brokewheelspoke

Anyone here ride in 0C/32F (or lower) weather sockless with winter cycling shoes? If so, do you find them warm enough?

masi61

That would be a “NO”!

what brand of winter shoes are you riding? Any reason you want to run “sock-less”?

brokewheelspoke

Shimano MW7's. Sockless just feels more comfortable, less pressure on my feet.

rumrunn6

you might try a thin sock liner. they come in various materials. might help you manage moisture & cleaning

Riveting

Maybe your winter shoes are a size too small if you're feeling excess pressure?

Shimano MW7's are also my winter shoe. I've ridden on 30 minute commutes down to 5 F in them, but with 2 pairs of socks (one thick pair of Woolie Boolies, and one pair real thin over the top) AND with a chemical toe warmer across the toes, without any discomfort at all. Even in the summer, I've never once even considered riding sockless, though getting a pair of SPD sandals has crossed my mind.

NomarsGirl

I have SPD sandals. I have occasionally worn them with socks when it was chilly. Sandals and socks -- we used to call that look "birth control".

Litho dbh

Plus 1 on your shoes too small.

brokewheelspoke

I have a wide foot, so I've already sized up two sizes from what size charts recommend. If I went any higher, I could fit a pack of dentyne ice between my toe and the end of the shoe.

_ForceD_

Perhaps a good shoe cover would work in this case.

Dan

Koyote

This is what I'm thinking. Or the OP finds a brand that makes winter shoes in a wider widths.

WhyFi

Going sockless is a band-aid - get properly fit shoes. If Shimano in wide (and Shimano are more accurately high volume than wide) don't cut it, look in to Lakes. I had a great amount of difficulty finding a good fit, for my wide feet, until I finally gave in, followed Lake's measuring and sizing procedure (https://www.lakecycling.com/pages/size-guide) and plunked down some money.

WhyFi

Lake. Awesome winter boots.

Koyote

That's it. I couldn't remember the brand, but there it is.

Camilo

Get summer shoes that fit with a summer sock and wear neoprene covers for cold weather use.

Wildwood 

I use Fizik Artica, billed more as a wet winter shoe, good for coastal PNW - as opposed to thermal protection. I sized from 44 to 45 before reading Fizik had increased the capacity for warmer (thicker?) socks. Glad I sized up after receiving them = not for a wide or high volume foot in my size. Zipper is tight fit over top of foot.


Expanding the idea of neoprene covers….
Alternatively, when it warms to 40*+(f) - if you have trouble with shoes try neoprene winter socks with your clipless cleats. Luckily I have the adapters from Sidi for a smooth & solid attachment.
No problems for wide feet.
No feeling of constrainment.
…an idea to stand on it’s own… - merits???

Weight weenie winter gear, my new brand. Shoes are heavy!

GBK233

Shoe covers ftw. As for the sockless thing…..your shoes are too small and socks would help keep your feet dry(and warm)

brokewheelspoke

Found some thin socks that feel pretty good, but they're low cut socks, so they're below some of the neoprene. I have no experience riding with these higher winter shoes with the neoprene, so do I need taller socks that go up past those? Not sure if it will irritate my skin during a long ride. Feels OK walking around the house, but ofc that's quite different than a long ride.

My shoe size feels fine now that I'm not wearing thick wool socks.

kahn

It has been 45-50F for the last three rides. After two toe chilling rides, I decided yesterday to don the electric socks - what a relief. But I surmise that I got frostbite many years ago making the toes easy targets for cold and biking generates windchill. And yes, I do mean really cold toes where I've taken off shoes or boots and while the instep arch are nicely pink and steaming and the toes are ghastly white. The pain can be excruciating. I shiver just thinking about riding without socks at the temperatures you are talking about.

mcours2006

Wearing winter SPD boots in the morning when it's -5*C in the morning with thin wool socks is perfect. Coming home in the middle of the afternoon when it's 8*C with the same shoes and socks can be quite warm. I sometimes bring really thin socks for that trip, but most times I don't remember and just sock it up. The feet get quite warm, but I think going without socks might be worse with the moisture.

brokewheelspoke

Ah, you were using winter cycling shoes on those rides? If so, may I ask which brand/model?

kahn

Well, they are my "winter" cycling shoes. That is a solid material upper (leather or unknown stuff!) and NO mesh like some of my other shoes. And I wear booties and wool socks. I just got Planet Bike booties which are more heavy duty and the previous ones. On occasion I've even doubled over a pair of leggings (used in the shoulder seasons with shorts but to ward off chill early in the ride. They are a Pearl Ozumi model they no longer offer.

I looked at the Lakes??? but could not find them locally and at that price did not want to gamble that they would work without supplemental heat.

I got the Lenz electric socks last Winter. I had used Hottronic insoles before but finding a place to hang the batteries was always a challenge. A downhiller friend mentioned the Lenz. None of these solutions are cheap but my toes are worth every dollar.

I have to say, that I probably have very cold sensitive toes (fingers not so much) and been dealing with them for years downhill skiing although less so cross-country skiing (generally no lift time and the toes move more). But the situation mentioned with the pink feet and white toes was a cross-country trip. Got back to the car and they were really painful and the demarcation was clear. But I've also pulled a sled in Yellowstone at 20F below 0 and survived.