I'll second what Richard says, the Shimano W101's are great.

Overtshoes will work very well but they don't like brambles and other thorny bushes, so best left to roadie rides.

I wasn't really considering overshoes (they look c**p). How about a more substatial trail shoe with Seal Skinz? Recommendations?

W101's with SealSkinz would be OK, you'll still get water in in extreme conditions but your feet shouldn't get cold.

i looking to buy some winter MTB shoes but want some that don't look like pontoons on the end of my legs! Any suggestions? I'm currently using Spesh Mountain Pro's.

I have a pair of Shimano Winter boots which are really good and keep the elements out, the Specialised shoes you have are a good shoe but unless you are wearing sealskin socks they arent too good in the wet.
The shimano shoes arnt too bulky, but one thing I miss on them is studs on the toes, but I guess thats something you could add yourself

I've seen some Diadora winter shoes that don't look too bulky, but can't find any reviews for them. Anyone used them?

Shimano W101's great boot comfy and warm, keep your feet dry in most conditions, however not if you imerse your foot in water. Well worth the money, just been out in mine, first time this year - nice warm feet at end of ride.

Glad someone asked this, as my tootsies got a tad chilled today.

So, shoes or overshoes?

And, whatever the answer, which is best?

Overshoes are cheap (£20 compared to what, £70 for the W101s). Neoprene ones are very robust, even when wet act like wetsuits trapping the water and once warmed by the body keeps the feet more comfortable. If it's a case of looks then don't get them, you should concentrate on growing up and getting a pespective.

Can flip off (usually at the toe) when walked in and tend to suffer damage to the strap under the sole.

I always thought overshoes were for roadies only, but I've just got some Planet X overshoes and they are really fantastic.

Part of the problem I have is that waterproof socks are a bit too thick for my shoes, so I end up getting cold feel through lack of blood flow. The overshoes solve this problem and keep my feet nice and warm.

I've not had them out in proper mud and tried walking with them in nasty conditions yet though. But they're much better off road than I thought they would be and I wouldn't rule them out.

Shimano winter boots for me, a size larger than normal so I can wear some good chunky socks.
They're waterproof to the ankle but on really wet rides (like last Thursday night) water will seep down through leggings leading to the boot filling up after about an hour.

I use Sidi Invernoswhich are a narrower fit so you may need to go up a size for comfort.

When I was looking for winter shoes these had all the features I was looking for. Neoprene velcro'd ankle gator, deep tread, Toe studs, and waterproof.

Can't say I was impressed with my W101s.
Not really waterproof and my feet still got cold. Ended up using a pair of neoprene overshoes with them..with defeats the whole point of buying then in the first place :o(