Need Shoe Cover Recommendations!!

[Nanci]

So, I'm sure you northern ladies will not feel sorry for me, here in Florida, but here's my story of the day. I HATE starting out a ride, cold. Yeah, I know they say that you should dress to be cold for the first mile, then you'll warm up and be comfortable. That doesn't work out so well for me. I lived in Minnesota till I was 39, and I don't like to be cold any more. So it was getting difficult to find places to stash my layers as I peeled them off, and I bought a rack to hold my jacket, windproof tights, arm warmers, hat, windproof gloves, etc.

Today, it was 33F when I arrived at the trailhead. I'd been wearing moosehide mukluks, the world's warmest foot coverings, (made by Steiger Mukluks in Ely, MN, for arctic expeditions!!) and was loathe to take them off. I even set out with my bike shoes strapped to the rack, wearing the mukluks!! But it was a ridiculous idea, especially considering the fringe, so I turned back and reluctantly put on my shoes instead.

And now I can no longer procrastinate- I need to buy some shoe covers, but don't know where to start and what brand is nicest. I don't think waterproof is important- I don't mind riding in rain, but it has to be 70F or warmer. Any recommendations?

Thanks,

Nanci

[DeniseGoldberg]

I like Pearl Izumi AmFib shoe covers. They are warm - I just got in from a ride with temps in the mid-30s and wind chill in the mid-20s, and my feet were toasty. According to the description on the PI web site, the fabric is waterproof, although I've never tried them out. My rainy day riding has been in warm weater sans shoe covers...

--- Denise

[SadieKate]

For mountain biking, I don't like shoe covers because of the wet and mud. I use these: Seirus Stormsocks

For road riding and depending on the weather, I use either PI Calien Toes or Descente Element shoe coversI have small feet (38 Sidi) and the folks at TE steered me in the right direction size-wize. I couldn't find shoe covers small enough but these fit well.

[Selkie]

Today, it was 33F when I arrived at the trailhead. I'd been wearing moosehide mukluks, the world's warmest foot coverings, (made by Steiger Mukluks in Ely, MN, for arctic expeditions!!) and was loathe to take them off. I even set out with my bike shoes strapped to the rack, wearing the mukluks!! But it was a ridiculous idea, especially considering the fringe, so I turned back and reluctantly put on my shoes instead.

Nanci---I had a visual of it and it gave me a good laugh. OK, I've seen some unusual biking outfits but never Mukluk biking boots. Hmmm, wonder if you can streamline them, make them "clipless compatible," and market them?

I hate cold feet and the weather here has been below freezing. I use shoe covers (Trek ones my husband got me at our LBS), Calien Toes (PI), wool socks, and I stick a foot warmer on my sock. After reading the other Nancy's post, I'm going to treat myself to the PI Amfib covers. I have their Lobster gloves and love them.

[Nanci]

Do you guys know they make actual winter cycling shoes? Sidi has them in road and mtb, and Lake and Answer have mtb winter shoes. I wonder if they are worth the $140-$240, especially considering the price of nice covers. Probably a stupid question here in FL...Still- the Sidis are awfully nice looking, and when you read reviews, people swear by the Lakes.

Nanci

[CorsairMac]

well I guess there's no hiding from Surly now - this will be the third post that I've said this:

It was 21 this morning with a wind chill of 11 and my last 2 miles of commute was in headwind. I wore Smart Wool socks, SealSkinz storm socks, shoes and the PI toe covers and my feet weren't too shabby by the time I got to work. I have a pair of the Neoprene shoe covers someone loaned me by they don't fit around my calves And my Smart Wools And my leg wamers And my tights And my shoes. So I left them home. I might buy a better fitting pair of them after Christmas tho - I did like how they kept my feet warm (before they cut my circulation off! )

I've thought about looking into winter cycling shoes - I HATE having cold feet and cold fingers during my ride, but just haven't really pursued it yet. Maybe I'll do That after Christmas too! lol

[Yasmin]

Hi Nanci. You could try Bicyclinghub: Stretch Windtex Winter Booties with Wool Inserts. Price $49.99.

[Surlygirl]

CorsairMac, you can run (ride) but you can't hide.