I have had a pair of the Lake winter boots for the past 4 years. For really cold weather I have Hotronics heated insoles in them. I have been able to ride all through a Minnesota winter with this combination and have toasty warm toes. I checked out the Sidi, Northwave and Gaerny winter boots and the Lakes came out on top. I normally wear 38 and went with a size 40 to accomodate thicker socks and the heated insoles. I agree, they are heavy, especially with the battery for the heated insoles attached to them.