[Closed] That old “Flat pedal winter boots” thread.

Vaude AM Moab Mid STX. You're very welcome!

You'll find it harder than most since the Guide Tennies are pretty good...

Ton, I think, recommended the Columbia Fairbanks Omni- I got a set, but they've still never made it onto the bike as they became instant favourite Normal Stuff Shoes. So comfy, and very warm, but I've been out for good long stomps around in the hills in the snow and mud and they've stayed totally dry (though, can be a little sweaty if it's not cold).

I'll try em on the bike once i've beaten them up more 🙂

https://www.onlywhatsnecessary.com/store/fr01-black-white
Stopped making them I think

@mintyjim are those vaude boots waterproof? with a gusseted tongue.

until the trailcross GTX, i'm making do with terrex tivid boot when its colder, they are climaproof with a gusseted tongue, so trousers covering the ankle helps stop run off into them. so can stay dry.

the trailcross ankle boot is ok, when its not too cold, expect wet feet so I wear sealskinz with them

Aye, Ton and Scotroutes use those boots, I keep meaning to order a pair!.

@Northwind @Scotroutes what's the sizing like?

https://www.onlywhatsnecessary.com/store/fr01-black-white
Stopped making them I think

They were not waterproof.

Are these the ones?

Look the business. Any sizing advice?

https://www.snowinn.com/ski-store/columbia-fairbanks-omni-heat/136563147/p?utm_source=google_products&utm_medium=merchant&id_producte=5514180&country=uk&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzsz-BRCCARIsANotFgNub6GV8haaW1D1HSDCzvbQ2hbYYzEocYT2uqislCR-nUWecIJr3xwaAv4SEALw_wcB

pip, that's them, if you click 'whats my size' on that page, it gives you other brands to compare to for size.

Sizing is quite normal I reckon- I went for a 9/43 which is the same as I'd wear in most shoes, the liner is soft so there's room for a little wriggle. Maybe go up a size if you're a sealskinz-and-wooly-socks wearer.

Thanks.

So I could go up half a size, or a size and a half. Went big!.

@whatyadoinsucka - in essence yes the Vaude's are waterproof. I've used them 5 or 6 times now, here, in West Wales and they've been great. Warm too.

I suffer from terrible circulation and have been OK in the recent cold snap.

I actually also bought the Columbia Fairbanks Omni Heat too, never worn on the bike, they're go to 2-3 hour country walk boots, very warm and reasonably waterproof.

I sized up and wish I hadn't. They're true to size and don't need big thick socks!

I'm a 42 in the Fairbanks. Same as my Shimano, Salomon etc.

I'm actually just considering a second pair - for walking and general winter wear. They're not a winter hill boot though. Nowhere near enough tread for that.

£70 on Amazon for the black ones.

£66 for grey.

Job jobbed!

Fairbanks ordered £77 from Amazon.
Cheers guys

You won’t regret the fairbanks, great on or off the bike. I wear mine with ordinary cotton socks...

I don't even need boots and have ordered some Fairbanks. Look great for those winter walks where my feet currently freeze.

£70 on Amazon for the black ones.

£79 now.

I don't need new boots. I don't need new boots. I don't need new boots. I don't need new boots.

Price obviously depends on size/colour but the Ti Grey I ordered in size 42 are now £82.17!!

Doomanic, they were 77 when I ordered them, but for some reason there was a £7 promotion at checkout?

These look like they might be worth a try  https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-warm-and-waterproof-snow-hiking-shoes-sh100-x-warm-mid/_/R-p-307054?fbclid=IwAR2Agapk0dpzKzBHbiw0Bjvf_s0pVkb1ej07ngwGGvlaEXPCURQp7I1c5oQ

I don't think they would be great. The lack on tread on the instep would mean a lack of support on the pedal.

Those fairbanks are quite badly reviewed in amazon, lots of reports of leaks.

Any real world experience?

Quite a big spend to be leaking after a few weeks.

Mine definitely leak a bit but the pros out way the cons as they are warm, comfy and very light.
I immediately waterproofed mine and they’re fine on 2-3 rambles.
I just bought another pair on Amazon for £58 yesterday!!! Size 9 this time so I’ll sell on my 9.5 (6-7 walks maximum) after I clean them!
£58 got me Oxford Tan 🤮 and the much nicer Nori Canyon Gold’s will go.

Leaks schmeaks.

Loads of folk mistake sweat for leaks, see most sealskinz thread, or water running down into them off legs.

I reckon those decathlon ones look decent too, the only worry with any of these boots is the pins naturally settling into sole tread at an angle you don't want them too. Hoping the tread on the Omnis is shallow enough that it won't be a big issue.

Have been running a pair for a year, no leaks and are wearing surprisingly well given how light they are.

Very warm but did give my Achilles the worst blisters when they were new.

That big hole in the top can be an issue. I often pair mine with ankle gaiters.

Fairbanks arrived today. Seemed warm enough on the afternoon walk. Think I perhaps would be better with 10s rather than 10.5s but oddly the euro size matches a different shoe I have.

What size are you normally?

Normally 45 euro. That's 10 UK in my Etnies. Fairbanks are 44.5 euro for 10.5 UK.

Boots came today, first impressions are positive. Really cosy, nice and light, sole feels nice n sticky.

Guid.

My second pair arrived about 15 minutes ago.

I got another pair as well 🙂

Lol!

So general consensus is they are nice looking boots, but the waterproof claim is pish.

Shame really, at the price you can get proper goretex footwear with a guaranteed

Its quite clear if a shoe is leaking at the opening or just from water entering through the non existent waterproofing.

I'll take Scotroutes, Ton and Northwinds word over Amazon reviews, thank you.

Mine don’t leak...

I ordered a pair for general winter outside use, walking the dog etc, based on experiences of others on here. Went for same size as regular shoes so fingers crossed. They are arriving tomorrow I hope.

Vande Moab. Job done.

Bought a pair too! Seem true to size (11). Not bothered by how waterproof they are as I'll be in Sealskinz and gaiters if its a long wet one. Shorter rides I'll put up with wet feet if they're warm, although i find Sealskinz generally work really well for me so not generally a problem.

They look better than the Five Ten Impact High boots that were my other choice (not waterproof and twice the price).

I work outdoors about 50% of the time and have learnt through bitter experience that nothing, not even goretex, can cope with a prolonged walk through wet grass. I use a good pair of wellies if I'm walking fields.

Cheers for the recommendation!

Try hillwalking in the Galloways, there's nowhere boggier in the UK! Scarpa Delta, kept waxed, paired with Rab Goretex gaiters, I can walk for hours in these and not get wet feet. Good old leather for the win.

Size 11 Fairbanks here which are a pefect fit with a pair of woolie boolies and sealskinz. Canny wait to try them on the bike!.

Had the Columbia ones for about a month now so done a few rides. As others say dry and warm and grip is not too bad (obviously nothing like "proper" flat pedal shoes). Got one wet foot the other night but I think that had run down my leg. I went 1/2 size up for Sealskin use when/if the waterproofing fails and hey are a bit big, grip would be even better if the right size.