Quote Originally Posted by DeniseGoldberg
When I ride in temps in the 20s and 30s, I add toe warmers to the mix. My cycling shoes have just enough room in them for my normal (admittedly lightweight) SmartWool socks plus a toe warmer stuck to the bottom of my feet. I cover my shoes with Pearl Izumi AmFib shoe covers. I suspect that your neoprene covers should provide the same level of insulation. The difference is really the toe warmers.
Me too. I bought my shoes a little large so I can put the toe warmers in. With my wool socks, this makes for a very a-ok ride. I also use wind-blocking toe covers on my shoes. This seems to be working very well for me here in the midwest with long riding temps from 20-35 degress F.

My work commute is only about 30 minutes, so I don't use the warmers for that, just the covers.

On top, I start with a wicking long-sleeve underlayer on top of which I use either a light wool sweater or even nothing but my outer jacket. The outer jacket is a Louis Garneau cycling jacket with good venting in the back and highly breathable. I keep raingear in a bag, but don't need it often.

Legs get PI winter weight tights + shorts for the padding. If really cold, I use some Marmot poly pants on top of those. Combo works great. Went for a 2h ride last night with temps ~25 F in comfort.

/s