Is it worth buying specialist cycling shoes?

Skully, A cheaper alternative would just be to get some overshoes surely?

Yeah I got some of those, they're good enough. But I feel like this:

and yes, clipless FTW. once you have started you will quickly find you become blind to the fugliness of the shoes, and embrace the fugly like an old friend.

+1 to that comment. I like the look of Sidis and road shoes now. Just not the gimp layer on top.

The metal cleats bolted to the soles of the shoes, act as incredibly efficient 'heat bridges'. Adding a pair of overshoes will protect your feet from the elements but not he cold, as the do not address this issue. Wool insoles do, although they are quite thick, so reduce the fit of the shoe somewhat.

Actually I find they're a big improvement than without. I can see my feet steaming when I take em off (ewww). What are they supposed to be for then? I first thought they were for water, then I was told they were for cold. Mine (Endura) seem to protect against rain pretty well, too. Only problem is the toe is wearing out as it has no hole there for the Sidi's toe treads.