Louis Garneau Glacier RD Shoe

Several of us here at Bike Tires Direct have tried on the Louis Garneau Glacier RD Shoe and this is what we've found: they run snug, but not so far as to be a full size off. I, for example, wear a 43 in most brands and the 43 fit well, though a bit close in the toe box for a heavy winter sock. The 44 fits a little more loosely, but that would allow my typical insole (for additional arch support) and a thicker sock. So, depending on fit preferences, it might be a good idea to size up one size.

Fit concerns aside, this is a well constructed shoe designed with two layers. The outer layer is insulated, waterproof, and features a waterproof zipper. The inner layer is a well-fitted road shoe (if you wear a wide shoe, you'll find these narrow) with a simple cinch-cord to snug the fit along the top of your foot. Getting into the shoe can be a little difficult with this outer layer, but I found that folding it down over the heel of the shoe made it a lot easier.

As with any winter shoe, these won't be perfectly waterproof and, without a waterproof pant or tight coming down over the top, water running down your leg will eventually reach your foot. But the layered system is a good design which, paired with winter socks, should keep feet from getting totally soaked and cold in most conditions.

I had to get a couple pair before I got 1 that was big enough for heavy wool socks. I usually take a 42 and ended up w a 45. I wanted room for a heat pack too. They are pretty warm, I rode down to 15 w out a heat pack. My feet were cold along w the rest of me but workable. One cleat bolt did not have any metal behind it. The other 2 are holding. I like how they fit and go on. I plan on overboots too if really cold.

So I wanted the Sidis, but my size wasn't available, so I took a gamble on the Garneau Glacier and was pleasantly surprised... after a little modification.

One of the best things about this shoe is how you put it on. The bootie part (above the ankle), easily folds down to get your foot in. It has a lot of padding in the shoe itself so you need to use the loop-deals to get 'em on. As per a previous review, there was mention of getting a size larger, especially if you are going to wear thick socks. I wear a 42, ordered the 43 and that was the ticket. On truly heinous days I wear a thicker sock and liner. On thinner sock days, I drop in my SuperFeet faux orthotic and it fits as well as my 42s.

The main modification I made was taping all the vent holes closed. In Colorado, where it's dry, the vents would be great. in the pacific northwest your shoes are basically scuba boots, so sealing them-up was necessary and it worked fine.

The two wacky things are one, if you don't use SPD cleats the inserts rattle around (great for imitating a tap dancer) and two, the toe of the boot has almost no shape. So your feet look like something a lego person would have. But who cares, your feet are warm!

Thought these might be the answer - sadly no.

I've been commuting in the Canadian Winter for a long time and tried many methods to keep the feet warm. These shoes make your feet sweat in temperatures on either side of 30 degrees F. After 40 minutes toes are then cold.

Truly the best method - thick wool socks, regular bike shoes a size and a half bigger, then loose rain over-booties that are open at the bottom (the waterproof nylon type). If it is really cold I use polypropylene house-socks between my shoes and the rain booties (cut a cleat hole).