As Autumn approaches, I am going to have to make upgrades in the footwear department because (a) I am not going to stop riding when it gets cold and wet and (b) my feet don't getting cold and wet. I currently wear Shimano shoes with lots of ventilation holes in them.

So, should I buy a new pair of SPD shoes, in a boot/trainer style, which may keep water and cold at bay? Or should I by some waterproof socks, which may do the same job?

Any suggestions?

waterproof / thermal socks would definitely be cheaper :-)
I have Sealskinz thermals & apart from the initial coldness as the water hits, my feet are soon toasty & warm again.
They come to mid calf, so if the water is any deeper (eg river crossings) it'll still go over the top & run down the inside, just like wellies...end of warm/dry feeling. I think you can get them in knee length too.

I don't intend to do any river crossings - most of my cycling now is done at night. I have trouble enough negotiating what I can see, let alone what would be covered by a foot of water!

I can recommend the Sidi Invernos for warmth and water protection. I found that even with 'water proof' socks the ventilation of my summer shoes helped my feet lose a lot of heat (which is what the ventilation is there for) especially when wet.

I've just checked out the price of the Sidis - a bit out of my reach. I suppose that really I should think about a mixture of a cheap warm shoe and some waterproof socks and give that a go. If I hunt around, I dare say I'll find a combo for less than £60 (which is about the max that I can go to without the wife demanding something uon return!).

2 pairs of waterproof socks, shoes never keep water out in heavy rain which will happen a few times in the next 6 months. I hate having to leave my shoes out to dry all the time but with the socks i can use them when they aren't fully dry and give the shoes an extra day to dry out properly.

Waterproof socks are great, when you realise that they are not infallible. i got a shock when i tested my sealskins out by stepping into an icy puddle on ingleborough last winter. the shock of cold made me think that i had wasted my money. but getting out again showed that my feet where just cold, not wet, and warmed up pretty quickly again.
sadly, the performance didn't last all that long, and now, admittedly after about 60 rides and 60 washes, they tend to leak a bit.

and of course, when water goes over the top, it stays there, but gets nice and warm, and still stops icy cold water flowing into the shoe...

How about getting some overshoes? You could either go for neoprene to keep everything warm, but soggy or goretex to keep your feet dry, but slightly cooler.

I can recommend Altura Shields. They only cost £25 and do a good job of keeping your feet warm and dry. They have only let me down when it comes to river crossings, or stupidly heavy rain when water has seeped in through the top after soaking my tights.

If you have big toe studs on your shoes it may be a problem getting overshoes to fit properly so try before you buy...

Its alot cheaper and just as effective to get some neoprene overshoes and some waterproof socks as it is to get proper winter shoes.

They whole setup is more versatile aswell, including the ability to sread the cost (you won't, for example, need the over shoes straight away).

Just make sure your shoes are large enough that the blood supply in your feet isn't constricted. Thats just as bad as no socks.

I've got some overshoes already, but whereas I find them OK for commuting, I'm not keen on them for cross country.

Kind of made your own decision then eh?

I'd have to agree with old Burgess. I run some lusso neoprene overshoes and some Porelle drys (sealskinz as they are now) and while eventually water will get through where the cleat attaches...I never get cold feet.

Tom - I obviously get brand new ones for each ride though:-)

Sort of, Colin. I was just going to buy some socks, but having read the comments by everyone, it does appear that I should go for the shoes as well (though I hadn't actually considered overshoes and waterproof socks for the commute).

Thanks to all for the input.

I've sat down and thought all your comments through (and remembered that I was in toeclips last year, not clipless) and I've ordered some sealskinz. I'll give them a go with overshoes before commiting more cash.

See Colin, it was worth posting!

You'll find that they (sealskinz and overshoes) will work fine at keeping your feet dry and warm. I just don't like the thought of cycling in rubber booties.

It's personal taste really.

:)