BillClinton

Getting pretty bitter in WI, need something to keep the feet warm. Went on a hour ride on Friday in 20 degree weather and I thought my toes were going to fall off (duct taped vents, wool socks).

Looking for opinions here and if you could tell me the lowest temp you've rode in where they were still comfortable.

secrettrek3

I just made a similar post about winter clothing issues.

I wore these for a 30 degree ride and for most of it they worked pretty well.

79pmooney

I made super winter covers a few years ago. Took cross country socks that come up over my calf and cut out for my cleats. Put my shoes covered in plastic bag and stuffed with socks inside. Then took the black rubber sealer available from cobblers (comes in a ~4oz white can. and coated the bottom and coated the sole of the socks, going up about an inch around the edges.

This takes a while to put on. I put my feet in produce bags (to keep my socks dry, then my normal socks, shoes, a produce bag over my shoes, then the big socks. Makes the entire shoe part of the insulation package. Completely walkable on slippery surfaces. And they have a fun Christmas look about them, offsetting my black tights and the rest.

Ben

judyomega

Today (in northern MN) it was 9 F with a windchill of -7 F (wind gusts at about 20 mph). I rode about 10 miles with two pairs of socks: a light wool liner (made by Lorpen) and a thick alpaca/wool blend (also by Lorpen--and the warmest socks I've ever owned). My winter bike shoes are a very old pair of Diadora MTB shoes, upsized for the added layers (tight shoes/boots cause cold feet-- size up in the winter!). I ride with toe clips, so I don't use cleats. I threw a pack of toe warmers in my bike bag in case I got cold, but didn't need them until about the last 1/2 mile or so (and didn't bother at that point). With the high winds, I think adding a neoprene shoe cover to the mix would have been perfect!

zymphad

Blocking wind and insulation seem to be the big issues. I went with windblocking toe covers and some wool socks. It's not as cold as your area, it's New England, not MN. But it seems to work ok for me down to 25F.

But if I lived where single digit, teen temps was a normal winter day, I'd invest in a pair of NorthWave winter boots and wear wool socks with those. Given that winter season is short compared to Spring+Summer+Fall and probably not riding as much, I think the winter boots should last 5 years +.

That's what I would do, not toe covers, I'd spend some money on a warm pair of winter boots made to fight cold winds and snow. NorthWave are well known for the winter sport footwear, so I'd go with them personally.

armsofandes

try wool insoles, that should help with odor as well.

nomadmax 

Rollers in the basement

Just a joke to illustrate how soft I've gotten in my advancing years.

alias5000

Just for context: This thread is 4.5 years old.

nomadmax 

BUT, it is still winter and cold is still cold

alias5000

I know :-) not trying to shut the thread down, but just a gentle reminder to all that might be trying to help the OP.

Indoor training has also helped me too take the edge off.

nomadmax 

TimothyH

Grip Grab Arctic Overshoes
Road: https://www.wiggle.com/gripgrab-arctic-shoe-covers-1/
MTB: https://www.wiggle.com/gripgrab-arctic-x-shoe-covers/

Use them with Grabber peel and stick toe warmers
https://www.rei.com/product/143073/g...warmers-1-pair


-Tim-

parkbrav

Do they "run large" or "true to size"?

TimothyH

True to size for me.