waterproof shoe covers

May 28, 2005 6:52 AM

I'm looking for waterproof shoe covers to use while biking in the rain.

I've been biking to work daily, including on rainy days. The only thing that's been getting wet is my feet (I have a rain suit). Any suggestions on cheaper alternatives to the covers offered by Performance, etc? If I use fleece-lined covers, will my feet become too warm in the spring and summer? Do non-fleece-lined neoprene covers exist? I have not been able to find any on ebay or elsewhere. As far as I understand, lycra is not waterproof.

PS - how do I post a link?

posted by cahlers to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (10 answers total)

maybe this is too cheap, but one solution is to wear plastic bags inside your shoes (whether inside our outside your socks is a matter of choice, i guess). it's not that healthy, and you get sweaty, but at least the feet stay warm.

you post a link by typing <a href="http://link.address.here/blah/blah>link text here</a> which gives text here. or use the "link" button below this text window, if one appears on your browser.
posted by andrew cooke at 7:01 AM on May 28, 2005

sorry the link above should be link text here (missed "link").
posted by andrew cooke at 7:02 AM on May 28, 2005

I just use New Balance waterproof walking shoes. Not the best things to bike in, but better than getting my feet soaked and than plastic bags (yuck!).
posted by grouse at 8:22 AM on May 28, 2005

Have you seen these? (Of course, if you're using clipless pedals, these won't work unless you cut a hole in the bottom.)

Mr R has them, and they seem to work fairly well. He used plastic bags (over his shoes) for a while, and while they work just fine for keeping his feet dry, they were annoying (at best) if he had to walk anywhere.
posted by jlkr at 8:31 AM on May 28, 2005

Response by poster: I use clipless pedals. I prefer something form-fitting, designed for bike shoes, like this, but I'm not sure if these might not be too warm in the spring/summer in the DC area.

I'm on the verge of getting the above, just thought I'd throw the question out to the metafilter crowd to see what else there is.
posted by cahlers at 8:49 AM on May 28, 2005

Clipless SPD sandals by Shimano. Feet get wet, feet get dry. I hate booties, and in the winter I just use winter cycling shoes.
posted by fixedgear at 11:10 AM on May 28, 2005

I have been bike commuting for about eight years now, and tried many different types and brands of booties. The best I've come across are the ones made by BBB Parts, and I use them for long rides in wet or very cold weather.

However, I'm of similar mindset to fixedgear. For rides less than half an hour (my commute to work falls into that category), I just prefer to go sockless and not worry about my feet getting wet. Booties are a real pain to put on/take off, and they make you look like a total dork.
posted by randomstriker at 4:04 PM on May 28, 2005

Best answer: Neoprene shoe covers will be very hot. If it is just rain, let them get wet. Bicycle shoes dry out quickly, unless you get the rare real leather ones. Don't use bags, your feet will be just as wet from your own sweat. All the shoe covers I know really keep your feet hot when the temperature rises about about 45 F, the neoprene above 35 F. If you must, the wind covers from most manufacturers are reasonably water resistant and the least hot of all.
posted by caddis at 6:41 PM on May 28, 2005

Best answer: Here is a pair of neoprene rain booties by Assos. I don't know this product, but my guess is that it will be most comfortable in 40 to 50 F wet weather. However, Assos stuff is really top notch. You may pay too much, but the quality is great. For cold weather I like the AmFib products, including the booties, from Pearl Izumi. From my experience, when it is really cold these products take comfort about ten degrees lower than their competitors.
posted by caddis at 7:29 PM on May 28, 2005

Assos stuff is waaaay overpriced, for the Porsche Cayenne / Mercedes M-class crowd. Certainly not "a cheaper alternative to the covers offered by Performance". Granted, it is top-notch quality, but it is overkill for bike commuting. The first time you scuff them, you will cry like a baby.
posted by randomstriker at 4:38 PM on May 29, 2005