Toe cover vs. shoe cover

[Bron]

Has anyone tried toe covers? Do they stay on?
I definately need something to cover my road shoes when it's cold as they have quite a lot of mesh and the wind just rushes through. DH has full neoprene booties, but I was wondering if just the toe covers would do. They are a lot cheaper and it's not as though we cycle through the whole winter.

[alpinerabbit]

I saw them on a guide's feet on my cycling holidays last year, so they seem to work and stay on fine.

Might be a better option than a full bootie because they do not trap humidity as much, as you say, the problem is mainly the toes, the rest of the feet might be served with wool socks.

Personally I wear windproof socks but I get slightly chilly toes still.

heh. see what gadgets the bike fair tomorrow will have in store for me.

[Andrea]

I have a pair of assos wind-proof toe covers that stay on very well. I wear them if the temp is over 45ish. If it's colder, I have some Pearl Izumi shoe covers that I absolutely LOVE. I suffer from horribly cold feet, though, so a lot of people will be in toe covers when I break out the Pearls.

[Crankin]

I have toe covers and booties. I wear the toe covers with wool socks when it's in the low fifties or so. I wear the booties when it's in the forties or below. Sometimes, I wear both! Or, I have been known to slip a chemical warmer in between socks and shoes and then the booties if it's in the thirties...
I can stand the cold on my face, but if my feet are cold, forget it.

[indysteel]

I have some PI toe covers (size small I think) that stay on just fine. Those, along with wool socks and charcoal toe warmers keep my feet warm enough for the amount of riding I typcially do when it's freezing or above. I have some PI shoe covers, too, but I hate trying to get them on and usually just opt for the toe covers.

[SouthernBelle]

I love my PI calientoes and they stay on quite well. They make a big difference in the cold too.

[7rider]

Has anyone tried toe covers? Do they stay on?


I have Bellwether toe covers that have got to be 10 years old, have been cut twice to fit 2 different style cleats (Look, then Speedplay), and are still great. They stay on fine and work great to block cool wind. My shoes are vented such that I need the toe covers below 50 degrees. If it starts out cold and warms up a bit, I'll wear thin shoe covers (http://s193.photobucket.com/albums/z85/7rider/Washington%20DC%20Nov%203/?action=view&current=IMG_0169.jpg) over the shoes and toe covers, then remove the shoe covers at a break and leave the toe covers on. Really cold, I opt for the heavier weight (Adidas) shoe covers.

[Starfish]

Yep, the PI Calientoes stay on great and do help. I tend to run quite cold, though, so I often wear wool socks, shoes, calientoes, and full neoprene shoe covers.

Honestly, I've wondered if I should get some neoprene shoe covers that have wind-proof outers, too. Did I mention I run cold?

One thing I like about the full covers is that where I live, winter means wet and sand. The shoe covers will get thoroughly gross from all the dirt and much and water on the road, but I can just toss them in the wash, and the shoes don't get soaked and filthy.

[Mr. SR500]

I think all the toe covers stay on.

Toe Covers 38 - 50
Booties 0 - 38

also depends on sun, wind, etc...

[SouthernBelle]

Whatever it is, if I can't wash it, don't want it. Esp. my face mask and balaclava. They get snotty.

Fortunately, my toe covers don't. :p

[SadieKate]

Toe covers versus shoe covers is completely a temperature related thing for me and only when riding in the road. I wear neoprene socks for mountainbiking when I might be walking in mud.

I adore my Bergamo (Capoforma) toe covers which have a wonderful ankle wrap. Except for Castelli, I have not found women's cycling tights which cover my ankle bones leaving a cold area. These are great for when shoe covers are far too warm.

I wish TE would carry them.:(

http://www.uplandsg.com/capoforma/NeopreneShoeCover.htm

I don't know where the size chart is, but the small does work with a size 38 Sidi even though the chart indicates it is too large.

[SouthernBelle]

I don't think any of tights are cycling specific. The Nikes might be, I got them off a cycling sale rack. But anywho, if it's cold enuf for tights, I can go with the layer of shorts under tights. The Nikes are long and do cover my ankles. The REIs are a bit shorter. BTW, I'm 5'5".

[Starfish]

Except for Castelli, I have not found women's cycling tights which cover my ankle bones leaving a cold area.

Wow, you must be of the long-legged-woman variety. Both my PI tights (summer weight and winter amfib) easily cover my ankles! :D

[SadieKate]

I don't think I look particularly long-legged, but I sure have a hard time with tights.

[Bron]

Thanks for the advice. I'll go for the toe covers - it was mainly my toes that were the problem and that was at -3°C. I'm unlikely to cycle if it gets any colder (not that I'm a wimp or anything....).
The pearl izumi am fib ones look good.