MTB - Wet socks

brian_m

I am getting a bit fed up of wet soggy feet on my open mountain spins from stream crossings and boggy area's etc.
I see that there has been some discussion on waterproof footwear for commuting previously.
Can any mountain bikers share their experience with waterproof socks or SPD winter boots something like these?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=57564

Raam

If you don't wanna get wet, then don't cycle in the wet. I think that's your only solution!

brian_m

I don't mind getting wet in general, it is Ireland and if you want to train you deal with it.. but when your feet get soggy and cold at the start of a winter spin it can be limiting. I get that if your standing knee deep in a stream most likely nothing will keep your feet dry short of a pair of waders... If something like those winter boots/waterproof socks offered any significant benefit in dryness or warm't over standard spd shoes then I would consider forking out for them.
Anyone tried them or similar?

Raam

I bought a similar pair for the road years ago but I didn't like em. They were warm but didn't keep water out any better than a decent pair of overshoes. I dunno if you would wear overshoes on the MTB.

Sealskinz do waterproof socks but I found them more uncomfortable to wear than regular socks. Some folk like em.

seamus

Overshoes will work. Then some insulating tape on the inside of the shoe at the cleat to seal up the holes should prevent water ingress from beneath.
Thicker socks for warmth. Even if you do get wet, the combination of thick socks and good overshoes should keep your feet toasty.

Overshoes will eventually get torn up and a bit raggy underneath, but you should be able to get two winters out of a decent pair. Since these are about €30 a pair, then your €140 winter boots are the same cost as about 8 year's worth of overshoes.

I've no doubt that winter boots are tough and snug, and I've always thought of buying a pair. But they're quite costly for a pair of boots you'd wear for 4 months of the year at most.

Cyclepath

Diving Boots?

C3PO

I use Sealskins all winter on the mountain bike - they work well but let water in eventually! Winter mountain bike boots are great for the really grim days!

langdang

C3PO wrote: »

I use Sealskins all winter on the mountain bike - they work well but let water in eventually!

Even then, it's warm water not freeze-your-feet water. Like you wee'd in your socks or something. I'd imagine anyway...

Enduro

I've found these to be excellent in the past. By far the best, even in deepest winter slushy conditions. If, as is often the case when the weather is really bad, you end up doing a lot of bike pushing then this style really excell over most others.

Overshoes are useless for real mountainbiking. They're unlikely to last more than one or two spins. Sealskins type socks are only marginally usefull, but are blown away by good shoes and warm socks combination.

brian_m

The overshoes idea would be fine for trail centers and fire roads id say but on the open mountain spins i couldn't see them lasting long.

Seal Skinz and boots together sounds as good as it gets then? Can't see myself forking out 30quid for one pair of socks though, any cheaper similar brands out there (Lidl/TK maxx)?

@ Enduro: Those Shimano boots look rugged alright

@ Cyclepath: if they come with cleats ill take a pair

Lusk Doyle

Plastic bags?

rp

If you talking about summer, then SPD sandals are your only man

brian_m

Lusk Doyle wrote: »

Plastic bags?

Yes, winter boots, good socks with plastic bags on over the socks sounds good although id worry that my feet could be wetter from sweat than from the elements. Ill give it a try all the same and see how it goes, cheers

silvo

I have the Shimano Winter Boots (another version of these) that I use when it is really cold and wet. They keep your feet relatively dry and comfortable in the snow / really cold wet weather. If you are riding a lot in cold / mucky conditions, I would definitely recommend getting them. I found a pair on adverts for 30e and they are the sort of thing you can find on ebay for cheap.

For the summer, I have the sealskin socks that are worth paying the extra money for. Although your feet are not kept 100% dry, they keep a good deal of it out and keep your feet warm. As you were saying, I wouldn't bother with overshoes on the MTB as they would get wrecked and torn after a couple of rides.

reilig

Would neoprene socks work? They won't keep the water out but will keep your feet pretty warm. They don't cost a fortune either ~ €10 per pair.