Winter shoes/boots Vs overshoes

[Browser]

Hi all, I'm changing to Speedplay pedals and need to get some new shoes as both of my existing pairs are two-bolt rather than three. At present I've a pair of Specialised BG shoes and Shimano MW80 winter boots, and was wondering if I need to bother getting new winter shoes or whether just the one pair with overshoes would be as good? I've used overshoes in the past and they kept my feet warm and dry(er) but the soles were torn very quickly and the zips go after a while, so careful choice would be the name of the game one thinks. Opinions welcomed 🙂

 

[Milkfloat]

I lasted for years with just overshoes with no real problems. However, I have switched to winter boots mainly because I was wearing them out too quickly due to commuting. If I was not commuting, then I would have stuck with overshoes on a cost basis. My boots do not keep my feet totally dry, but there is a small improvement.

 

[Ian H]

The advantage of overshoes is that you can remove them if it warms up, or carry them for that chilly overnight ride.
I have an increasingly tatty pair of Endura overshoes, all velcro fastening, which have lasted for at least three years and will go for some while yet. I've destroyed zips in the past.

 

[fossyant]

Save money and stick with SPD.

If you've any walking to do, boots. If very little walking, overshoes (and save £150). Actually that's not really relevant as you'll be using road boots/shoes rather than MTB style, so it's upto you.

 

[DCLane]

I've several sets of overshoes and this winter can't remember using them at all; winter boots are usually fine.

 

[fossyant]

Boots were the best thing I bought for MTB'ing - overshoes don't last very long. Added bonus is the shoes are waterproof and easily washable - which is handy for just about every off road ride.

 

[Domus]

As above, overshoes don't last, my Shimano winter boots keep my feet warm and dry. I suffer from cold extremities so one less thing to worry about.
Or should that be two less things to worry about.

 

[lane]

Exactly the same Shimano winter boots have solved the problem of suffering with cold feet. Because they only get used when it's cold and they are sturdy I think they should last a good many years.

 

[Tom B]

I love my Shimano mw5 winter booties. They're far better than my everyday shoes with overshoes. Another consideration is that they just go on no faffing about. Overshoes are more faff.

That said when it's very cold and or very wet I put over shoes over them. Largely because I was given some decent overshoes free.

 

[Twilkes]

To save starting a new thread, does anyone leave their overshoes on even in dry weather? What temperature do you find they start to give you hot/clammy feet? Day/night temperatures are generally about 5-15C around here at the moment, just wondered at what point I would regret not taking them off as they seem to keep the wind out fairly well but that probably means your feet can't breath as easily.

 

[fossyant]

To save starting a new thread, does anyone leave their overshoes on even in dry weather? What temperature do you find they start to give you hot/clammy feet? Day/night temperatures are generally about 5-15C around here at the moment, just wondered at what point I would regret not taking them off as they seem to keep the wind out fairly well but that probably means your feet can't breath as easily.

I'd usually leave them on for a ride - does depend though if like today, it's gone from fairly cold to quite warm, especially if you are out for a few hours. I'd remove. My overshoes are winter/waterproof, so would get too hot.

 

[mythste]

What an interesting question. If I ask myself, "have I ever been too hot in overshoes?", the answer is no.

Perhaps I reserve them for when they are really needed. With my nans words ringing in my ears -"don't put them on too early in the season, you won't feel the benefit!"

 

[the_mikey]

Overshoes might work for you, but I haven't bought overshoes since I bought a pair of Northwave winter boots in 2014, and from 2011 to 2014 I probably spent almost as much as the boots are worth trying and replacing various different styles of overshoe, the thin ones break, the thick neoprene ones are annoying and still let the grot in.

 

[iluvmybike]

Overshoes can be a pain to put on requiring some contortions! I don't like the ones that are easier to put on by means of having a velcro strap fitting under the arch of the foot - they are bulky and get in way and once velcro is really muck y they keep coming undone. My hubby has the Northwave boots which I'm very jealous of but I have very small feet so never been able to source a pair small enough

 

[roubaixtuesday]

I have very small feet so never been able to source a pair small enough

Ha! I have comically large feet and have never been able to source a pair large enough.

Indeed, even overshoes are near impossible to get.