altra lone peak mid

Why would you think these non-insulated UL waterproof fabric mids would be any different in winter conditions than others that have come before it?  If you want a different outcome in winter conditions, then perhaps its best to stop going with a minimalist design in your footwear? Those who like trainers in winter almost always concede to wearing an overboot too while waterproof mid alone can suffice as long as you can dry it out overnight.

My experience says these are adequate for short day hikes where you can keep moving in up to below knee height, soft/compacted snow over gently rolling terrain in fair weather down to about -10C wind chill with thick socks and snow gaiters and no water crossings, intentional or not. Any changes to any one of those variables and you will wish you had a made a different choice. Horses for courses.

That said, Neoshell in footwear is an relatively new and unproven use of the technology. Not sure what it brings to the table other than to expand its market for Polartec.

This 2007 BPL article may be helpful:

Lightweight Footwear System for Snow Travel

Part Two

Rick, I don’t understand what argument you are trying to make against these shoes.

I am interested in them because altra shoes have no heel rise, no arch support, are very flexible, and they have a massive toe box. Altra’s are some of the only shoes that fit my foot. Many other people use altras for the same reasons I just listed. Those are the differences I expect from these shoes over other lightweight waterproof mid-tops.

I expect these shoes to provide a waterpoof barrier and a mid top that when combined with gaiters keeps snow out of my shoes. I also expect neoshell to be fairly breathable at 0.5 cfm while still sufficiently waterproof at 10k hydrostatic head.

I can increase the insulation on my feet by sizing way up and layering multiple thick socks. I don’t see how that is functionally different that an insulated boot with a removable liner. I have smaller feet so I could layer a size medium, large, and extra large thick wool sock and then keep trying on shoe sizes until I find one big enough even if its several sizes larger… assuming I was going into a very cold climate where that level of insulation would be necessary. Sounds ridiculous but I would have a shoe that fits me and keeps my feet happy because it has no heel or arch support.

I also own 40 below overboots.