com/2007/11/warm-feet-are-happy-feet_17.html

@ Eric truthfully the Lake boots work so well I don't think you need all the extra layers.

Thanks Eric. seems like overkill to me. The only prob with the lake boots is the price tag. I'm looking for something warm, comfortable, and in the $100-$200 range that I can augment with layers of socks and such.

The good think about the Lake boots is they last forever. They are Hi quality and well worth the price in the long run.

( Edit) They also work well below 0, I have worn them down to -10 with no problems.

I have the Shimano boots that cost around $120. Got them at the black friday sale from Trek a couple years ago for under $80. With some wool socks, they're good for Pittsburgh winters.

Hiking boots with platform pedals are good too, but most won't fit in toe clips.

I also like gaiters to help keep slush out of the tops of the boots and off my pants, and to keep my pants out of the drivetrain.

@Eric - +1 for mentioning room to wiggle the toes.

For me, if an extra layer restricts foot mobility, it isn't worth it. A large pair of basketball shoes with room for three pairs of socks and wiggle room is better from me than huge insulated boots that are even slightly snug.

@Mr Marvelous the Lake boots work so well I don't think you need all the extra layers.

I'm not familiar with the Lakes. Still, it's hard for me to imagine a pair of little boots like that working OK for me without many layers when it gets below 20F.

There's a a huge variation beteween people in temperature accomodation. Even more so when you are dealing with the feet, which depend on peripheral circulation.

Yesterday, I put on light longjohns and liners in my gloves. I was out doing errands and my hands and legs were cold, so it was indisputably the right thing for my next longer trip. OTOH, I phoned Time/Temp and they said the temp was 40 degrees.

Seems extreme, even to me. But I dress by feel, not by numbers.

I've lived in a place (Ishpeming, MI)that would stay below 0 for weeks and occasionally a month or more at a time. I'm confident in saying there is no unheated boot that is adequite at those temps for everyone.

My experience with Lake boots has been positive.

I've done a 200K where the temps never got above freezing, and many commutes below 10 degrees F, wearing Lake mountain boots and two pairs of thin Smartwool cycling socks.

I am a highly endothermic mutant, however, so don't take my experience to apply universally.

I only had 1 pair of warmer boots and they were a gift. Price was $400+ and had battery operated toe warmers.

I wasn't implying we all need to go to the extent Mike Curiak does in that blog post, he does stuff on his bike that no one else does, but there are lessons to be learned form his experiences.

I've had a few pairs of the Lake boots and they improve with every generation, but they are still far from ideal in my opinion. BOA closures are not reliable and not field repairable (unless you have a spare), they are only water proof to a few inches above the sole, and really aren't that warm without a lots of extra insulation, so buy at least a size larger than normal, I would probably go 2 sizes up if I was buying another pair. Also the metal cleat is always the thing that makes my foot cold, regardless of how many different insulating materials I've tried to shove between it and my foot.

I did switch to a pair of SPD compatible pedals with a plastic body last year which seemed to help a great deal with the cleat issue, those big metal Shimano pedals are a great heat sink.

When things are really cold and sloppy I've never had an issue with my old pair of Wolverine work boots and some BMX pedals.

Does anyone make a "boot" version of the hold-fast style velcro pedal straps? http://holdfastordie.com/store/category/hold-fast-frs

http://urbanvelo.org/fyxation-gates-pedal-straps-and-handlebar-lineup/

This page suggests pairing thick soled boots with a gel seat cover, to compensate for the added height. Lots of other suggestions there too.

It only takes a few seconds to adjust the seat height on a bike, unless your seatpost is seized in the frame. However, I can see the reasoning behind this if you only wear the boots now and then and don't want to fiddle with the seat frequently.

I love my hold fast straps, but I'm not sure I'll rely on that kind of FRS during the winter with boots. I'm kind of worried about escaping from them when I hit some unexpected ice. From playing bike polo with these kind of straps, I know that it can be hard to fall gracefully when you're feet are strapped in. I think I'll just stick with spd shoes and maybe some shoe covers if I need to keep dry.

My neoprene toe covers over my socks inside my regular everyday worn out running shoes keeps my toes toasty down to zero. I have some old wet suits which I had donated and plan to make some more.

i use insulated boots i bought at wal mart for 40 bucks i can ride in really cold weather with just a thin pair of socks and my feet stay warm i dont know what the liner is made of but its really good stuff

I use Keen hiking-style leather shoes in the winter and I LOVE them. They aren't quite as bulky as hiking boots - I think they are considered "low hikers" - kinda sneaker-y. They keep my feet really toasty and dry, and they happen to be amazing for walking, too.

I use them with regular toe clips and they fit just fine.