debenhoh

Has anyone out there tried using Velotoze (or similar tight-fitting neoprene shoe covers) inside their shoes, like an extra pair of socks? I've used simple plastic bags for a couple winters and they work pretty well for keeping my feet dry and warm without a need for shoe covers, but they're a bit of a hassle to use since they obviously aren't designed to the shape of a foot or shoe.

Toespeas

LOL , not me , i have been using these scuba socks over my shoes , with emergency blankets over usb powered heating elements !

_ForceD_

I have a pair of Pearl iZumi covers. Frankly I’ve never been completely satisfied with the fit and performance of them. I had some others that I never really liked either. What I find myself continuing to resort to is plastic bags OVER my cycling shoes, and then a pair of thin close-fitting plain black dress socks over the bag to neaten it up. I use LOOK pedals so this setup is thin enough for the cleat to still click into the pedal. Other cleat/pedal systems might require a hole in the sock/bag. I usually go through a couple pair of socks per winter. I just got some Velotoze for Xmas. I used them one time, and other than how difficult they are to get on...they were OK. Second use...one of them ripped completely in half putting it on. Hopefully that was just a bad cover that slipped through QA. Company is replacing them for no charge, and I’m waiting for them to arrive. But I’m not completely optimistic and have a feeling I’ll be going back to plastic bags and socks.

Dan

79pmooney

You can up the warmth of plastic bags a lot by using two, one against your bare foot, then socks, then a second bag and a thin stretchy sock over all. (Black old man's calf/knee socks work really well.) This keeps the socks dry and all of their insulating value. Your feet will be very wet but it is a snug warm wetsuit wet. (The key - no homes in that inside bag! I shake air into the bags, seal with my fingers and see if I can squeeze out air before I put it on. On dry days, small holes in the outside bag aren't a very big deal.)

I have to confess that my 45North Fastercatts are more comfortable, warmer and far easier to put on but they are $200 and SPD so no help on my road bikes.

debenhoh

Thanks to all of you. I've got a few new ideas to try - I never would have thought of scuba socks.

_ForceD_

In my post above I also wanted to say that I’ve tried the plastic bag INSIDE my shoes...and like mentioned above...your foot will really be wet (sweaty). That’s why I like the bags (or anything) on the outside of the shoe instead. Still blocks in the moisture/sweat but your foot doesn’t get nearly as wet.

Dan

Obeast

I use fleece socks and cut out the toe section to cover over the wool socks. They seem to doing the trick for now in -15C. However, if you pedal hard up a hill, you should warm up in no time.

cruiserhead

you can use sealskinz socks and gloves for winter. They are totally wind and waterproof, thin and actually work.
They are stiff and you may not have room in your shoes, but worth a try if that's the way you want to go.

bikehoco

I use homemade tyvek liners inside of shoes. They’re breathable so less sweating but they keep the wind and cold out.

_ForceD_

Interesting. Did you use a pattern for this? Can you provide it if you did? If you didn’t...how’d you get the shape right? I’d like to try it out.

Dan

bikehoco

Tyvek shoe liner
I use used envelopes, a little experimenting makes perfect. Keep in mind tyvek doesn’t stretch.

_ForceD_

I’m done with Velotoze (the latex version anyway). One of the original pair I got for Xmas ripped while putting it on for only the second use. I contacted the company and at least they sent me a replacement pair at no charge. I just got back from a ride using the replacement pair and one of them ripped taking it off. I still have two un-ripped covers...but I don’t have faith they’ll last long.

Dan

debenhoh

Thanks for the Velotoze update. I wondered about their durability after I watched a video of someone putting them on - I appreciate the real-world experience. I think I'll steer clear.

pyze-guy

My experience as well. Worked great but ripped after a few rides.

wesmamyke

I've used the neoprene in shoe toe covers made by TACX I think? I also have a no name pair off ebay that are actually better. The real ones cover a good half of my foot and are difficult to fit in shoes. The knock-off pair only cover my toes and fit better.

_ForceD_

FWIW...I contacted the company and informed them that the second pair ripped and that “I’m all done with Velotoze. I only wish that I could get a refund.” They apologized and refunded the original purchase price to my credit card.

Dan

Notso_fastLane

I tried a bunch of solutions with normal bike shoes, but eventually I just broke down and spent the money on some winter specific shoes.

Worth it.

I added some liners in the sole, and while my feet will still get a little chilly (I have bad circulation on a good day...) they are much improved even on longer rides.

https://www.amazon.com/Fizik-X5-Arti...s%2C216&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

debenhoh

Thanks for the ideas. I'm assuming you replaced the insoles that came with the shoes (with the Polar Felt ones), right?
And did those winter shoes fit about the same as your other shoes?
Dave

debenhoh

Sorry for confusion. Not sure why that double-quoted. Only meant to quote Notso-fastLane.

Notso_fastLane

The Fizik fit about the same as my normal (I use MTB style shoes) size 44. First pass, I just slipped the Polar Felt into them. It works for me without being too tight, so I just wear them that way. I'm not sure how much more room there might be if I pulled the existing insoles out.

I got a screaming deal on the shoes (they supposedly were damaged, but I couldn't find so much as a scuff when they arrived). I was skeptical, but having worn them for 2 winters now, I'd gladly pay full price. I've had my Specialized MTB shoes since 2011 and they are still great, with only minor scuffing, and I'm not particularly easy on my shoes (not super hard on them either, but...) so if I have to pay $200 every 10-15 years for a pair of good shoes, I'm ok with that.

debenhoh

Thanks so much - very helpful. Heck, for warm toes, I'd probably pay $5/ride, much less $20/year! :-)

Billy Bones

I use those plastic sleeves that newspapers come in....already sock-shaped! They're tough enough for 10 outings before they shred.

They're worth about 5-degrees F colder spin than socks alone...together with booties, I get out reliably at 32-degrees F, 25-degrees F in the sunlight.

Every couple of years I'll get my newspaper-reading to save a month's worth.

xyz

Anyone ever tried wearing a couple of these under the normal sock?

https://www.amazon.com/Pairs-Ultra-D...87107175&psc=1

noglider 

Silk socks. I'm willing to try them. They should be fairly durable, right?

xyz

I've been wearing silk gloves under some plain vanilla Mechanix Gloves, seem to hold up pretty well. Been using the same pair for a couple hundred miles. They do NOT mix well with velcro, tears them up, but they hold up even then, doesn't actually tear them just pulls the material out in clumps. Those socks from amazon are $1.40 a pair, so even if they don't last you aren't out much.