should I get lycra shoe covers for ROK?

flatface

only new to clipped in shoes and I didn't really wanna have to buy any more gear this month but...
if its gonna possibly thunder down a few times on Saturday, would you recommend shoe covers or just get wet? With the vents I imagine they get wet faster than runners.

CheGuedara

flatface wrote: »

only new to clipped in shoes and I didn't really wanna have to buy any more gear this month but...
if its gonna possibly thunder down a few times on Saturday, would you recommend shoe covers or just get wet? With the vents I imagine they get wet faster than runners.

If it's going to get wet (and it's Kerry so you can almost bet on it) I would strongly recommend overshoes for the ROK. But not lycra ones - they'll be as much use as a chocolate fireguard in rain, what you'll need are neoprene ones and you don't need to spend a packet on them, the BBB ones most shops *should* have in stock are absolutely fine.

Also if it is pouring down on the day consider putting a pair or two of dry socks in a zip-loc in your back pocket for a change 1/2 way through the day.

Chips Lovell

Lyrca shoe covers are not waterproof. I wear them alright in wet weather just to keep my shoes clean. Personally, I wouldn't dream of wearing big waterproof overshoes this weekend. The weather is way to warm for that.

petethedrummer

I still get wet feet with shoe covers. It can come up through the hole for the cleats bottom. Though I'm sure you can cover the wholes up with vaseline or something. I prefer to use sealskinz socks. They have extra-light, cycling length, white ones that don't break any euro rules.

Thing is they are more expensive than shoe covers, but I detest having wet feet on a bicycle. If its only showers, your feet might not get too wet and dry out quickly when it stops. So you could be fine with nothing.
You could make your own with sandwich bags and insulating tape.

DirkVoodoo

I too wear shoe covers just to keep my shoes clean, they are not waterproof at all.

Chips Lovell

petethedrummer wrote: »

You could make your own with sandwich bags and insulating tape.

I dare you to.

Raam

sock style overshoes for me. White, naturally

blorg

I use BBB Waterflex overshoes if it is really wet, but in summer I tend to just wear sandals, doesn't matter so much if they get wet. Sealskins are also a good bet but hope the ultra-light ones are that, I have the "mid weight" ones and they are EXCEEDINGLY warm (warmest pair of socks I have full stop.)

biker_joe

I'll give yis all a little tip, don't tell anyone ....

Cling Film ... cheap, and water proof ... wrap it over your shoes a few times and then put on your overshoes ....I use this riding stage races, cos putting wet shoes the next day is just the pits !!!

Biker joe.

Caroline_ie

biker_joe wrote: »

Cling Film ... cheap, and water proof ... wrap it over your shoes a few times and then put on your overshoes

Yes! I've tried that and it worked ... only the day I did it it didn't rain
It's great under white lycra over shoes, because your feet are dry AND you still look super euro

petethedrummer

el tonto wrote: »

I dare you to.

I won't but I have seen a commuter or two with over shoes made from shopping bags and elastic bands.

petethedrummer

blorg wrote: »

Sealskins are also a good bet but hope the ultra-light ones are that,

Well i'm like a snake in some respects, in that I am cold blooded.....in the feet, so I can't guarantee they won't be too warm for anyone else. I had them on last sunday for the TOL.

scottreynolds

There's only two things to say here really.

1. You shouldn't be going out without shoe covers matching your kit.
2. Water is wet so harden up, suck it in, and ride. Water won't hurt you.

Raam

scottreynolds wrote: »

Water won't hurt you.

Not even hard water?

scottreynolds

Raam wrote: »

Not even hard water?

not if.............. Your shoe covers match your kit.

flatface

I will save my cash for the post cycle pints instead so. I think heavy overshoes would be way too hot for comfort. I dont mind a little water all right - just didn't want to be the only one with wet feet in the pub. Will bring along a zip-lock set of spares - thanks for the good idea!

FrankGrimes

I've got BBB Waterflex overshoes and I wear them most of the time mainly cos my shoes are like sieves and I ain't got nothing to prove to nobody by spending a day cycling in wet socks when simiply whacking these on can avoid that.


Oh, that and because I pride myself on being non-Euro in as many ways as possible.

flatface

FrankGrimes wrote: »

I've got BBB Waterflex overshoes

How toasty do they get on a sunny day? Do you get water coming in down the top? They look like they would be lighter than the Neoprene ones

FrankGrimes

I wouldn't generally wear them on a sunny day but did wear them for all of the Wicklow 200 as it looked like rain was imminent for much of it and the feet never got too hot cos there's still reasonable breathability with them on. If it's absolutely bucketing down water will get in the top but they do a very effective job overall.

petethedrummer

I actually have one spare overshoe. The zip in the other one fell apart. Do you want a loan of it? One dry foot is better than 2 wet feet.

el tel

How about waterboots with toe-clips & straps or a skin-tight rubber suit?

In Kerry you never can be too careful.

flatface

Thanks Pete for the offer, but I think one shoe cover would play on my mind, I would just spend 6 hours comparing my feet! Hmmn warmer on the left but the right one cuts through the air faster...

blorg

FrankGrimes wrote: »

I wouldn't generally wear them on a sunny day but did wear them for all of the Wicklow 200 as it looked like rain was imminent for much of it and the feet never got too hot cos there's still reasonable breathability with them on. If it's absolutely bucketing down water will get in the top but they do a very effective job overall.

This is my experience as well, I wouldn't tend to overheat in the Waterflex and they are reasonably good at keeping the water out. I have heard the Neoprene ones can get seriously heavy when wet (besides not being as effective regarding keeping water out, I believe they are more about warmth- too warm in the summer.)

ROK ON

Yes by all means buy me some overshoes. White, blue or red please.

FrankGrimes

blorg wrote: »

This is my experience as well, I wouldn't tend to overheat in the Waterflex and they are reasonably good at keeping the water out. I have heard the Neoprene ones can get seriously heavy when wet (besides not being as effective regarding keeping water out, I believe they are more about warmth- too warm in the summer.)

My ones are the Neoprene ones (kinda like wetsuit material) and they're grand. They aren't as waterproof as PU ones probably are but most water problems I've had has been water getting in at the bottom of the shoe (sealing the holes made a big improvement). Haven't noticed them getting heavier when wet - they don't seem to soak in the water. I could see how polyurethane wouldn't be very breathable and how it would lead to heating up and plenty of sweating but I find the neoprene ones regulate the temperature reasonably well while keeping the feet dry in moderate rain.

flatface

ROK ON wrote: »

Yes by all means buy me some overshoes. White, blue or red please.

that's your Christmas present sorted so.