Winter Cycling Boot

Irri_Tant

I'm looking for a winter boot with MTB heel to keep my feet dry & warm so that I don't have to use overshoes.

Which ones could you recommend?

dodd4721

the Northwave Celsius GTX is worth consideration, they do MTB & road versions of this boot.

danowat

dodd4721 wrote:

the Northwave Celsius GTX is worth consideration, they do MTB & road versions of this boot.

+1, I have the Farenhiet, brilliant boot.

amaferanga

My experience with winter boots (Northwave Celsius and Diadora Chilli Extreme) is that your feet actually stay drier for longer with normal shoes and good overshoes. Of course you could wear both and your feet would stay drier for a bit longer, but then you'd have massive bulging feet that'd probably be rubbing on the cranks.

I sold both pairs of winter boots after barely using them. I hated the Northwaves because they were heavy and restrictive around the ankles (and because they were a pain to wear with bib tights). I hated the Diadora's less since they weren't a proper boot, but they weren't remotely waterproof so I had to wear overshoes in the wet anyway.

While they may be a bit warmer than shoes (and I suffer badly from cold hands and feet in the winter), I find that a pair of slightly larger than normal shoes that allow you to wear nice thick socks and good thick neoprene overshoes keep my feet almost as warm so that's what I wear now.

danowat

amaferanga wrote:

My experience with winter boots (Northwave Celsius and Diadora Chilli Extreme) is that your feet actually stay drier for longer with normal shoes and good overshoes.

Funny isn't it, my experiance was the complete opposite

spasypaddy

with winter boots, the main thing is to keep the entry point sealed. so if you wear them with waterproof over trousers then they are amazing. if you dont then the rain will run down your leg and into the boot. There is nothing to stop this happening.

BUT and this i the major point for me, the winter boot keeps my feet warm even when wet, a bit like a wet suit. Whereas a set of overshoes for me doesnt do that, plus it keeps my nice summer shoes dry and helps them last a few more years.

giant_man

There's nothing wrong with the Diadora chili extreme winter boot imo, it depends what you're looking for. It's the perfect boot for winter and it's reasonably priced too. Use with overshoes for waterproofness.

bluedoggy

I had some Altura waterproof overshoes and my feet where soaked? Why?? Might invest in boots....

Irri_Tant

Been out and tried some on. Like the Northwave and the Specialized BG Defroster Winter Boot. Northwave was nice if a little loose between sizes. Specialized was a better fit but not sure on the fastener. Like the NW's style a little more than the Specialized. Shimano SW81 was difficult to get on so not going for them. Didn't view a Diadora.

DrDavros

FWIW, I'd highly recommend Gaerne's Polar boots (here at CRC but mine were considerably cheaper from Germany - http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=59525) - they're very warm (insulated soles, etc) and I've never had wet feet in them. They come up VERY small, BTW - I wear two sizes up from street shoes to allow enough room for decent socks.

DD

Irri_Tant

thanks for the info but settled on the 2012 Specialized BG Defroster Winter Boot for 117 & free post

il_principe

I have the Northwave's. Gave up using them for winter training. Found shoes + Prendas "Wind Tunnel" overshoes worked better. I just use the boots for commuting now. If water gets in (which it will) then they get wet and stay wet.

Monty Dog

The problem is that no boot keeps the water from running down your legs into the top - you really need overshoes if you want to keep your feet dry. I use Sidi Diablos for comfort and warmth.

prawny

Overshoes for me, my feet still froze in winter boots and they cost a fortune. I had some shimano ones, I was glad they broke so I could sell the replacements on.

rolf_f

amaferanga wrote:

My experience with winter boots (Northwave Celsius and Diadora Chilli Extreme) is that your feet actually stay drier for longer with normal shoes and good overshoes. Of course you could wear both and your feet would stay drier for a bit longer, but then you'd have massive bulging feet that'd probably be rubbing on the cranks.

Not so as it happens - no rubbing on Campag cranks anyway. Necessary for me because even Woolie Boolies, Northwave Celsius and BBB Ultraflex overshoes don't keep my feet warm - but at least less cold than without the overshoes.

As for dry feet - mudguards makes more of a difference than the footwear. It's not rain running down your leg that tends to result in wet feet IME but spray from the front wheels.

big_p

danowat wrote:

dodd4721 wrote:

the Northwave Celsius GTX is worth consideration, they do MTB & road versions of this boot.

+1, I have the Farenhiet, brilliant boot.

+2, farenhiet boot is awesome.