Keeping the feet dry on the commute?

Cianos

Hey there,
I cycle straight to the gym and want to avoid having soaking wet runners while working out.

I'm wondering is it best to get a pair of shoe covers, or maybe keep the runners in the bag and have a pair of waterproof shoes just for cycling?

I was thinking something made out of the same material as crocs (*shudders)?

I've had a look online and see cycling shoes for 200 quid etc, I'm really hoping to solve this for less than 50 quid.

Thanks for any help

mrcheez

Cianos wrote: »

Hey there,
I cycle straight to the gym and want to avoid having soaking wet runners while working out.

I'm wondering is it best to get a pair of shoe covers, or maybe keep the runners in the bag and have a pair of waterproof shoes just for cycling?

I was thinking something made out of the same material as crocs (*shudders)?

I've had a look online and see cycling shoes for 200 quid etc, I'm really hoping to solve this for less than 50 quid.

Thanks for any help

Shoe covers should sort you out. I've a pair similar to these: http://www.wiggle.com/altura-night-vision-city-shoe-covers-1/

and they've lasted me 10 years!

Cianos

mrcheez wrote: »

Shoe covers should sort you out. I've a pair similar to these: http://www.wiggle.com/altura-night-vision-city-shoe-covers-1/

and they've lasted me 10 years!

Do these work when wearing shorts or does it make any difference?

gman2k

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/sealskinz/socks

I've never had wet feet, so I've never had cold feet either.

mrcheez

Cianos wrote: »

Do these work when wearing shorts or does it make any difference?

Yeah I wear them with shorts on occasion, although they end up looking like Doc Martins, so look at little better with longs (if appearance worries you).

Haven't had a problem with water getting in through the top, although you might get the odd drop, but nothing that will leave your shoes "wet".

ectoraige

I bought a pair of overtrousers with build in shoe covers to deal with the same problem - my gym runners getting soaked. I only have a 3km commute so I'm never in heavy rain for long, but it's plenty of time for road-spray to soak the runners. For the price they've done remarkably well, still fine after two years, and they don't take up much room in my bag.

Pinch Flat

I swear by gore bike wears goretex overshoes. Never let me down to date.

barrymanilow

Im in the same boat .

I haven't tried these but I am considering a pair of waterproof mountain bike specific shoes like the Five ten freerider elements , pricey though at around €110 on chain reaction cycles

tomasrojo

A lot of what makes your feet wet is actually the spray from the front wheel, even when you have mudguards. Mudflaps block most of this spray, so they're a big help.

There are a few sites with advice on how to make your own, which I did. I don't think proper ones are that expensive, but I just couldn't find any in the shops.

mrcheez

I have full mudguards but still get spray around the shoes so you really do need to wear overshoes to avoid any splashback.

I even get wet shoes while on the Dublin Bike and they have full mudguards.

You have to account for spray coming from puddles or surrounding traffic as well.

tomasrojo

mrcheez wrote: »

I have full mudguards but still get spray around the shoes so you really do need to wear overshoes to avoid any splashback.

Mudflap is what you need.

mrcheez wrote: »

I even get wet shoes while on the Dublin Bike and they have full mudguards.

They don't have mudflaps.

mrcheez wrote: »

You have to account for spray coming from puddles or surrounding traffic as well.

You don't get splashes from puddles when you have a front mudflap. I guess you can get splashes from passing traffic if they're going through a very deep puddle, but in practice I don't find it a problem. I did use to use overshoes, but I find hiking boots and mudflaps work just fine as they are.

ford2600

tomasrojo wrote: »

Mudflap is what you need.




They don't have mudflaps.


You don't get splashes from puddles when you have a front mudflap. I guess you can get splashes from passing traffic if they're going through a very deep puddle, but in practice I don't find it a problem. I did use to use overshoes, but I find hiking boots and mudflaps work just fine as they are.

Jaysus that's agricultural! Would you make a set for the muck spreader!😀 Makes my effort look artisan

Tomasrojo is right though mudflap on front mudguard is the job. Your drivetrain will be much better off to

tomasrojo

That's not my mudflap. It is a bit rough and ready, isn't it? My ones are made of Avonmore Easy Pour milk jug. They're not pretty either.

I largely followed this site when making mine:
http://phred.org/~alex/bikes/fendermudflap.html

mrcheez

Hardcore. But if it works

07Lapierre

tomasrojo wrote: »

That's not my mudflap. It is a bit rough and ready, isn't it? My ones are made of Avonmore Easy Pour milk jug. They're not pretty either.

I largely followed this site when making mine:
http://phred.org/~alex/bikes/fendermudflap.html

They won't keep your feet dry... should be on the front mudguard!

tomasrojo

07Lapierre wrote: »

They won't keep your feet dry... should be on the front mudguard!