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I need some very warm and weatherproof winter flat shoes.
I have tried most brands over the years, shimano, five ten, vans. not warm enough.
also tried lots of winter spd boots, too inflexible.
with a ankle that don't bend, not much warmth is generated, so a very warm shoe is needed.
any idea's greatly appreciated.
Ton, I don't think they exist mate.
Five tens (I love impact VXI, others hate them, natch) a full size too big, woolie boolie socks, knee high sealskinz over the top, key is room for toes to move. Also, put it all on in the house when yer feet are warm, seems to last a lot longer.
I’ve just got some of the FiveTen freerider EPS hightop boots from Addnature (£65 delivered I think)
I have not ridden in the cold/wet with them yet (hip replacement yesterday!) but they are certainly warm and seem to get decent reviews.
No seams on the front area and Primaloft Gold insulation. So they should be a lot better than most.
Greg, been there mate. on most of their range too. no good.
FiveTen freerider EPS hightop boots are as good as your gonna get T, unless you try lightweight walking boots?
nealglover, had them too last year. very cold under foot. no good
on a brighter note, how you feeling after the hip?
I was on the trainer bike after 10 days, and if you need on, I have one you can borrow to aid recovery.
had a pair last winter T. too cold from below.
I've been looking and asking recently too and I think there aren't many of them to choose from,have you tried the insulated five ten eps ? It looked about the best I've seen although has no lace guard .
Would a decent pair of Walking boots suit better then Tony?
Anything with a thicker sole and you'll lose all feeling of where your foot is on the pedal.
How about the warming pads you can put in ski boots?
yes I had the insulated eps five ten boots last winter.
they do keep the wind and water off, but I found the sole too thin/hard/cold.
tried them with a wool insole too, but it lessened the volume too much.
walking boot soles are too grippy and knobbly.
45nrth from that Charlie bloke?
Size up and add liners?
on a brighter note, how you feeling after the hip?
Like I’ve been kicked by a racehorse 😢
Pain yesterday was ok after the Op. but today it’s shocking. Will subside I’m sure, but not very mobile today at all.
I am sort of joking but I do genuinly think these are about as good as you'll get for proper cold weather MTB:
https://www.scarpa.co.uk/mountain/ribelle-s-od/
https://www.scarpa.co.uk/mountain/ribelle-mountain-tech-od/
https://www.scarpa.co.uk/mountain/ribelle-lite-od/
Waterproof, warm, built in gaiter, thin grippy vibram sole, lighweight. Super expensive!
I've got the older Rebel Lites for winter mountaineering but I wore them to the climbing wall a couple of times and the feel you get through the soles is excellent. I'd wear them on the bike if was going somwhere really cold.
I also recently just bought some 5.10 EPS but was shocked at how not warm they are even with the Primaloft lining. Good waterproofing though (or much better than my orignal Freeriders).
[edit] tramadol induced double post 🤔
plastic pedals instead of metal?
I also recently just bought some 5.10 EPS but was shocked at how not warm they are even with the Primaloft lining. Good waterproofing though (or much better than my orignal Freeriders).
Thats good to know, bought mine primarily for the waterproofing as never suffered badly from cold feet unless it’s really extreme.
Ton, what trainer bike did you use after the hip op ? (Sorry to hijack your boots thread!)
There was a time when I hated walking boots for riding, but I quite often wear them on the mountain bike now. Not sure if it's different soles, whether I lowered my standards, or I just got used to it, but now find them perfectly practical.
I was using Salomon snowshow boots for a few years - waterproof, well insulated, decent sole - but I've been unable to source another pair and most alternatives are much higher on the calf/shin. I then bought some Bontrager OMWs. They've been superb, though not a sticky sole so very much dependent on pedal shape etc.
And, yes, plastic pedals.
I'm new to flat pedals and it seems bizarre good well designed winter style boots/shoes don't seem to exist.Whats the reason?No demand/market?
Resole (eg with Stealth) a pair of old/comfortable walking boots?
I’ve been using these for the last two years and can’t fault them. https://www.vaude.com/en-GB/Products/Activity/Best-in-Test/Moab-Mid-STX-AM
Not cheap but they seem to be well made. They are genuinely waterproof and Even have some grip off the bike because of the toe & heel tread.
nealglover, just a generic Cyclops one.
Heated insoles and seal skins would be my suggestion. Or some of those hot hands packs if they can be reused?
Those Vaudes look decent,at least they're another winter option .Like you say though a pricey one.
thought about something like this. laugh if you feel the need.
in black tho
If you can find a pair - Spiuk Compass. They're fantastic in the winter (and all other seasons actually).
OWN - only whats neccessary
https://www.onlywhatsnecessary.com/
I've had these for a while, over all I'd give them a mixed review, but what they are excellent for is wet and cold weather riding.
The outer is made from kevlar, has zero padding and can't get wet. You get two inners, one is thicker for cold weather. I have never had cold or wet feet since I started wearing them, including 6+ hour rides in the wet. In addition because they don't get wet they don't need drying either, which eliminates the slow drying or glue melting issues with other shoes, and the inners dry overnight.
On the down side they are not as grippy as 5.10s, they're not bad, but definitely not as good. One of the main reasons I bought them was durability, as highly as I rate 5.10s I tend to go through a pair in about a year. I was hopeful these would be bombproof however unfortunately part of the sole has come off the bottom of the shoe. I'm hoping they are fixable and they're currently at a cobblers, its hard to explain but the shoe hasn't fallen apart and is still water tight, but the grippy bit of the sole has separated so should be able to be glued back down.
If the repair holds I'll get a pair of 5.10s to wear in dry conditions, hopefully prolonging both shoes' lifespan.
@gravesendgrunt - the UK market is pretty small really and our warm wet winters aren't the norm - they are what our colonial friends would refer to as "shoulder season". Look at where most biking footwear comes from: the US. Their winters tend to be dry and cold (there are exceptions) so that's what they design the footwear for. Add to that, SPDs would appear to be more popular there.
The previous iteration of the 45Nrth boots were flat/SPD compatible but I'm not sure that the current versions are.
@ton - I'd look at 45Nrth Wolvhammers, Bontrager OMW, there's a Shimano boot I can't remember the model number of, then it's walking boots.
Heated insole might be a solution...
https://road.cc/content/review/220068-plus-t-winter-heated-insoles
Five Ten Freerider EPS work for me, primaloft lining, no seams across the front, and foil tape under the insole for extra insulation. Oh and decent merino wool socks.
As recommended above, plastic pedals will help a lot with reducing the cold coming in from underneath.
I use North Face Chilkat in the winter, but it is very cold where I live. Even with big boots plastic pedals are very popular here. 45° North shoes may be too warm for the UK, but based on their pogies, I'd recommend their gear for warmth.
Steger Mukluks are also popular, though you may feel a little self conscious in a pair.
https://www.mukluks.com/Mens-Mukluks/products/24/
Fat bike forum on MTBR may throw up some useful suggestions.
Always had really cold feet in winter until I discovered these; 2 years in and still doing the business for me.
Few years back people were resoling walking boots with 5:10 material. Never tried it myself.
http://lancashiresportsrepairs.co.uk/approach-and-mountain-bike-shoe-repairs-and-resoles/
Was going to suggest the wolvhammers.
Those Scarpas do look terrifyingly expensive, but based on my now-five-year-old and worn several times a week Scarpa walking boots (which would have been £100 less at full price, I bought in a sale), Scarpa is definitely an expensive to buy brand I’d buy again. £180 is expensive on the nose but compared to ‘cheaper’ boots that are lucky to last a year it begins to look like good value.
i tend to find a bigger size and the ability to wiggle your toes helps massively,
i wear the regular northwave gtx SPD boots in a size that make them feel like snow/ski boots and they have been the best so far..
if adidas could get a gusseted tongue GTX version of the cross trail protect boot then we'd all be happy
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/adidas-terrex-trail-cross-protect/ £89
in the mean time i wear a thick pair of sealskinz sock with them to keep my feet warm and dry to varying degrees of success,
I’m new to flat pedals and it seems bizarre good well designed winter style boots/shoes don’t seem to exist.Whats the reason?No demand/market?
5:10 utterly dominate the market and they don't seem overly keen to make proper winter stuff, just the sort of half-way house Elements.
TBH most of the MTB world seem to think it's a seasonal sport...
I,m using salomon waterproof walking shoe's 1 size larger with memory foam insoles and sealskin socks on superstar pedals and there perfect. Those boots you fancy should be fine providing they don't slip on whatever pedals you have.
@ Ton, I think it might have been you that recommended me the Guide Tennies so you've probably tried them but if not, maybe?
Fiveten Camp Four
i did indeed mate, but that was prior to having my ankle done.
with the metalwork and unability for it to flex, no warmth is created. it is a cold magnet.
think i am going for the columbia omniheat things.
if they dont work on the bike at least they will be ok about town.
nealglover, just a generic Cyclops one.
Ton, my only rideable bike at the moment is a long tail cargo Yuba with a 20” rear wheel and Bosch CX power🤔
I don’t think I could make any use of the trainer, but thanks for the offer, it’s much appreciated.
Also, those Columbia boots would be good I reckon unless the soles are really hard rubber and sloppy on the pedals.
I used to have a pair of Columbia winter walking boots and they were awesome in the snow and late season slush in Austria when other boots would be water logged in minutes.
The Vaude's are awesome. Yes they are an expensive option, but I'm just heading into my third winter with mine (worn year round) and they stil look as good as new. They are waterproof, very hard wearing and dry really quickly. Not sure I'd say that they are hugely warm though. As I say, I wear mine year round (even this summer). But size up and wear thick socks and I dare say they'd be toasty enough.
I have Reynaud's, and it's a PITA as soon as the temperature drops slightly. EPS Highs haven't done it for me, even with thick Sealskinz. This winter I think I'm going to upgrade to the knee length Sealskinz, and invest in heated insoles. A mate who also suffers the same has this combo and can carry on riding whatever the weather.
It's ****ing misery riding for about 5 months of the year, you have my sympathy.
Water proof socks and these https://www.decathlon.co.uk/feet-warmers-x-30-id_8373956.html