Which winter boots?

[Soltydog]

I'm currently looking for a pair of cycling boots for winter to help keep my feet warm & dry, but not sure which to go for. I currently wear spesh shoes & the fit is good, so would consider the BG defroster, but had a couple of bad reviews of them. Other's I've seen in my budget range are Shimano MT91 (lace ups) or MW80s & then there's Gaerne Polar boots from CRC.
I'd love to be able to go to a LBS to try & buy, but only ones near me are Spesh dealers although there is a Shimano shoe stockist in Hull which I could visit, but it's prob gonna be a mail order job.
If anyone has info on quality & fit, or other recommendations around the £100 mark I'd appreciate it.
Cheers

 

[Fiona N]

I'm currently using (or will be when it gets cold enough) the Specialized BG boots but have previous used the Shimano equivalent. My main problem with the Shimano is the the toe box is quite pointy and narrow and my toes get cold very quickly (which has quite serious implications for me, not just discomfort) but the waterproofness was good and despite being a total pain to pull on, the neoprene cuffs work well. The specialized version is not as warm or as waterproof - not the material but the design of the opening of the neoprene cuff - I think it's cut too low and with a lot of road splash, it doesn't take long for water to seep in at the side. But they are much more roomy in the toes, enough to allow me to wear fleece toe warmers over my normal socks. I think both sorts need better proofing of the seams between the neoprene cuff and the boot - I used tent seam sealant to good effect - especially on the Shimano ones.

Neither were really up to much is very cold conditions for the different reasons so if it's seriously cold (<-5C) I'll always go for WIndstopper overshoes and normal cycling shoes but add some seriously good electronic footwarmer insoles.

 

[smokeysmoo]

I've used the MW80's and they're a good boot, but my choice at the moment are NORTHWAVE FAHRENHEIT GTX boots.

They're well sized, (+1 from normal shoes), very comfortable, nice a warm and very dry, highly recommended

I used to have a pair of THESE, (a few years ago though), then I stopped cycling for a while and sold them like a complete tool, I'll rue that day for the rest of my natural They are stunningly fantastic boots, but not on your budget I'm afraid
FWIW I'm a size 12.5 and have very broad feet too.