The Chainlink

I am ready for winter riding. I have extra lights, reflective clothing, lobster gloves have been cleaned, and got a sweet new windbreaker that works well. One problem. My toes get cold.

In years past I would put plastic bags over my feet but now I am apparently something that my wife calls a "grown ass man".  If it's 35 or lower, extra socks don't do it.  I have normal pedals so it's not a clip situation.

I need windbreakers for my feet that I can put my gym shoes over but have not found anything.

Any links or leads?

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Showers Pass makes waterproof socks that I would have to believe are wind proof, but I have never tried them. Several years ago I rode with mountain biking shoes with SPD cleats all year round. They looked just like sneakers. When the polar vortex struck I was wearing wool socks, with toe warmers, and then shoe covers to block the wind, rain, and snow.

Assembling all of that took some time each morning so last year I bought insulated waterproof boots, that accept a cleat, and I couldn't be happier.

If you are looking to replace baggies you could go with shoe covers, but for heavy commuters they may only last a season. Hope this helps.

NeoSocks work for me. They are made of neoprene and are windproof and waterproof.

https://www.amazon.com/Seirus-Innovation-Windproof-Weather-NeoSock/...

0)  Ive used GoreTex socks in the past but they didnt stretch which made them uncomfortable to use.

1)  Neoprene booties over your shoes.

2)  Insulated winter bike shoes (or boots if using flat pedals) and change into your gym shoes off the bike.  E.g.:  Lake, Northwave, 45Nrth.  Not inexpensive but a good value.

3) Chemical toe warmers.  I use these when its cold out.  Search for info on an older winter biking thread.

4) A "grown ass man" uses plastic bags if that works for him.

there's oversocks for when it's just slightly chilly and neoprene booties that help me keep my feet -relatively- defrosted.

Yesterday I wore wool socks with neoprene booties over my shoes and my feet stayed fairly warm for over 3 hours outside.  

Have you considered getting a pair of decent winter boots/shoes?

I mean a "grown ass man" doesn't walk around the entire winter in gym shoes...

Yep.

Pull the plug on dedicated winter shoes. I fuddled around too many years saying, too expensive. These are a solid investment. Your local LBS should have at least one or both of these below.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/shoes/defroster-trail-mountain-bi...

http://45nrth.com/products/footwear

As much as I'd love a pair of 45NRTH Wolvhammers, they'd cost me more than my bike.

Like you, I also use normal (platform) pedals. Two winters ago I purchased a pair of gore-tex hiking boots/shoes** (Forsake Clyde Boot). I know gore-tex in shoes has mixed reviews, but they've been great for me for whole winters (including sub-zero temps) of 30 minute commutes paired with wool socks. Plus, they're not bike specific so I wear them for more than my bike commute. That's my recommendation - waterproof winter hiking boots/shoes.

** I don't know what "category" this shoe falls in, but hiking boots with sneaker soles has become a thing recently. I think Forsake was one of the first, but more established brands have followed along. Danner makes a sweet pair (Mountain 600).

- I agree with DJM re: gore tex socks. Not stretchy and kind of a pain. Neoprene socks are not bad if you go the sock route.

I think you would be better off looking at Gore-Tex lined shoes. This will keep the wind out, and the water too. I have one pair of GTX-lined Shimano SPD shoes, and GTX-lined hiking shoes and hiking boots. These all do a great job of keeping my feet cozy in winter.

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