Winter Shoes

[Rob]

What does everyone use for winter riding?  I'm about to buy the Pearl Izumi Barrier GTX but I'm open to recommendations.

[neve_r_est]

I didn't know Pearl made a winter shoe. I've heard Shimano does too.

I had a set of Sidi Storm 3's but they didn't have any insulating properties to speak of. I've been using a set of Lake MXZ302's for the past few years, they're considered the warmest winter cycling shoe out there as far as I know. The heel is starting to come apart now, but otherwise they've been pretty comfy down to freezing or so. They make a comfy hiking/work boot too.

If your dealing with below freezing temps or extended periods of time you can buy a couple sizes big, add another insulated insole, multiple layers of oversized socks, and vapor barrior liner. If that doesn't do it you might have to get creative with overboots and shoe goo or switch to platforms and pack boots.

Once you get the insulation down, the most helpful thing I've found when my feet get cold is to get off and walk for a few minutes next to the bike to get the circulation back in my feet.
 
DG   

[Eric]

how cold? what size foot?

[Rob]

The Pearl's have insulation as well, I've heard reviews on the PI's that say they're an improvement over the Lakes.

I live in So Cal, but I want something waterproof and warm for raining days and for when I do some snow riding in the local mtns.

I wear a 45.5 in Specialized.

[rocky rode]

My wife and I are both using Lake MXZ 300 shoes.  I can't say whether they are the warmest shoe out there but they have made a big difference in our cold riding comfort.  I have Raynauds Syndrome and keeping feet and hands warm is an ongoing problem.  Whatever you buy you might want to try these ideas.  I bought two sizes bigger than I normally wear,  45 vs. 43.  I wear a thin polypro liner sock with a thin plastic bag over that.  Then I top it off with the thickest Smartwool sock made.  Recently I've been putting cream on my feet and hands meant for sore muscles before I ride.  It has menthol and is supposed to stimulate circulation, I think the brand I have is Icy Hot, unfortunately it stinks, but it does seem to help.  Another thing I do is prewarm the boots by the woodstove before heading out.  I've found if they are in my unheated closet when I put them on, my feet never overcome the chill and my feet stay cold.  An hour long ride is easy in single digit temps, 4 hours and I take along some chemical warmers.  Getting off and walking for just 100 yards or so can get the blood flowing again.  I live at 8,000' in CO and often ride in single digit temps with an occasional below zero (F) ride.

Curiak had a post on his blog a while back describing what he used on his epic Alaska ride for his shoes.  He used felt Liners for Sorel type boots in his Lakes.  You need to go quite a bit larger than two sizes to make this work, I think.

Gary   

[Rob]

Thanks for the replies.  I ordered the Pearl Izumi Barrier GTX as well as their Amfib gloves.  I also ordered the X-Alp Enduro's too.

Will give a test report on all of them as soon as I get them and try them out. 

I wear a 45.5 and PI recommended a 46 and a pair of wool socks would be all I needed to stay warm down well below freezing. 

[Slim]

Thanks for the replies.  I ordered the Pearl Izumi Barrier GTX as well as their Amfib gloves.  I also ordered the X-Alp Enduro's too.

Will give a test report on all of them as soon as I get them and try them out. 

I wear a 45.5 and PI recommended a 46 and a pair of wool socks would be all I needed to stay warm down well below freezing. 

That might be small. I wear a tight 44.5 Specialized summer shoe and the PI 45.5 I ordered were the same length and narrower in the toe box. I also want a winter boot to be roomier to allow for a thicker sock and toe warmers. The Lakes run smaller than their sizing chart too. Specialized makes a winter boot now, but it is only very lightly insulated.

[Slim]

The walking is probably one of the best tips. That's how cyclo cross got started, as a way to keep roadies warm on winter training rides.
I once rode my commuter bike to an ice climb wearing my super insulated climbing boots and thick wool socks, my feet were fine on the climb yet froze on the ride, something in the pedaling dynamic just cuts my circulation.

[Rob]

They'll be here today, hopefully they'll fit good.  I bought a new pair of Specialized Pro MTB shoes the other day and it turns out the 45 wide's fit good, so hopefully the 46 will be ok.  I would think a 47 would be too long.