Winter Shoes (w/ Speedplay cleats)?

Most road shoes handle at least the 3-bolt "Look" pattern, and Speedplay cleats come with an adapter
plate for that pattern.

A more important issue for you would be if the shoe is warm enough. See if you can find one to try,
or at least return it if it doesn't match your expectations. Look for one the fits but also has some
room for a slightly thicker sock then a summer sock.

-Bruce

"John Finney" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

About a year (and one winter) has passed since I have seen any reviews of winter cycling shoes. I
am prepared to purchase the new model from either Lake or Gaerne, but would like to hear pros/cons
and other recommendations from similarly cold-footed riders.

In particular, can anyone confirm that Lake or Gaerne winter shoes can/cannot work with Speedplay
(X/2) cleats?

For the record, the following have proven insufficient: plastic bread bags, shoe covers, duct
tape, neoprene socks, Gore-Tex socks, and battery powered heated insoles (although those aren't
bad). I have Reynaud's syndrome, and if you have it too you know about cold toes...

"John Finney" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

About a year (and one winter) has passed since I have seen any reviews of winter cycling shoes. I
am prepared to purchase the new model from either Lake or Gaerne, but would like to hear pros/cons
and other recommendations from similarly cold-footed riders.

In particular, can anyone confirm that Lake or Gaerne winter shoes can/cannot work with Speedplay
(X/2) cleats?

For the record, the following have proven insufficient: plastic bread bags, shoe covers, duct
tape, neoprene socks, Gore-Tex socks, and battery powered heated insoles (although those aren't
bad). I have Reynaud's syndrome, and if you have it too you know about cold toes...

Visit Speedplay's web-site and research your shoe choice to see if they are compatible. E-mail to
them will also answer your questions. They are very responsive to customers.
speedplay.comindex.cfmOpen ↗

"John Finney" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

About a year (and one winter) has passed since I have seen any reviews of winter cycling shoes. I
am prepared to purchase the new model from either Lake or Gaerne, but would like to hear pros/cons
and other recommendations from similarly cold-footed riders.

In particular, can anyone confirm that Lake or Gaerne winter shoes can/cannot work with Speedplay
(X/2) cleats?

For the record, the following have proven insufficient: plastic bread bags, shoe covers, duct
tape, neoprene socks, Gore-Tex socks, and battery powered heated insoles (although those aren't
bad). I have Reynaud's syndrome, and if you have it too you know about cold toes...

On average my peripherals stay pretty warm. My approach to winter shoes though has been to use a
slightly larger (mostly wider) shoe. With a medium-heavy set of wool socks I'm good to 20-something.
Below that I resort to booties.

It's nice to have some layering effect versus the big coat effect.

--
Robin Hubert <[email hidden]

John Finney said:

In particular, can anyone confirm that Lake or Gaerne winter shoes can/cannot work with Speedplay
(X/2) cleats?

Did you check Speedplay's shoe compatibility guide?

speedplay.comindex.cfmOpen ↗

--Bill Davidson
--
Please remove ".nospam" from my address for email replies.

I'm a 17 year veteran of usenet -- you'd think I'd be over it by now

I have mild Reynauds, so I understand your cold feet!

First, I decided to use SPD pedals in the winter on my road bike. Since the road surfaces are more
slick in winter, I wanted to be able to walk in my cycling shoes without the usual impediments that
the exposed Look cleats that I usually use cause.

I bought the Lake winter MTB shoes. Expensive, but worth every penny. I got them 2 sizes too big (I
have wide feet). I replaced the stock insoles with some Spenco crosstrainers. With a pair of cycling
socks and a pair of medium weight wool hiking socks they fit great.

When it is real cold out I put one of those chemical foot warmer packets over my toes between the
socks. With this set up, I can ride into the teens without cold feet.

For my hands, I use Pearl Izumi lobster mitts, and if it is frigid out I'll use the chemical hand
warmers in there as well.

Hope this helps.

TG

"Bruce" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Most road shoes handle at least the 3-bolt "Look" pattern, and Speedplay cleats come with an
adapter plate for that pattern.

A more important issue for you would be if the shoe is warm enough. See if you can find one to
try, or at least return it if it doesn't match your expectations. Look for one the fits but also
has some room for a slightly thicker sock then a summer sock.

I say get them 2 sizes too big & wear lots of socks.

Thanks to all for pointing me to Speedplay's site. It appears I will have no compatibility problems
with either the Lake or Gaerne shoes.

Now for warmth -- does anyone have experience with either shoe?

Bill Davidson <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<x4f5b.107517$kP.104121@fed1read03>...

Quoted message said:

John Finney said:

In particular, can anyone confirm that Lake or Gaerne winter shoes can/cannot work with
Speedplay (X/2) cleats?

Did you check Speedplay's shoe compatibility guide?

speedplay.comindex.cfmOpen ↗

--Bill Davidson

I forgot to mention that I have also tried large shoes with Smartwool mountaineering socks. That
solution is OK for about an hour, but I'm looking for something warmer.

Another solution that works OK is apply capcaisin arthritis cream to toes before riding -- the
increased blood flow from the chemically opened capillaries adds warmth. The problem is "fire feet"
after the ride -- it is very difficult to clean off the cream well enough to stop the heat.

"Robin Hubert" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"John Finney" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

About a year (and one winter) has passed since I have seen any reviews of winter cycling shoes.
I am prepared to purchase the new model from either Lake or Gaerne, but would like to hear
pros/cons and other recommendations from similarly cold-footed riders.

In particular, can anyone confirm that Lake or Gaerne winter shoes can/cannot work with
Speedplay (X/2) cleats?

For the record, the following have proven insufficient: plastic bread bags, shoe covers, duct
tape, neoprene socks, Gore-Tex socks, and battery powered heated insoles (although those aren't
bad). I have Reynaud's syndrome, and if you have it too you know about cold toes...

On average my peripherals stay pretty warm. My approach to winter shoes though has been to use a
slightly larger (mostly wider) shoe. With a medium-heavy set of wool socks I'm good to
20-something. Below that I resort to booties.

It's nice to have some layering effect versus the big coat effect.

Is that Reynaud's 853, 753, or 531? ;-)

--
Robin Hubert <[email hidden]>

"tony the tiger" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I have mild Reynauds, so I understand your cold feet!

First, I decided to use SPD pedals in the winter on my road bike. Since the road surfaces are more
slick in winter, I wanted to be able to walk in my cycling shoes without the usual impediments
that the exposed Look cleats that I usually use cause.

I bought the Lake winter MTB shoes. Expensive, but worth every penny. I got them 2 sizes too big
(I have wide feet). I replaced the stock insoles with some Spenco crosstrainers. With a pair of
cycling socks and a pair of medium weight wool hiking socks they fit great.

When it is real cold out I put one of those chemical foot warmer packets over my toes between the
socks. With this set up, I can ride into the teens without cold feet.

For my hands, I use Pearl Izumi lobster mitts, and if it is frigid out I'll use the chemical hand
warmers in there as well.

Hope this helps.

TG

I also use the PI lobster mitts, and find them toasty.

As a point of reference, can you estimate how much longer you can ride with the Lake shoes in 25F
weather than with regular shoes? How long in regular shoes (and whatever booties, socks, etc. you
want) can you ride in 25F weather before loss of feeling?

[email hidden] (tony the tiger) wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I have mild Reynauds, so I understand your cold feet!

First, I decided to use SPD pedals in the winter on my road bike. Since the road surfaces are more
slick in winter, I wanted to be able to walk in my cycling shoes without the usual impediments
that the exposed Look cleats that I usually use cause.

I bought the Lake winter MTB shoes. Expensive, but worth every penny. I got them 2 sizes too big
(I have wide feet). I replaced the stock insoles with some Spenco crosstrainers. With a pair of
cycling socks and a pair of medium weight wool hiking socks they fit great.

When it is real cold out I put one of those chemical foot warmer packets over my toes between the
socks. With this set up, I can ride into the teens without cold feet.

For my hands, I use Pearl Izumi lobster mitts, and if it is frigid out I'll use the chemical hand
warmers in there as well.

Hope this helps.

TG

Double butted, of course.

🙂

Lee

"Robin Hubert" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Is that Reynaud's 853, 753, or 531? ;-)

--
Robin Hubert <[email hidden]>

"tony the tiger" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I have mild Reynauds, so I understand your cold feet!

First, I decided to use SPD pedals in the winter on my road bike. Since the road surfaces are
more slick in winter, I wanted to be able to walk in my cycling shoes without the usual
impediments that the exposed Look cleats that I usually use cause.

I bought the Lake winter MTB shoes. Expensive, but worth every penny. I got them 2 sizes too big
(I have wide feet). I replaced the stock insoles with some Spenco crosstrainers. With a pair of
cycling socks and a pair of medium weight wool hiking socks they fit great.

When it is real cold out I put one of those chemical foot warmer packets over my toes between
the socks. With this set up, I can ride into the teens without cold feet.

For my hands, I use Pearl Izumi lobster mitts, and if it is frigid out I'll use the chemical
hand warmers in there as well.

Hope this helps.

TG

[email hidden] (John Finney) wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

About a year (and one winter) has passed since I have seen any reviews of winter cycling shoes. I
am prepared to purchase the new model from either Lake or Gaerne, but would like to hear pros/cons
and other recommendations from similarly cold-footed riders.

In particular, can anyone confirm that Lake or Gaerne winter shoes can/cannot work with Speedplay
(X/2) cleats?

For the record, the following have proven insufficient: plastic bread bags, shoe covers, duct
tape, neoprene socks, Gore-Tex socks, and battery powered heated insoles (although those aren't
bad). I have Reynaud's syndrome, and if you have it too you know about cold toes...

I bought Northwave's winter road shoes last year and it was money well spent. They are 1/2 size
larger than my summer shoes, which leaves room for thicker socks, although I only need thick wool
socks when temp falls into the low 20s. There is a separate adapter plate, either for Look or SPD
bolt patterns. The Northwaves are cheaper than either Lake or Gaerne, but I have never used either
of those, so I can't compare the comfort or warmth.

Although I don't believe I have Reynaud's my feet do get really cold. Last year I bought a pair of
Lakes and found that I could stay out in the low to mid 20s for about 2-3 hours, as opposed to about
1/2 hour/1 hour in my regular Carnacs with heavy socks.

"John Finney" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I also use the PI lobster mitts, and find them toasty.

As a point of reference, can you estimate how much longer you can ride with the Lake shoes in 25F
weather than with regular shoes? How long in regular shoes (and whatever booties, socks, etc. you
want) can you ride in 25F weather before loss of feeling?

[email hidden] (tony the tiger) wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I have mild Reynauds, so I understand your cold feet!

First, I decided to use SPD pedals in the winter on my road bike. Since the road surfaces are
more slick in winter, I wanted to be able to walk in my cycling shoes without the usual
impediments that the exposed Look cleats that I usually use cause.

I bought the Lake winter MTB shoes. Expensive, but worth every penny. I got them 2 sizes too big
(I have wide feet). I replaced the stock insoles with some Spenco crosstrainers. With a pair of
cycling socks and a pair of medium weight wool hiking socks they fit great.

When it is real cold out I put one of those chemical foot warmer packets over my toes between
the socks. With this set up, I can ride into the teens without cold feet.

For my hands, I use Pearl Izumi lobster mitts, and if it is frigid out I'll use the chemical
hand warmers in there as well.

Hope this helps.

TG

With regular shoes and shoe covers, I can only go 30 min in 25 degree weather before my toes
are frozen.

With the Lakes, I can go about 90 minutes. With the Lakes plus a chemical warmer, I can go all day.

Your feet may vary....

TG

Just to hijack the thread a bit. I'm also thinking about buying some road/off road winter shoes, as
I don't want to buy two pairs, does anyone know which shoe is built for the cold (around freezing
and a bit lower perhaps), has a bit of tread on the bottom for walking, is spd and look compatible,
and is waterproof?

Do the shimano mtb wintershoes, or the lakes meet the above criteria?

cheers,

"dougc" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

[email hidden] (John Finney) wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

About a year (and one winter) has passed since I have seen any reviews of winter cycling shoes.
I am prepared to purchase the new model from either Lake or Gaerne, but would like to hear
pros/cons and other recommendations from similarly cold-footed riders.

In particular, can anyone confirm that Lake or Gaerne winter shoes can/cannot work with
Speedplay (X/2) cleats?

For the record, the following have proven insufficient: plastic bread bags, shoe covers, duct
tape, neoprene socks, Gore-Tex socks, and battery powered heated insoles (although those aren't
bad). I have Reynaud's syndrome, and if you have it too you know about cold toes...

I bought Northwave's winter road shoes last year and it was money well spent. They are 1/2 size
larger than my summer shoes, which leaves room for thicker socks, although I only need thick wool
socks when temp falls into the low 20s. There is a separate adapter plate, either for Look or SPD
bolt patterns. The Northwaves are cheaper than either Lake or Gaerne, but I have never used either
of those, so I can't compare the comfort or warmth.

[email hidden] (John Finney) wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

About a year (and one winter) has passed since I have seen any reviews of winter cycling shoes. I
am prepared to purchase the new model from either Lake or Gaerne, but would like to hear pros/cons
and other recommendations from similarly cold-footed riders.

With input from many, here is what I have observed:
- Some like Lake, but some have complained of cold feet in Lake
- Some like Northwave Husky (Grizzly for MTB), although on alt.de.mountainbike (or something like
that) there are complaints of cold feet.
- Sidi Storm I dismiss because of no ankle closure.
- The only Gaerne Polar comments are on the German group, where one rider found warmth with Gaerne
Polar after cold with Northwave.

I am leaning toward Gaerne, because they are so ugly. Clearly they have made no compromises for
form, so perhaps all the money went into function.

I'll probably buy 1 size too large to accomodate Smartwool mountaineering socks, and continue to use
my Hotronic insoles. If that doesn't work, I'll find a new sport for three months!

Thanks to all -- look for an update in January....

John Finney

Though you already said they were insufficient, I highly recommend Gore-Tex socks if it's wet and
cold, used in combination with heavy socks. They may not keep you warm enough by themselves, but
they will keep your feet dry. Heavy wools socks won't help much if they get wet in the cold.

[email hidden] (Eagle Jackson) wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Though you already said they were insufficient, I highly recommend Gore-Tex socks if it's wet and
cold, used in combination with heavy socks. They may not keep you warm enough by themselves, but
they will keep your feet dry. Heavy wools socks won't help much if they get wet in the cold.

I agree heartily. I like to wear Gore-Tex socks with regular shoes in mild temps (50-60F) when the
roads are wet. Wet toes = cold toes!