Overshoe advice

jamboambo1

Have just started commuting to work and wondering if anyone could recommend something to cover my shoes. I don't wear specific cycling shoes. Is there anthing that will go over ordinary runners and keep my feet dry?

seamus

Looser overshoes should theoretically work. Something like this.

Your main problem is that bike overshoes are designed to wrap around the sole because bike shoes have cleats. On non-bike shoes this might result in you losing grip on the pedal (or becoming accidentally attached to the pedal) and will definitely cause the overshoes to wear out quicker when you walk on them.

If you're using normal pedals, then I'd actually be inclined to recommend that you buy a pair of hiking boots and some thermal socks in Dunnes for about €30. On wet days you can wear these and bring your runners and a change of socks in a bag. When I first started commuting I wore hiking boots and I never had an issue with wet or cold.

BostonB

I found most of those overshoes are very tight fitting. Can't get them over a regular shoe or runner at all.

kincsem

http://www.prendas.co.uk/list.asp?typ=typ&ID=17

wile1000

This thread caught my eye as I was thinking of the same thing (and am in the same situation). I just bought a nice pair of tights to keep the ol' legs warm for the rest of winter which, if paired with my hiking boots, would be setting new fashion trends for sure. (at least I couldn't be accused of being a Fred....or could I?)

I did however wear thick hiking socks with my trainers today which are much better than sports socks for dry/cold days.

BostonB

The overshoes are handy on wet days. keep the shoes from getting covered in dirt, wet, and keeps the wind from your feet/ankles. Just only seemed to be designed for cycling shoes though.

el Bastardo

Any I've seen/used that are meant for normal shoes are no better than plastic bags.

At the moment, I'm using a pair of Gore overshoes that are meant for cycling shoes (which I occasionally use). I find them okay(ish) for getting on over normal runners: My trick is to put the runners into the overshoe before I put my foot into the shoe.

Gore make street-specific overshoes, but I've never read anything good about them. Have a look in wiggle.

Turbulent Bill

BBB Waterflex overshoes work with runners - I used to use them with standard Asics runners, now with Spesh MTB shoes. I'd try them on and buy locally though as it's hard to work out what size you'd need.

Seve OB

I have thought about overshoes myself. I have proper cycling shoes with cleats, but only commute about 10k each way. Therefore, are they really worth it for such a small commute?

BostonB

OVershoes I'd say yes.

I got gortex runners, but they don't work, because you're ankles get wet, which makes your foot wet and your ankle cold anyway. Also too hot. At least the pair I have are. I had a previous pair of clarks gortex shoe/runner and they weren't hot at all. Fit in the overshoes much better. But they wore out. Hence the new runners.

Darkglasses

http://www.hi-tec.com/uk/mens-auckland-wp-brown-dark-brown-yellow.html

I wear these on my commute and find them perfect for the task. The tread is good enough to get a good catch on my pedals, i've never once gotten water into the shoe, and they don't get too hot. Plus, I think they look ok for walking around in.

The price varies radically from shop to shop for these, I bought mine in a hiking shop on Talbot street for 30 EU, but have seen them cost as much as 70 euro in the hiking shop in the Swan Centre in Rathmines. Also saw them on sale for 20 in a shop in Wexford.

cdaly_

stevieob wrote: »

I have thought about overshoes myself. I have proper cycling shoes with cleats, but only commute about 10k each way. Therefore, are they really worth it for such a small commute?

Yep.

14km commute myself and the overshoes go on in the really cold weather and in heavy rain (I don't bother in light rain). Makes a big difference (particularly with my ventilated shoes)...

BostonB

Yeah light rain no point. heavy rain and the cold, definately. 14k each way here too.