[Closed] Cold weather road vs MTB pedals/shoes

Are you using shoe covers? If not, that's your starting point (might have to size up if using mtb shoes with knobbly soles)

If you're concerned about cold feet through conduction then you really want flat plastic pedals and a pair of well-insulated boots.

I'm pass covers, exercised it several years, I'm well pass this nuisance 🙂

Only proper winter shoes.

Flats is not an option, I'm having nightmares when asked to use flats...

Just recently started using road shoes and pedals on commuting and wondering if investment in proper, roadie winter shoes will do me better conduction chilling than with MTB boots.

Probably trying to rationalize purchase of another pair of shoes. Starting to be worse than SWMBO in this department xD

Cheers!
I.

Only an issue with the wrong shoes.

Exclusively use MTB shoes and pedals..... That is spds

With old man winters the cleat is not functioning as a heatsink.....tbh it never happened with my Shimano winter shoes either

The cleats such a small area your looking for an issue that isn't as big an issue as the lack of insulation

I went from SPD-SL specailized defrosters to SPD NorthWave Raptors. No noticeable 'heat sink' effect for me, but I can use them offroad. No difference in stiffness either.

The only advantage I can think of for road winter boots is if you only have road pedals and don't want to buy more pedals.

I exclusively use MTB boots in winter for all biking duties - you tend to spend more time on your feet, whether fixing punctures, going to cafes or negotiating icy roads - the latter in particular is when you don't want to be wearing road shoes. Also, most 'summer' shoes are only sized for thin socks - bigger shoes to accommodate thick, woolly socks is just as important to keep your feet warm. I've used clipped pedals at -30C - your pedal cleats aren't going to make much difference at those temperatures when you're standing on metre-thick solid ice.

I’ve used both, road shoes with big thick shoe covers are fairly toasty, but my proper waterproof mtb boots (old north wave Celsius, a size too big - 47 vs 46 for the rest of my shoes - to take big wool socks) take some beating. Used to hate them until I started to keep them inside all winter (in the under stairs cupboard) I find that if the cleat and shoe doesn’t start out freezing cold it makes a huge difference.

Thermal insoles in winter SPD boots reduced the problem for me.

Ever tried walking in road shoes? Then add in icy conditions,

I use spds, currently use Scott heater gortex boots. They are amazing. I no longer use my shimano mt91 boots unless hiker biking.

Thanks all for the input.

Might still pull the trigger on roadies boots, as I start enjoying road pedals more and more.

UK and icy roads is rather exceptional occurrence than norm, unless you are living in Highlands I guess..

Here in South Yorks I haven't seen any ice on my commuting routes for last 3 years or so...

Cheers!
I.

Have you looked at cross shoes ? Designed for riding in shite conditions but compatible with spd.

UK and icy roads is rather exceptional occurrence than norm, unless you are living in Highlands I guess..

Here in South Yorks I haven’t seen any ice on my commuting routes for last 3 years or so…

Commuting into Nottingham in recent years, I've had subzero temperatures on the canal paths any month from September to May. Unless you are exclusively on gritted main roads, you may not have seen ice, but it sounds like you were lucky.

45nrth japanthers and eggbeaters on a gravel bike for winter roads also ride with crank bros pedals on MTBs so good for them too.

I don't find a need for roadie boots as I find a combination of thick socks (sometimes 2 pairs) and the neoprene overshoes works really well for me. I've been on lots of club rides where everyone else was complaining about cold feet but I was fine.

The cleats such a small area your looking for an issue that isn’t as big an issue as the lack of insulation

But given equivalent boots (and often the same boot is available with both soles) the road version will be warmer.

That said, although I suffer horribly from cold hands and feet even with full winter gear, the relative security of MTB soles when out of the pedal tips the balance for me.

UK and icy roads is rather exceptional occurrence than norm, unless you are living in Highlands I guess..

A few years ago I was out riding in the Surrey Hills descending Leith Hill into Abinger Hammer - run-off from the hill had created a sheet of ice right across the road. I was only able to stay upright by unclipping one foot and judicious application of the rear brake. A short while later a club ride was coming the other way - I shouted to warn them and watched as they all fell like skittles.

I'm now living in the Highlands, one of my local routes is around to Tomintoul and over the Lecht....might get a bit chilly.

I’m with the OP, road cleats all the way for road riding.
I personally use a combination of merino socks, tow caps and overshoes depending on quite how cold it is. Tinfoil over the toes of your socks works a treat too.