[email protected] writes:
> Konstantin Shemyak wrote:
>> On 2006-09-18, [email protected] <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> > My new winter cycling footwear of choice is Lake sandals with 3-4-5
>> > layers of wool socks, all inside plastic bags to keep the wind off and
>> > the warmth in. And a set of neoprene booties over this if I can find
>> > some neoprene booties big enough. More wind protection.
>>
>> For me booties over something light never worked. First, they have
>> an opening in the bottom, which transmits the cold perfectly. Second,
>> booties do not withstand walking - especially on rough ice. "Keeping
>> the wind off" is much more effective with something fully closed,
>> such as shoes. No winter shoe has unsufficient wind protection, so I
>> don't understand what you mean by "more" of it. 5 layers of wool socks
>> - do you really mean it? Did you try it? I presume this is a joke.
>
> The Lake boot things don't work worth a damn. I've tried them with all
> manner of socks and booties or not. They are worthless for anything
> below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
YMMV. I have the Lake MXZ-101s from two years back, and they are
great in the winter here in Minnesota. As I said in another post,
they are the difference between a 30 minute ride and a two hour ride
in the winter. I find them comfortable for rides of any distance at
40F to rides of about 1 hour at 25F. I only did that to test
them- I personally rarely ride when it's below 30F. I am prone to
feeling cold in my feet, so this has always been the limiter for
winter riding for me.
In terms of sizing, I wear size 48 Lake shoes during the warm weather
and bought size 48 winter shoes. They are sized slightly more
generously. I wear one pair of Wigwam or SmartWool hiking socks with
a fleecy inside. If the shoes are laced too tight or the socks are
too thick, blood flow is impaired and my feet get cold.
For me the Lakes have been excellent, one of the best purchases I have
made for cycling apparel (along with my Showers Pass rain jacket).
> New method to keep my feet warm. 3 or 4 or 5 layers of wool socks.
> First layers are thin. Next layers are medium. Outer layers are
> thick. Different size socks so they are not stretching too much on the
> outer layers. Then a plastic bag over the feet and socks. Then tights
> with zipper openings at the ankles so the tops of the plastic bags are
> sealed against any wind taking the warmth out of the wool insulation.
> Then put your feet into SPD sandals. Straps adjusted loose enough to
> get over the larger wool clad feet. Then for the fun of it to provide
> even more wind protection, put some extra extra large neoprene booties
> over the sandals. Then go ride using your SPD pedals. Works fine.
> Lots of insulation from the layers of wool. Lots of wind protection to
> keep the heat in from the plastic bags and neoprene booties.
Looks like Mickey Mouse's feet, but if it works for you then do it.
They're your feet, make 'em happy! Personally I find the Lake sandals
that are made with the Shimano sole to be too narrow to wear a heavy
sock. The sides of the sole are poorly designed and are very
bathtub-like. Fine for warm weather riding barefoot or with a cycling
sock, but I'd never be able to use your approach with my sandals.
> In your part of Europe you have never seen people wearing sandals with
> wool socks? Many years ago when I was in Europe this was a common
> enough sight.
>
> As for walking in booties, mine have held up well enough from the
> minimal walking I do in them. When I ride, I ride. I don't put on my
> cycling shoes to go for a walk. Especially not in winter.
But you are more likely to end up walking on a winter ride, at least
here in Minnesota, due to ice and snow.
