Which winter shoes / boots are people using?

I'm with Dammit. In fact even Mrs Smallfurry has said that I should get my winter gear while its cheap. Preferrably having it delivered to my parents in the UK before we get there.

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Lake-MXZ303-Winter-Boot_58427.htm?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Product_Search&utm_campaign=Froogle02

http://www.tredz.co.uk/prodimg/58427_1_SuperSize.jpg

Right! I totally failed to get any winter boots during the summer, but with my winter bike looking like it might be ready soon and the weather going to shit it looks like it's time.

So- recommendations please, help me to have the first winter where I don't lose all feeling in my toes after 20 minutes on the bike.

Requirements are that the shoes take a Speedplay cleat, other than that you have free rein.

Flap, longest flap you can put on the mudguard.

Right! I totally failed to get any winter boots during the summer, but with my winter bike looking like it might be ready soon and the weather going to shit it looks like it's time.

So- recommendations please, help me to have the first winter where I don't lose all feeling in my toes after 20 minutes on the bike.

Requirements are that the shoes take a Speedplay cleat, other than that you have free rein.

Sidi winter boots no good?
I am planning on using hotronic soles this year, in normal shoes under neoprene overshoes.
http://www.hotronic.com/products/index.html

Flap, longest flap you can put on the mudguard.

That's not a shoe Ed.

Go home, you are clearly drunk.

Sidi winter boots no good?
I am planning on using hotronic soles this year, in normal shoes under neoprene overshoes.
http://www.hotronic.com/products/index.html

Just too small sadly.

Have you tested the Hotronic sole?

When you say Speedplay. I assume you dont mean frogs. All the most hardcore of winter boots are MTB cleat only. Overwise the list is short.

LG, Gaerne, NW, Sidi, Lake.

The warmest will be these Lake. Good luck finding them though. When its cold enough to warrant them. Most go with MTB pedals.

These will be easier, if you like the NW wide fit.

I'm lusting after some 45NRTH Fasterkatts. They are the lighter less hardcore version of the original Wolfhammers. Probably cover a longer part of the year for me.

Crazy expensive and difficult to source over here though. So it'll probably be Lakes.

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/LAKE-MXZ303-Winter-Boot-BNIB-Standard-or-Wide-Fit-BOA-Closure-SPD-Fitting-/00/s/NDAwWDQwMA==/$(KGrHqVHJFQFC,yYbSsDBQyQBk(rNg~~60_12.JPG

Just too small sadly.

Have you tested the Hotronic sole?

I used Hotronics all last winter, I had the large battery pack, which is a bit of a pain to "wear" but I modified some old overshoes to take it. I will get the smaller battery pack this year and see if that is easier. The heat output is great though, I normally have them on the lowest heat setting, and very rarely had to turn them up to 2 (out of 3).
On low they last for hours, (20 allegedly) hence thinking the smaller pack would probably do OK.
I move the insoles into my motorbike boots sometimes. A 3 hour trip to north Yorkshire in February is a pretty good test, I arrived with toasty toes!
This year I will stick the heat element onto these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nordvek-Thick-Sheepskin-Lambswool-Shoe-Boots-Boot-Insoles-Insole-All-Sizes-/120994370862

Flap, longest flap you can put on the mudguard.

To generate enough heat through drag that a current of warm air flows over Dammit's cold feet?

Lakes CX145 is apparently available in the UK (closest to camera):

Not quite as burly as the shoe linked to by Smallfurry- but you can (theoretically) buy it here for £169.99.

Are there any Lake stockists in Londons famous London?

I looked on the Lake site and it advised me to phone the Netherlands.

I'm sure I'm just saying what most people are thinking, but they are a bit 'special needs' no?

Yep.

I always see this thread title and think..

*"which winter shoes am I using? ... Um... The same ones as I use in summer but with more stuff in/around them.." *

I'm sure I'm just saying what most people are thinking, but they are a bit 'special needs' no?

That's as may be, however having to walk like you are in calipers as you cannot feel your feet, then sit on the sofa having got home with said feet in a bowl of lukewarm water in-order to thaw your toes out is also not a strong look.

When your entire toe becomes one huge chillblain is a bit rubbish, also.

have you considered a cycle trainer?

For four hours?

Lake shoes are always ugly, but mine are so stiff, comfy and warm that I don't mind.

I'm considering thermacell insoles. Anyone tried them?

I have the sidi ones, lost the fucking remote control, can't get a replacement.

Chemical warmers aren't hot enough for my frigid toes. :(

+1 to specialized defrosters with a cheap insole from Wilkinson's. Managed to keep my feet warm on my 1.5 hour commute. Waterproof as well and on sale at evans. Buy a size larger as they are snug.

I will definitly being doing a shed load of turbo training this winter.

But mashing myself up on the trainer, while slowly melting into the carpet, just doesnt replace a bit of pootle outdoors.

I'll run, or cycle, through any weather the nordic gods choose to throw at me. Proper hardman, me. So long as my pinkies arent chilly.

I'm sure I'm just saying what most people are thinking, but they are a bit 'special needs' no?

I think that's true of most winter boots to an extent. Fit some battery packs with red LEDs and they're both special needs and attention-seeking.

I'm sure I'm just saying what most people are thinking, but they are a bit 'special needs' no?

Aren't all cycling shoes a bit like that anyway?

My new all-white Fizik R1s certainly are...

Lake shoes are always ugly, but mine are so stiff, comfy and warm that I don't mind.

This.

although saying that it actually took me quite a long time to break mine in enough that they fit the "comfy" tag while off the bike, but on the bike you cant beat em in winter.

Dammit, how useful are your Rab Gaitors? planning to buy some with a pair of winter sidis