cjenrick

do they exist?

cxwrench

Not that I've ever seen...sounds like a terrible idea.

indyfabz

I’ll bite…

You’d need a really good outer shell because down sucks when wet. Or maybe have a built in oil dispenser.

cjenrick

i made a pair out of a down jacket someone put out on the curb.

for cold and dry weather only. and SPD pedals. i have shoe covers for rain already.

just wanted something good for the low 30's.

i did a search but found no commercial version out there..

just wanted to know if i am the only one riding theses things.

Toadmeister

They have over-booties for hunters. But they are not meant to be pedaled in…

noimagination

Why? I mean, if you've already gone to the trouble and it works for you, then great. But as a solution for the rest of us?
3mm neoprene booties are good down to the teens, °F. Below that, slip chemical hand warmers on top of the toe of your shoe and under the bootie, that's worked for me down to single digits °F. If that didn't do the trick, I'd probably switch to Sorrel boots with flats. Or, more likely, ride the trainer or go skiing or snowshoeing. (If it's that cold then there's likely snow on the ground, why not do some cross training?)

Phil_gretz

Neoprene is fine for the 20s, it should be good for the 30s, too.

downhillmaster

Classic solution in search of a problem

pdlamb

And a good inner shell to protect it from sweaty feet. And the outer shell needs to be an excellent wind block because your feet are going to be well up in the air stream when you're riding your bike.

But I'll bite again. Is this for some rad wide tire arctic expedition, or for an e-bike?

skidder

Rather than outside, look inside your shoes. Buy a pair that are a size too big and add another layer of socks - preferably wool or a cold-weather blend of wool & poly.

rumrunn6

how about a bootie for a goose?

BIRDY BOOTIE

JohnDThompson 

FWIW, I have a set of old shoe covers for slotted-cleat pedals that have a synthetic down fill:

prj71

Why?

There are manufactures that already make boots/shoes for cold weather riding.

Fredo76

I've never understood the idea of adding lightweight insulation to the outside of something heavier, when the warmth source is inside the heavier mass. skidder has the better idea in post #10, I think.

79pmooney

A classic BF thread! OP asks about an idea that is roundly denounced. A few posts later tells us he's done it and for his riding it works really well. (I was like the first few to respond. Virtually all of my winter riding has been in wet places like southern Michigan, Boston and the PNW but I kept my mouth shut.) The fact that we've learned the OP is doing something that works well for him barely slows the ridicule of his idea.

downhillmaster

Classic over sensitive BF post!
We have learned what again from the OP?
FYI: you didn’t keep your mouth shut

mstateglfr 

Unless you handmade some out of a garbage picked down jacket for others, you can confidently assume you are the only one riding with em.

I have used the little toe covers and full shoe and ankle covers, depending on temp. The full shoe and ankle covers have brushed fleece and are windproof too, which has always been plenty for me. Once wind is blocked, I am pretty good to go.

wolfchild

Proper winter boots exist. Go and buy yourself some cold weather boots.

kahn

As I posted elsewhere. Lenz electric socks. None of the other solutions have worked, I have also used Hotronics. I probably got frostbite years ago and my toes will go painful below about 45 degrees. I've tried inside plastic bags, neoprene, fleece, shells, etc. Double and triple coverings over the lower legs. Getting them on can be like dealing with compression socks. Rechargeable batteries snap on near the top and there's a 3-setting button heat choice or, of course, these days, there's an APP for that.

Just two days ago:

JohnDThompson 

I have fleece-lined winter bike shoes. But when it gets cold enough, I use shoe covers as well.

Airfehr

Something like hippo hands for pedals. It could work.

rumrunn6

oh that sounds like a fun project! can you share a photo? how did they come out? we won't judge

rumrunn6

I have virtually no circulation in my toes. I now use an electric foot warmer in the office. wonder if I have diabetes. anyway, this time of year I resort to adding heat & winter boots. but toe warmers also work in regular shoes if it's not frigid out. just loosen the laces get the foot in & re-adjust the laces


when it's really bad I use hand warmers, (usually w/ less tape than this) hehe

pdlamb

I must have missed something. OP came back and wrote:

Where in that post did OP say "for his riding it works really well?"

All I saw was a planned temperature range (FWIW I handle low 30s easily with thick wool socks) and the "cold and dry weather only" limitation.

downhillmaster

Be careful.
You are using too much sense and too little sensitivity.
That’s frowned upon lately.