Not that it's actually cold, but can anyone recommend a good bootie/shoe cover? I've got Pearl Amphib covers and it's not enough. Thanks!
Warm shoe cover recommendation
Mon, 01/08/2007 - 6:29am
Mon, 01/08/2007 - 6:51am
#1
"A good suggestion is to make sure you use wool socks.
I use Wooly Booleys (spelling?) from 55 degrees and down.
I use similar Booties and find that they cut the wind and insulate somewhat but at say 35 degrees I am good for only 60-90 minutes on the bike before I need to walk. Walking increases the circulation back into the foot and of course will warm it up.
I am sure more suggestions to follow.
Good Luck
Robert ""Not the slowest"" Marcus"
Mon, 01/08/2007 - 7:02am
#2
louis garneau makes fantastic booties.
i believe they have them at www.piermontbike.com
also be sure to wear wool socks. they make a huge difference. I use Castelli wool socks and love them
Mon, 01/08/2007 - 7:12am
#3
Chemical Toe Warmers
Try chemical toe warmers. They're cheap and they really work (along with your booties). You can get them in most bike shops or Eastern Mountain Sports.
Mon, 01/08/2007 - 7:27am
#4
I got relatively inexpensive neoprene booties from Spa Sport (they have an E-Bay store) that have proven effective for me down to 35-40 with only a winter-specific cycling sock (from Craft) underneath.
I second the chemical warmers for any temp under 35. I would caution to wear thin, synthetic socks (like Nike's Dri-Fit or DeFeet's) when using the warmers, however. They do get quite hot, and having wet feet (from sweat) can be as uncomfortable as numb feet from cold.
Given how everyone's different, there's bound to be a lot of individual trial and error.
Mon, 01/08/2007 - 8:32am
#5
hotronic.com
My review is still up on their footwarmer site. I tested these things for over 2,000 winter miles. Their toe warmer works great down to 20 degrees F for 50 mile rides and 28 degrees F for 100 mile rides.
Mon, 01/08/2007 - 10:50am
#6
Where, where, where? (edit)
"Looked for it recently but couldn't find it since the website redesign.
(Never mind. Here: http://www.hotronic.com/products/fw/fw_shay_review.html )"
Mon, 01/08/2007 - 9:09am
#7
Adidas
I have Adidas ones I got from Toga which are good (for me) down to the high 20s F. These are the ones with three very large reflective stripes on them. I also tape over the ventilation hole in the bottom of my shoes.
These particular ones are made of a thicker neoprene than other booties. Also, I got them a little big, which looks kind of stupid, but may provide an extra insulating layer of air at the front of the bootie. It would also let me wear my toe covers under the bootoes, but I haven't tried that.
Mon, 01/08/2007 - 8:23am
#8
"Chemical toe warmers are good but they require a supply of oxygen to work. Neoprene booties don't let oxygen in so the two ideas are are cross purposes. Wool socks seem a better match.
EMS, Paragon and a number of bike shops carry them.
Also, you may want to cut off the fronts of some older foam soles to make room for the toe warmers otherwise your toes would get cramped, cutting off circulation. Again at cross purposes.
Also, you could buy some cold weather cycling gear:
$250 retail. FWIW, I have these and am not that impressed. (Others are.) I'd consider getting a half size larger in their ""Adventure"" line plus thick wool socks and toe warmers.
Good luck.
"
Mon, 01/08/2007 - 12:30pm
#9
Warm feet
Any Neoprene bootie will keep your feet as warm as toast if you place a baggie between the shoe and the bootie. This will also keep you warm in a heavy rain which will saturate neoprene.
Wear thin wool socks. Defeet Wooleators fit like regular socks under road shoes. I'm sure there are others too. With the baggie your socks will eventually be soaked but your feet will remain warm unless you stop for a really long time outdoors.
I used to use ATB shoes 1/2 size larger to accommodate ordinary wool sweat socks but learned there's no 'squish' with thinner socks when damp; just carry an extra pair for emergencies.
You can also handle moderate temperatures (35-45) by using cheapo neoprene toe booties and covering the underside of the bootie with duct tape to keep moisture avway from the mesh part of the shoe.
With wool socks of course.
Mon, 01/08/2007 - 4:08pm
#10
Think inside the booties
What happens to the sweat inside non-breathable neoprene booties? There's nowhere for it to go even with wicking socks. It stays there and makes your feet cold. Prevent it by spraying anti-perspirant on your toes, then applying baby powder after that dries.
Depending on your tolerance for the cold vs how heavily you sweat this can buy you an extra 30-60 minutes of riding time.
