better shoes covers for light rain

alex_k

Well-Known Member
I did 25 miles at lunch today. My feet were soaking wet when i got to home.

my gore softshell covers definitely are not good for rainy days. Can anyone suggest something better?

thanks
-Alex
 
Any of the soft shell shoe covers will get your feet wet eventually. Most brands now make a rubber looking cover, which I have no tried but reviews looks ok. Really limited to warm weather rain rides because no insulation.
 
Any of the soft shell shoe covers will get your feet wet eventually. Most brands now make a rubber looking cover, which I have no tried but reviews looks ok. Really limited to warm weather rain rides because no insulation.

yes, it seems you are right.

is this time to switch to mtb pedals ugly lake shoes?
 
Castelli Diluvio - Halter's had them last year maybe they still do...

Any of the soft shell shoe covers will get your feet wet eventually. Most brands now make a rubber looking cover, which I have no tried but reviews looks ok. Really limited to warm weather rain rides because no insulation.

I have tried a dozen shoe covers of varied brands and styles. NONE have kept my feet dry. Even plastic bags didn't work. Some may keep you drier longer than others but all will eventually let the water in. Sometimes through the hole in the bottom for the shoe cleat. Others let water in at the leg. Others just soak through.

The thinner/tighter rubbery ones are no better than the thick warm neoprene types. Just accept that your feet will be wet at some point.

The best technique for drier feet is having FULL FENDERS on the bike. Water from the front tire hits the down tube and goes to the side right into the path of your feet. Water off the rear tire hit the seat tube and chain stays which also directs the water towards your feet. The use of full fenders will catch and direct the water towards the ground. Far less water hits your feet and you will stay drier longer.
 
I have tried a dozen shoe covers of varied brands and styles. NONE have kept my feet dry. Even plastic bags didn't work. Some may keep you drier longer than others but all will eventually let the water in. Sometimes through the hole in the bottom for the shoe cleat. Others let water in at the leg. Others just soak through.

The thinner/tighter rubbery ones are no better than the thick warm neoprene types. Just accept that your feet will be wet at some point.

The best technique for drier feet is having FULL FENDERS on the bike. Water from the front tire hits the down tube and goes to the side right into the path of your feet. Water off the rear tire hit the seat tube and chain stays which also directs the water towards your feet. The use of full fenders will catch and direct the water towards the ground. Far less water hits your feet and you will stay drier longer.

Thanks Ben, I hear you. I've been thinking about a cheap rain bike with fenders quite a while. with more rainy days it might be justified :hmmm:
 
how about Gore socks

Tried those too. Your feet will remain dry as long as the water does not get in above the ankle elastic. That will happen if used on the road.

The problem is that your feet will be swimming in wet shoes and likely cold. At that point, they may as well be wet. The socks may also cause your feet to sweat more. Like many of the water proof products, "They keep the rain out but keep the sweat in!"

I would go for the socks is used off-road in a situation where you suspect you may get splashed in a water crossing or something. If used in continuous wet conditions, it isn't going to matter.
 
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Have been thinking about toe covers for those days when neoprene shoe covers are overkill. Glad to hear that I don't need to stress about this decision.

I like fenders but I hate how I can't sweep my tires. Where should I move, so I don't have to ride through piles of broken glass?
 
I like fenders but I hate how I can't sweep my tires. Where should I move, so I don't have to ride through piles of broken glass?

George, you just need to move out of the hood bro.

I have a winter/foul weather road bike. When it gets real shitty, I put MTB pedals on it and wear my winter MTB shoes. Warm, Dry happy feet.
 
I bought sks raceblades fenders from Halter's. They can be installed and removed in few seconds. I have not tested then in real bad weather but my bike and shoes are not that dirty as before.

still thinking about a winter road bike with super long fenders.
 
I bought sks raceblades fenders from Halter's. They can be installed and removed in few seconds. I have not tested then in real bad weather but my bike and shoes are not that dirty as before.

still thinking about a winter road bike with super long fenders.

SKS now makes "Raceblades Long" which have a lot more coverage than the original Raceblades. Might just be the answer to your prayers. Unless you are looking for an excuse to N+1, in which case carry on with the fully fendered winter bike plan.
 
SKS now makes "Raceblades Long" which have a lot more coverage than the original Raceblades. Might just be the answer to your prayers. Unless you are looking for an excuse to N+1, in which case carry on with the fully fendered winter bike plan.

my fork/frame (CAAD10) do not have tabs so those fenders can be installed only attaching to front/rear axles. I don't trust this solution not saying how difficult to change a flat tire.

and probably I'm looking for an excuse 😉
 
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Good enough answer for me. You have been N+1 approved.

I've actually not tried the Raceblades Long but was considering getting a set. Axle clips sound a bit wonky though. There is always Velo Orange p-clamps to "add" eyelets to your frame.
 
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