Over the years, many companies specializing in the production of cycling scarpers have placed models on their catalogs that are suitable for winter training, thus outlawing the use of the classic shoe cover. But which one is really best to use?
Here are what are the pros of both solutions:
PRO:
Winter shoes:
- Thermal insulation: Winter shoes are designed with insulating materials that keep feet warm in cold conditions.
- Waterproofness: Many winter shoes have a waterproof membrane to protect feet from rain and snow.
- Breathability: Some models incorporate breathability systems to prevent feet from overheating during physical activity.
- Comfort: Winter shoes are designed to provide comfort even in adverse weather conditions.
- Ease of wearing the shoe. It’s a real cycling shoe, just slip it on and close it.
- One shoe, one use. Compared to shoe covers, winter cycling shoes provide all-around weather protection.
Shoe covers:
- Adaptability: Shoe covers are versatile and can be used with the shoes you already own, allowing for greater flexibility.
- Ease of adjustment: Some shoe cover models offer multiple adjustments to fit different shoe shapes and sizes.
- Affordable: A shoe cover, even a high-end one, will never cost as much as a winter shoe.
CON:
Winter shoes:
- Cost. It is definitely a bigger expense than buying a good pair of shoe covers.
- Not all brands produce them, although, compared to the past, many manufacturers have put them in the catalog.
- Diversity in pedaling for the same brand. Some types of winter cycling shoes being high-necked in neoprene can be quite rigid in movement going to limit the mobility of the ankle. A handicap that can be safely overcome as the shoe is worn.
Winter cycling shoe covers:
- Not always easy to put on, the shoe turns out much faster and more practical.
- Very often not well ventilated leading the foot to more sweating.
- Difficulty in choosing. Windproof, rainproof, snowproof are just some of the choices. Hyper-specialization of a winter cycling shoe cover can sometimes lead to cycling confusion, risking making the wrong purchase based on its needs.
Our personal considerations:
Before pushing yourself to buy a winter cycling shoe or winter cycling shoe cover carefully consider these three points.
- Activity intensity: If you plan to do high-intensity activity, you may prefer winter shoes with better breathability.
- Weather conditions: In case of heavy rain or snow, winter shoes with high waterproofness might be more suitable.
- Comfort and practicality: If you are looking for a more comfortable and practical solution, shoes might be the best choice.
- Budget available. Shoe covers are definitely the more affordable choice.
In summary, both options have their advantages. If you already have suitable shoes and want a more flexible solution, shoe covers might be the better choice. If, on the other hand, you are looking for an integrated solution with thermal insulation and waterproofing, winter shoes are a more specialized option.
