Greetings!
I joined some 10 minutes ago, and was having a look at what others wrote as an intro to give me an idea what to write for my own. However, your question struck so deep that I have to answer before my intro.
I've been riding year round for 20 years on 2 continents on crappy old nails- so I know the cold. The BEST: cheapest, longest lasting and most comforatble motorcycle gear that can possible be had is a pair of "old generation" British combat boots. With felt insoles and fiherman's/
lumberjack thermal socks you can survive hours of -10C and lower riding. And i have to be careful- diabetic toes. I have a pair of oxfords for teaching in, and a pair of combat boots for wearing the rest of the time. They are like slippers (you get used to the weight). They polish easily, can be re-soled or healed. And, if you're in Aberdare, there is a place that sells them for 15GBP! (the pair I'm wearing now) Worth the ride from London! Beautiful riding country too- Brecon to Merthyr. Only thing (apart form hotgrips and bar muffs) that lets me survive Canadian winters.
ex-Merthyr boy