Scope creep - from winter socks to winter shoes

[fourspin]

Lots of good suggestions from my other post for different socks. I've ordered some Woolie Boolies and Darn Tough Steelies to see how they compare. But even good socks won't be a cure all for cold toes. I wore Alchemist Velowool socks yesterday and temps went from 45 to 37 over a two hour ride. My toes were ice cold after the first hour.

Up until now, I've used toe and shoe covers. I even bought some oversocks a while back. The problem I see with all of those solutions is that they are such a pain in the arse to put on and they get worn very quickly, even if you don't walk around in them. Just stepping off the bike at intersections seems to be enough to thrash these things.

For Denver, I can usually find 30-40 degree days, even through the winter, so I don't think I need something as robust (or expensive) as Wolvhammers. Are Specialized Defrosters or 45NRTH Japanther or Ragnaroks worth a look, or am I wasting my time?

[mktng]

Just get some nice GORE TEX lined winter mtb shoes.

I use NW Raptor GTX mtb shoes. Gore Tex lined.

They handle -10c and cooler. With mid weight wool socks.

1 1/2hr rides.

No cold numb feet/toes.

Honestly. Anything bulkier would just be a pain to ride in. At that point. I'd just get some Sorel winter boots and flat pedals to ride in.

[Gummee]

I'm a fan of the Lake winter shoes. Last I checked Nashbar had a few.

Ditto with the Northwave winter shoes.

(I've had both)

The best part? One and done. Easy to put on vs the shoes and booties method

Downside? sometimes they're too warm and sometimes they aren't warm enough. Different weight booties and you can pick the level of insulation you need. I've got Gore insulated booties all the way to POC lightweight waterproof jobbies and pick the weight based on conditions

M

[Billybob62]

+1 for Lake Boots
I've had great luck with Lake MX 145 boots (I use SPD's). Alone (with wool socks) they are good to 40 degrees. Colder than 40, I throw in chemical toe warmers and I'm good to 20. Colder than 20 I use 2 chemical warmers 1 above toes and 1 below (toe warmers with the adhesive backing).

[TBLS]

Plenty of options but I purchased a new pair of specialized defrosters last year and they are very nice. Plenty of sizing options - half sizes etc. and my pair is reflective which is important to me

I used to dig my winter shoes out only under 35 or so but now use 40’s and under, higher temps if wet. I’m a thrifty guy and never regretted buying quality winter shoes here in MI

The trek shoes are nice and the heavy 45N would probably be overkill unless planning extensive cold, winter riding. May want to check REI 20% member sale

[efixler]

I like my Artica X5's. [Like the others] it's good with normal socks down to 35-40F, after that it's a thicker sock or a sock+liner.

[fourspin]

Thanks for input, everyone. I ordered two sizes of Shimano MW5's and Lake MXZ303 Wide, will report back. Very different shoes.

[SlowPokePete]

Lake winter boots have been my go-to's for the last something like 15 years.

and wool socks.

SPP

[RonW87]

La Bicicletta in Toronto (but mail order to our southern friends too, I believe) has a special on Diadora winter shoes, both road and mountain.

https://labicicletta.com/collections...arex-plus-road