foot systems

[elobeck]

I am about to embark on my first longer snowbike ride, and sidi's with neoprene booties won't cut it anymore. I looked up the susitna recommendations, but I am looking for general suggestions, I would like to stick with something that clips in. Oversized lake shoes perhaps with what layers in them?

My first stab at a system:
Liner sock
Neoprene bootie
Expedition weight wool sock.
Lake shoe.

should I get a Vapor barrier sock?? where does it go in the lineup?

[elobeck]

and is there a better shoe than the lake?

[Samantha Pitt]

Vapor barrier sock is strongly recommended .They would reduce chances of frosbite.

[Boney]

If there is anything better than the Lakes, I'm unaware of it. I love mine and have been comfortable down to about -15F wearing just a liner sock, heavy wool sock, and the boots. I'd suggest trying them on in person before buying, as it seems like they run small (I went up three sizes).

I haven't tried them yet, but I plan on getting some of these once it gets colder: http://www.polarwrap.com/productinfo.aspx?pid=1&product=25

Anyone else used them? I've heard a couple recommendations but am a little skeptical as to how much difference they could make.

[gregclimbs]

I want to try these: http://www.realcyclist.com/northwave-celsius-artic-gtx-shoe-mens

but they are out of my size right now :/

g

[zahgurim]

I think the Lakes, Northwave and Shimano shoes are prettymuch identical.

I use the Shimano Goretex by themselves to about -10~15C. Any colder than that and I run a neoprene overboot.

Feet stay warm and dry, no issues. No system needed, I just got them a bit bigger than the usual shoes, and run thicker wool or coolmax socks.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Original/66829.jpg

[gregclimbs]

Actually, I think the NW shoes are going to be much warmer...

I went in to the store to try a bunch on (sidi, LG, northwave - artic and non, and the shimanos) and the artics were much thicker/more insulation than any of the others.

now I kick myself to not grabbing a pair as they are currently sold out in my size....

[Area54]

I used a pair of Shimano MW80s for my stint in winter Chicago, I have a broad foot + high instep and the MW80s are built on the 'volume plus' last, which gave me a heap of room for foot, wool liner, bulky technical wool sock - and enough room for a powerbar stuffed down under each neoprene cuff.

I think the model has been superceded with the MW81.

I hope this helps, I got nothing else as the coldest winter we get here is around 7 degree C...

[goldenboy]

Every year I toy with the idea of upgrading but usually get about half way through and decide to stick it out until next year.  One day...

Here is a link to a winter shoe discussion on EmptyBeer
http://forums.mtbr.com/colorado-front-range/need-winter-cycling-shoes-advice-746909.html

[elobeck]

After much debate I finally decided to go with some lakes. Had to shop in the UK. No current distributor in the US.

Erik

[Area54]

Erik, how have you found the Lakes? Assuming you bought the MXZ302? Good width?

[elobeck]

the lakes have been awesome, but I'm not engaged in any sort of alaska ultrasport activities, just 1-10 hour rides in the snow down to -20F

[Area54]

How did you size them compared to other boots? Many reviewers have said to upsize to allow for thick socks.

[Area54]

Interesting. I've just measured my foot and cross referenced it to the chart they have on the LAKE site, it suggests I am a 42. Hmm, I have an old pair of lake mtb shoes, they are a 43 narrow and yes they squash my foot, toe length seems okay though. I upsized my shimano mw80s to suit thicker socks - working well for the last few years. I need a 1 boot solution to fly with, walk around town/work conferences, ride longish distances and walk trails/snow and snowshoe as well - I think these will be perfect but gotta get the size right. Suddenly became important for a future planned trip...

fully loaded - did you upsize 1 or 2 to get comfy? Wide option? I think I may be buying from the same UK seller, our aussie distributor does not bring this model in (plus I have a 'black ops' paypal account balance to use up )

[Luked77]

What about the 45NRTH Wolvhammer! 
Also I like the Seal Skins Socks.

http://gearpatrol.com/2012/08/23/45nrth-wolvhammer-cycling-boots/

[Area54]

Do neoprene shoe covers work as part of a system?

What about insulated gaiters - MEC wildlines/Berghaus yetis?

[Mario]

I have been snow biking for three years with NEOS overboots, on my second pairs of Adventurer (uninsulated) for around town and short rides up the a few hours. For real cold and multi day trip I use the Navigator 5. We live in the Yukon and been out at -30c, not fun but your not loosing toes either. Might do a few winter race this year, and will replace my Lobben felt boot (i think they are from Norway) to wear inside the Adventurer. If snow condition is dry just felt boots and  for overflow or damp snow add the Neos.

[tartosuc]

I also have neos (insulated explorer model)i neverused them for biking yet, never tough about using them since they are so big.

dont you feel they are huge to ride with? I mean, seem to me you would need giant flat pedals to use them?

[Mario]

They seems big compare to regular biking shoes but you get used to it, I ride with regular flats. I crank out the metal spikes in the pedals a bit more for winter usage, and you have the boot fabric to protect you shins. Even got a pair of insulated one last year and they are even bigger. I'm doing the Yukon Arctic Ultra this year and that what I'll be wearing.

[Eric]

lots of people have been using Neos for years in Alaska. I use wool felt boots inside and non-insulated Neos for the outers. Its a good setup that does not restrict circulation at all.