I've used Lake winter boots since they became available 17 years ago. From Minneapolis originally, I've ridden and stood out on frozen lakes for many Snowball's Chance in Hell ice races. Never any cold feet, and all I use for socks are the thinest Smartwools you can get.
ridemagnetic wrote:I've used Lake winter boots since they became available 17 years ago. From Minneapolis originally, I've ridden and stood out on frozen lakes for many Snowball's Chance in Hell ice races. Never any cold feet, and all I use for socks are the thinest Smartwools you can get.
+1 on the Lake boots. They make both a road and mountain bike version. Both however, are drilled for SPD cleats. I owned the road version. My only complaint is that the tops separated from the soles after a few years of use. I think the mountain bike version are somewhat beefier and would likely hold up longer. If I recall, they were true to size. I also wore thin wool socks that paired very well with the lining on the boots.
I have all three Lake boots. The 145s and 303s are in wide, the 400s are regular but they're wide enough. All size 46.
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\nIn order to get the right width in 45nrth I'd need 48 or 50 if I'm wearing thick socks.
I had a pair of 45North boots. I don't recall the model, but they weren't the pair designed for the coldest weather. I think they were marketed for down to 20's. Anyway, I hated them. The zipper sucked and then got stuck. I got it unstuck and sold them on ebay. Bought a pair of Lakes and could not be happier. My feet stay warm for a good 3-4 hours during rides in the 20's. After that they will start to get chillly but not cold. I've recommended them to several friends who are all likewise happy with them. Good luck.
I have Diadora Polarex Plus and have used them down to low 20s without warmers but with two pairs of socks (a thin “summer” sock + merino). Very comfortable, BOAs can be adjusted with lobster gloves on. With warmers I am sure I could use them in the teens. I have many friends who have Lakes and love them too. Like others have mentioned I think what you are looking at is an overkill for 20 degrees, especially if temps rise into 30s during a ride — you’d boil in them.
There are 11 steps to break in steel toe work boots. Step 1: Use boot stretcher spray. Step 2: Insert the steel boot stretcher. Step 3: Remove the boot stretcher. Step 4: Wear your work/thick socks. Step 5: Put on your steel toe work boot. Step 6: Lace-up. Step 7: Walk in the new shoes. Step 8: Check for any discomfort. Step 9: Use a blow dryer. Step 10: Apply leather conditioner. Step 11: Apply rubbing alcohol.
I prefer good softshell booties to winter shoes, but I wear Lamson custom shoes with insoles. With decent wool socks, I’m pretty good on most days. I don’t ride outside if it’s cold and wet. This year, I picked up some heated socks. https://lenzproducts.com/products/heat-sock-6-0-toe-cap-merino-compression. I’ve only used them twice. I kept them a low setting, stayed comfortable in 25 degree temperatures while on my road bike, and had plenty of battery left (over 75%) after 3+ hours. They actually are Bluetooth and can be operated and adjusted with an app on my iPhone, so I needn’t play with the buttons on the battery packs, which are inaccessible under my tights.
