Sidi Winter Freeze shoes -- opinions?

[KathiCville]

Hi Eden.....Wow, it does sound like you had a *perfect* test ride for your new shoes! I'm curious: You said something about neoprene---did you mean on the shoe itself? Or were you talking about your storm socks? Because I don't think my Winter Freeze shoes have any neoprene. I'm wondering if you got the nifty, newer model? The one that velobambina or Carol says has more substantial insulation? Do yours have just a thin, white kinda-furry looking "fleece" lining on the interior of the shoe? Or??.............Thanks!

[Eden]

They don't really look like they are fleecy inside at all. They do feel like they have insulation, but its not soft or fleecy feeling and its dark grey. There is a neoprene cuff that closes just above your ankle. The box says that they are 2003's (they were the sale ones - I wouldn't have pipped my parents for the $300 pair ) I got the road style.

[KathiCville]

Hey Eden.....Yours are probably the road model that I quickly returned to Nashbar after my BF suggested that I'd be happier with the MTB version. (Because of the tread....)....Sounds like your parents hit the ball out of the park in terms of the ideal Christmas present!!........Happy Holidays!

[Velobambina]

I think that with any of the winter shoes, you will need more than just the shoe for comfort. Wool socks, shoe covers, even chemical toe/foot warmers. I rode the winter of '05 with regular Sidis, shoe covers, and chem toe warmers. I suffered. The winter shoes, while not the holy grail, are worth the expense, as they offer much more protection against the elements.

[KathiCville]

Hi velobambina.......My BF just gave me a pair of zip-up PI shoe covers, yay!.....As you noted in an earlier post, now I just have to fiddle with nailing the right combos of socks, etc., for various temp ranges.....Overall, the new shoes are definitely a cut above my regular Shimanos...........