Winter Overshoes How Effective ??
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Winter Overshoes How Effective ??
I cycled through all of last winter and 70% of the time my piggies were fine but you always remember those colder days when they're really not especially if there's a bit of wind.
How effective are overshoes and do you just need toe ones like this
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giro-Ambien...over_94019.htm
Or is a fuller one that covers the whole foot that much better ....... although it seems it's mainly just my toes that seem to get really cold.
How effective are overshoes and do you just need toe ones like this
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giro-Ambien...over_94019.htm
Or is a fuller one that covers the whole foot that much better ....... although it seems it's mainly just my toes that seem to get really cold.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 6,016
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1814 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 923 Times
in
569 Posts
I've used toe covers but only use shoe covers now- they are very nice. Always wear 40˚s & below, &<50˚+wet.
Comfy & keep the road grit & much of the water at bay. Feet don't overheat much so even if it warms up it's OK.
Mostly use ones with coated fabric & thin fleece lining, but also neoprene for really cold.
Hi-Vis FTW if you can find them (get a clue vendors- shoe covers= winter= low visibility & you only make black???)
Comfy & keep the road grit & much of the water at bay. Feet don't overheat much so even if it warms up it's OK.
Mostly use ones with coated fabric & thin fleece lining, but also neoprene for really cold.
Hi-Vis FTW if you can find them (get a clue vendors- shoe covers= winter= low visibility & you only make black???)
#3
Senior Member
I used some like this fora few years.
Louis Garneau Neo Protect 2 Insulated Neoprene Cycling Shoe Covers, Bright Yellow, Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T09M2TE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_kuhcCbMBRKYPF
I like them. They're warmer than no covers and help block some wind water. I still felt like i was getting a draft around the cleats on my cycling shoes so i put a layer of duck tape under the inner sole. That helped a lot.
Louis Garneau Neo Protect 2 Insulated Neoprene Cycling Shoe Covers, Bright Yellow, Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T09M2TE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_kuhcCbMBRKYPF
I like them. They're warmer than no covers and help block some wind water. I still felt like i was getting a draft around the cleats on my cycling shoes so i put a layer of duck tape under the inner sole. That helped a lot.
#4
Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 54
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
It depends on what your definition of winter is. I have the forefoot ones and they definitely work and are worth the money. But after about 45-60 my toes/feet get cold anyway. I got a pair of overshoes and i've worn them on a few short <30F (didn't bother taking toe neoprene off) and I'm glad I got them. I think both are a necessity for riding in cold weather.
#5
Senior Member
Guess you only need 70% of your toes? I wear winter boots in, wait for it, winter. Covers on your vented summer shoes? Hmmm. My winters tend to be 20F for a low with lots of snow. Some get " less" winter. Cheers.
#7
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
469 Posts
Toe covers are not going to do the job when it gets real cold. Full overshoes are needed below 40°F.
@Witterings, you are in England? If so then look at GripGrab. They are available through Wiggle.
https://www.gripgrab.com/collections/shoe-covers.
The Race Thermo is going to be a great all around shoe cover. The Arctic is going to be their warmest.
-Tim-
@Witterings, you are in England? If so then look at GripGrab. They are available through Wiggle.
https://www.gripgrab.com/collections/shoe-covers.
The Race Thermo is going to be a great all around shoe cover. The Arctic is going to be their warmest.
-Tim-
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Do agree that the high vis ones are good, there was a thread I saw about a year ago that said any high vis on your pedals is great for being seen due to the movement and recently was in the car and saw someone wearing some in the distance and you didn't half notice them in the distance so great for visibility .... has always made me wonder why there are so many black cycling jackets.
Cheers for all the input and will take a look at the links / wiggle as well but some full ones are definitely going on the Xmas list
Cheers for all the input and will take a look at the links / wiggle as well but some full ones are definitely going on the Xmas list
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 523
Bikes: Trek Domane, Surly Disc Trucker
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 170 Post(s)
Liked 103 Times
in
68 Posts
I'll use toe covers down to upper 30's (F), maybe a bit colder. If the temperature drops lower than that, I've got PI Barrier full shoe covers I pull on (usually just leave the toe covers on, too). I've gone into the 20's and even upper teens and my feet have been comfortable.
#10
FLIR Kitten to 0.05C
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Posts: 5,331
Bikes: Roadie: Seven Axiom Race Ti w/Chorus 11s. CX/Adventure: Carver Gravel Grinder w/ Di2
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2349 Post(s)
Liked 406 Times
in
254 Posts
They're fairly effective...just a kludge and inconvenient compared to winter rated cycling shoes/boots....the later of which can be much warmer depending on what you own.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Rochester MN
Posts: 927
Bikes: Raleigh Port Townsend, Raleigh Tourist
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 36 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
8 Posts
When you said overshoes I was thinking you meant something like these. They work jut fine on block pedals.
Repel Footwear? 5-Buckle Rubber Overshoes #7941 at Galeton
Repel Footwear? 5-Buckle Rubber Overshoes #7941 at Galeton
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: South Carolina Upstate
Posts: 2,105
Bikes: 2010 Fuji Absolute 3.0 1994 Trek 850
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 762 Post(s)
Liked 555 Times
in
322 Posts
full shoe covers are better than toe covers, My feet get cold
I've tried everything you can think of including fully wrapping a pair of shoes in duct tape (worked ok), wrapping my toes in aluminum foil (also ok)
this product below is used inside the shoe and works great. When coupled with a full shoe cover, this is a winning combo
https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Sockee-Ne.../dp/B076BBGCWG
I've tried everything you can think of including fully wrapping a pair of shoes in duct tape (worked ok), wrapping my toes in aluminum foil (also ok)
this product below is used inside the shoe and works great. When coupled with a full shoe cover, this is a winning combo
https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Sockee-Ne.../dp/B076BBGCWG
#13
Senior Member
I find them pretty effective but I have to admit that, thus far, I've tended not to cycle when the temperature gets really low. I have some Altura full foot ones, very old now, that feel as if they're made of neoprene or something similar. I tend to also wear them if I think it's going to rain as they do keep your feet nice and dry until it gets really extreme (when the water will run down inside). I'm sure proper winter boots are better but I can't afford them. This is a nice cheap alternative.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
I have polyester shoe covers for wet and moderately cold and thicker neoprene Louis Garneau for colder weather, typically mid-20's or below..The downside is they are designed for clipless so they have gaps at the bottom, but other than that they're effective for straight up cold weather. Freezing rain and snow is a different story.
For under about 15° it's not really enough and I need to add another layer of some sort.
For under about 15° it's not really enough and I need to add another layer of some sort.
#15
Senior Member
It sounds like you want something for cleated shoes, so these probably aren't for you, but I decided to try these: https://www.amazon.com/Shoes-Boots-C...covers+sharbay since my Louis Garneau Neos are on their last legs. Santa's bringing them for Christmas.
I don't have clipless pedals on my winter commuting bike. This kind of overshoe/boot seemed like it would be a better barrier for wet winter slop. I'll keep the neoprene shoe covers, as ratty as they are, for an extra insulating layer for when it gets really cold.
I have used my cycling shoes, with duck tape under inner sole, two layers of socks, with neoprene shoe covers down to the 10-15 F range for about an hour at a time. It worked in that I didn't lose any toes to frost bite. My feet were definitely cold though, when I got to work.
I don't have clipless pedals on my winter commuting bike. This kind of overshoe/boot seemed like it would be a better barrier for wet winter slop. I'll keep the neoprene shoe covers, as ratty as they are, for an extra insulating layer for when it gets really cold.
I have used my cycling shoes, with duck tape under inner sole, two layers of socks, with neoprene shoe covers down to the 10-15 F range for about an hour at a time. It worked in that I didn't lose any toes to frost bite. My feet were definitely cold though, when I got to work.
#16
Non omnino gravis
Someone find my unicorn, then. I need covers that:
Thought I had gotten lucky with the Endura MT500 II, only to discover they're apparently discontinued-- the internet still has some S and M covers left. Doubts as to whether the XXL every existed.
*I know I wear a US14, I can see my street shoes from where I'm sitting. One pair says US14/EU47 on the inside, and I've other pairs of bike shoes (like Shimano) that say EU48/US12.5. Wouldn't it be great if sizing was based on some sort of standardized system?
- fit MTB shoes
- fit size US14/EU48* -- basically, the biggest size any company makes, and needs to say it fits a minimum of a US14
- are not excessively insulated, because this is SoCal
- preferably aren't $100, because again this is SoCal (and they'll get worn 15 times a year)
Thought I had gotten lucky with the Endura MT500 II, only to discover they're apparently discontinued-- the internet still has some S and M covers left. Doubts as to whether the XXL every existed.
*I know I wear a US14, I can see my street shoes from where I'm sitting. One pair says US14/EU47 on the inside, and I've other pairs of bike shoes (like Shimano) that say EU48/US12.5. Wouldn't it be great if sizing was based on some sort of standardized system?
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,229
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18409 Post(s)
Liked 15,518 Times
in
7,324 Posts
Someone find my unicorn, then.
*I know I wear a US14, I can see my street shoes from where I'm sitting. One pair says US14/EU47 on the inside, and I've other pairs of bike shoes (like Shimano) that say EU48/US12.5. Wouldn't it be great if sizing was based on some sort of standardized system?
*I know I wear a US14, I can see my street shoes from where I'm sitting. One pair says US14/EU47 on the inside, and I've other pairs of bike shoes (like Shimano) that say EU48/US12.5. Wouldn't it be great if sizing was based on some sort of standardized system?
And yes, some sort of standardized system would be nice. I have MTB shoes for touring. My sneaker/dress shoe size is a US12. My MTB shoes have always been EU48.
#18
Me duelen las nalgas
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 13,513
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Mentioned: 199 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4559 Post(s)
Liked 2,802 Times
in
1,800 Posts
Very effective for me. Endura toe covers and Pearl Izumi full shoe covers.
My Scott Road Pro shoes are snug, no room for double thin socks or single pair of thick socks. Cuts off circulation to my toes even in warm weather.
All I can do inside the shoe was:
That's for the road bike. I use platform pedals on the hybrids and switch to whatever shoes or boots are appropriate for the weather.
My Scott Road Pro shoes are snug, no room for double thin socks or single pair of thick socks. Cuts off circulation to my toes even in warm weather.
All I can do inside the shoe was:
- Substitute Profoot Miracle insoles for the original insoles. More comfortable, much lighter, no vents so it partially blocks the sole vent.
- Aluminum foil liner between insole and bottom of shoe.
- Thin plastic baggie over my socks. The small sandwich or snack size works. Doesn't get sweaty.
That's for the road bike. I use platform pedals on the hybrids and switch to whatever shoes or boots are appropriate for the weather.
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
It sounds like you want something for cleated shoes, so these probably aren't for you, but I decided to try these: https://www.amazon.com/Shoes-Boots-C...covers+sharbay since my Louis Garneau Neos are on their last legs. Santa's bringing them for Christmas.
#20
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,355
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 152 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6212 Post(s)
Liked 4,211 Times
in
2,361 Posts
I cycled through all of last winter and 70% of the time my piggies were fine but you always remember those colder days when they're really not especially if there's a bit of wind.
How effective are overshoes and do you just need toe ones like this
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giro-Ambien...over_94019.htm
Or is a fuller one that covers the whole foot that much better ....... although it seems it's mainly just my toes that seem to get really cold.
How effective are overshoes and do you just need toe ones like this
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giro-Ambien...over_94019.htm
Or is a fuller one that covers the whole foot that much better ....... although it seems it's mainly just my toes that seem to get really cold.
That said, winter boots are really the solution. I have Lake MXZ 303 for really cold weather (below 20°F) and I just got a pair of Shimano MW5 for warmer winter riding. The Shimano shoes don’t have the low end that the Lakes do but they are pretty comfortable.
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#21
Full Member
I have a pair from Planet Bike. Work great with temps in the lower 30`s and upper 20`s. Combined with wool socks.
Below 25 degree`s I might try adding couple of those heat packets to see how they`d work.
Below 25 degree`s I might try adding couple of those heat packets to see how they`d work.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,895
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2601 Post(s)
Liked 1,925 Times
in
1,208 Posts
I tried toe covers, and found that wrapping a plastic grocery bag over warm wool socks was (a) warmer than toe covers, and (b) sufficient down to about 20F. Below that, full shoe covers are the way to go. They've kept my feet warm down to 7F for the 45 minute commute.
Since <20F describes no more than 5-10 of my commuting days a year, I've stuck with shoe covers. If I lived 100 miles north, I'd buy winter shoes. But for the usage I'd get out of them, I can't justify the price.
Since <20F describes no more than 5-10 of my commuting days a year, I've stuck with shoe covers. If I lived 100 miles north, I'd buy winter shoes. But for the usage I'd get out of them, I can't justify the price.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 6,016
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1814 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 923 Times
in
569 Posts
Someone find my unicorn, then. I need covers that:
Thought I had gotten lucky with the Endura MT500 II, only to discover they're apparently discontinued-- the internet still has some S and M covers left. Doubts as to whether the XXL every existed.
*I know I wear a US14, I can see my street shoes from where I'm sitting. One pair says US14/EU47 on the inside, and I've other pairs of bike shoes (like Shimano) that say EU48/US12.5. Wouldn't it be great if sizing was based on some sort of standardized system?
- fit MTB shoes
- fit size US14/EU48* -- basically, the biggest size any company makes, and needs to say it fits a minimum of a US14
- are not excessively insulated, because this is SoCal
- preferably aren't $100, because again this is SoCal (and they'll get worn 15 times a year)
Thought I had gotten lucky with the Endura MT500 II, only to discover they're apparently discontinued-- the internet still has some S and M covers left. Doubts as to whether the XXL every existed.
*I know I wear a US14, I can see my street shoes from where I'm sitting. One pair says US14/EU47 on the inside, and I've other pairs of bike shoes (like Shimano) that say EU48/US12.5. Wouldn't it be great if sizing was based on some sort of standardized system?
Aero Tech might do the trick- large sizes & run big as well, according to reviews.
#24
Senior Member
Thread Starter
You need more insulation than thin summer socks and a thick sock won’t fit as well in summer shoes. The result is cold toes due to constriction. The solution is to get a shoe for winter that is a size or two larger and use full neoprene covers.
That said, winter boots are really the solution. I have Lake MXZ 303 for really cold weather (below 20°F) and I just got a pair of Shimano MW5 for warmer winter riding. The Shimano shoes don’t have the low end that the Lakes do but they are pretty comfortable.
That said, winter boots are really the solution. I have Lake MXZ 303 for really cold weather (below 20°F) and I just got a pair of Shimano MW5 for warmer winter riding. The Shimano shoes don’t have the low end that the Lakes do but they are pretty comfortable.
I do agree with the comments proper winter shoes are probably the way to go but they’re expensive for a decent pair and I’ve kind of broken the piggy bank recently with a new bike that’s combined b’day / xmas pressie from everyone … if I now spent another £200/250 on a pair of shoes I think the Mrs would remove parts of my anatomy when I was asleep that I’d rather hang onto
#25
Non omnino gravis
About thirty bucks with the first-time order coupon, I'm giving it a try. They also had some full-finger windproof gloves that claim to be XXXL, I'm taking a chance on those as well. Here's hoping.