Winter boots or overshoes?

[Accy cyclist]

I know it's supposed to be summer but this never ending rain means i'm going to have to buy something to keep my feet dry. I have last year's overshoes but as usual overshoes don't last and become torn and tatty. I've often thought about winter boots but i've heard they're not all they're cracked up to be, letting in water from the ankle and the cleat holes. I don't want to splash out around £140 only to find they're not much better than overshoes. Anyway, i've found these
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/58...4BGLtbrHw6Cx-1GOCiZw0XZouhb9CeQs3gaAtmU8P8HAQ
They look and sound ok but they have an open sole. Does that mean they'll be flimsy underneath and wont last long? Do any of you have recommendations for some good winter boots that don't let in the rain and don't look like a cross between wellingtons and hobnailed boots?

 

[Jody]

https://www.sealskinz.com/UK/socks

They feel a little wierd when you first put them on but they are great. Warm dry feet any time of the year.

 

[Milkfloat]

My never ending quest to find a solution says 'don't go out'. I am yet to find anything 100% waterproof, eventually water always gets in. Waterproof socks and overshoes mean you have a fighting chance, but ultimately all you can really do is be warm but wet.

 

[Accy cyclist]

My never ending quest to find a solution says 'don't go out'. I am yet to find anything 100% waterproof, eventually water always gets in. Waterproof socks and overshoes mean you have a fighting chance, but ultimately all you can really do is be warm but wet.

I suppose with overshoes you can either wash them or just dry them in an hour or so. But with winter boots you'll have to wash and dry the insoles then fill the boots with newspaper to soak up the wetness taking at least a day for them to dry out. Maybe it's best sticking to easy wash and dry overshoes. Having gone out with a club ride for the last 10 months i've yet to see any other riders wear winter boots. Maybe they've bought them in the past and found them not so good?

 

[Soltydog]

I have winter boots & I've never suffered with cold feet when riding in them, but I do get water running down my leg & into the boot Going to try cutting the wrist part off rubber gloves & seeing if they make a good seal round the ankle next winter

 

[DCLane]

Both. I use overshoes in light rain and boots when it's cold. Standard shoes tend to be open at the base and overshoes only partly help with this.

 

[biggs682]

i use to use a nappy sack over my feet , but the nappy got in the way @mikeymustard

 

[h1udd]

You need a way to stop the water running down your leg and being wicked inside the shoe by your sock.

I have found the best solution is to forget staying dry and concentrate on not getting cold

The latter being quite hard on winter rides that exceed an hour

 

[raleighnut]

I wear Diadoro 'Chili' winter boots, mine are 2 bolt cleat fitting but 3 bolt are available.

 

[ACS]

Specialized Defroster winter boots for me. Got them in a summer sale at below half price about 5 years ago. They get an average write up but I have found them to more than acceptable for commuting in (50 mins each way) and 200 km audax riding during the winter months. Use them with overshoes when the temperatures are really low.

I would like to upgrade but given the cost of some of the Gore-Tex boots I cannot justify the spending that amount of money.

 

[Accy cyclist]

I wear Diadoro 'Chili' winter boots, mine are 2 bolt cleat fitting but 3 bolt are available.

I think i'd be slipping all over with those road shoe soles. I need MTB shoes for when i have a cafe stop or a puncture forced walk home.

 

[potsy]

Love my winter boots, much less faff than overshoes.

I wear tights that go over the tops of the boot which help to stop the water getting in that way.

 

[cyberknight]

I have given up with winter boots ,wide feet mean i have yet to find a pair that are not to tight acorss the toe box giving numb toes even going a size or two up.

 

[raleighnut]

I think i'd be slipping all over with those road shoe soles. I need MTB shoes for when i have a cafe stop or a puncture forced walk home.

You'd need the same as me then the MTB 2 bolt version, it is even possible (though not needed) to fit 2 'studs' (similar to rugby/football boots) to the front of the sole, I don't but the threaded holes are there (blanked off by screws)

 

[palinurus]

You need a way to stop the water running down your leg and being wicked inside the shoe by your sock.

Wearing a cape works quite well, but I only ever do this for the one day of the year when the rain is comically heavy and the wind light.