Sidi Winter Freeze shoes -- opinions?

[Velobambina]

I have the Sidi Diablos (MTB winter boot/shoes).

The good news: they are warmer than using regular cycling shoes w/whatever other layering you do (shoe covers, wool socks, chem toe warmers, etc). They aren't the holy grail of feet comfort but they help a lot. If you ride a lot in colder weather, they are worth the investment.

A tip--size up. I usually wear a 40.5 in ladies Sidis and I went w/a 41 in the Diablos. Gives me room for thicker socks and to allow the air to circulate

My rule of thumb is:

50 degrees and above, I can make do w/regular Sidis and if necessary, wool socks, toe covers.
Under 49 degrees, Diablos with wool socks & toe covers.
Under 45 degrees, Diablos w/wool socks, toe covers, shoe covers.
Under 35 degrees, Diablos w/wool socks, toe & shoe covers, chemical toe warmers.

I'm hoping that the Sidi heated insoles that Santa is bringing lessens my reliance on chemical toe warmers.

Ironically, the Lake winter shoes seem to work equally as well as the Sidis and were almost $200 cheaper than my Diablos. I got a pair of the Lakes on sale--excellent deal--in Fall '06. Toe/Shoe covers will NOT work w/the MTB style of Lake winter shoe/boot. The only downside of them is they are a bit clunky. Think Herman Munster. That said, no problems riding in them. Walking is fine, too, but you won't be able to go far and you might have the urge to scream, "LILY!" LOL. I've found these boots to be my go-to "cold & wet" weather gear., but they work well on dry/cold days too. Thank you, SheFly, for recommending them to me last year.