Defroster shoes??

Pedalfaraway said:

anyone use these? Can you ride with these and just warm socks in temps below freezing?? Are there other winter shoes that you would suggest?

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I have a pair and they don't have too much insulation. On rides as low as 20s with a mid weight wool sock they have been toasty but I would not go much lower. If it is any colder then I am usually riding inside anyway. The shoes are not as bulky as some others so I suppose you could throw a bootie over if you needed to. Overall they are best for late fall, early spring, or milder winter rides.

I used mine all through last season, and with wool socks they have been great so long as you dont put them on cold. If its not a far drive to the ride spot, ill put them on and drive with them to build up some heat, or if its a far drive, the first thing i do when we park is put the shoes on. If i know i am going out for a while, and its under 30 degrees, i just throw a set of toe warmers in there a few minutes before the ride starts, and they keep me nice and toasty for hours. From what i have heard, the Lake winter shoes are the best, but they are also a nice chunk of change, for the $$ i couldnt find a better winter shoe than the defroster.

I got the lakes a few years back and they are my defacto late fall through part spring shoe. Mine have lasted very well, though for some the stitching on the heal jas come undone. To me they are worth the investment so long as you care for them (wipe them down, some put nikwax on them). I use a normal weight surly wool sock with them. The defroster also looks good and Jut8's description is very accurate. If I didn't have cold feet I would def. consider them.

Lake also makes a lesser priced shoe but I was first told they were a wet weather shoe. Now I am seeing them pop up in winter shoe reports so I don't know what Lake considers them.

I had the Answer shoes, then bought the Defrosters. This is my second year with the Defrosters, and could not be happier. I use a snowboard smartwool sock, and they are fine for PA winters.

I had some thoughts here...http://www.thecyclistsite.com/reviews/2009/12/7/specialized-bg-defroster-shoes.html