Commuting - dry feet

[defblade]

While the weather is lovely at the mo, I'm about to start commuting by bike and live in Wales, so it's not going to be lovely for long!

I have decent riding waterproofs... all the way down to my ankles.

Are there any overshoes that will keep my shoes and socks dry? They have to be genuinely available in "clown" as I have size 12.5/48 feet and wear Dr Martens!


Or is it give up and just keep the work shoes (and spare socks?) at work?
I know from previous experience this is a bit of a PITA and I will leave work in the wrong shoes if I'm driving instead one day...

[bigdom]

I have the similar size feet (50), cycling overshoes won't go over DM's.

Having commuted via pedal and motorbikes, these might work. Other brands and shops are available

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...

They will be a bit flappy on the chain side, but nothing an elastic band won't solve.

[frisbee]

Mudguards, especially mudguards with a flap that comes down near the road make the biggest difference.

[Harpoon]

Spatz get good reviews if you don't mind the looks...

https://www.spatzwear.com/products/roadman-3-super...

https://road.cc/content/review/spatz-roadman-3-ove...

My winter footwear has been a pair of Shimano MTB winter boots (not waterproof) and heavyweight waterproof socks. They will eventually get overwhelmed in torrential rain though. I did buy some Northwave Celsius R GTX boots last summer as they were on offer but don't think I've been out in heavy rain to properly test them yet.

[GSE]

The only ones that I have found to be 100% waterproof are these:

Ex-Ministry Of Defence NBC overshoes, £4.99 on ebay

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170248215385

[Domski86]

I used to do a 15 mile commute mid-winter in Yorkshire. Tried waterproofs, winter boots, overshoes the lot. Nothing will 100% stop water ingress. The best solution was to accept some dampness, stay warm, and have somewhere to dry the gear at the other end.

The problem with going full on waterproof is during a long commute going anything above meandering pace will really make you sweat.

The best compromise was a decent lightweight and breathable raincoat, winter bibs and Specialised Defroster winter boots. Echoing others, decent full length mudguards are a must otherwise all the gear in the world won't stop you getting a muddy wet arse.

[gangzoom]

I use these. They work OK, but the problem is they are messy to put on/take off when wet. I keep a spare pair of shoes/socks at work, but now that I've got a pannier, just throw in a set of dry sock/shoes is probably what I'll do this winter.

Just also bear in mind with overshoes toe clips don't work well at all, and I suspect nor do most clipless systems.

[bigdom]

Harpoon said:

I did buy some Northwave Celsius R GTX boots last summer as they were on offer but don't think I've been out in heavy rain to properly test them yet.

You'll still get wet feet.

I have some of those and a pair from Lake. The weak point is the cuff. When I used to commute pre lockdown i had some neoprene cones made up that slipped over the bibs/leg warmers covering the cuff, but once they get wet, even if DWR coated, it just leaks down inside. The commuter bike has SKS full length guards.

If we ever get asked to go back into the office more than once every few weeks, I think the Spatz might be worth a try. I just ended up pluging in shoe dryers under my desk, so always started off in dry shoes again.

[Arnold Cunningham]

I never solved dry feet, so I settled for warm feet. Neoprene overshoes worked for me.

[defblade]

Thought I'd said I've got full length mudguards already in the first post... but can see I forgot...

Commuting bike has dual-sided pedals, SPD/flat, so no worries about clipping in.
And it's being converted to electric power, so no worries about sweaty, either

I think I'll order a pair of the Oxford Rainseal for now - although I'm tempted by the shear ugliness of the NBC boots!

Thanks folks

[Downward]

Waterproof socks

https://www.outdoorgb.com/p/DexShell_Everyday_Wate...

[Wildfire]

for the full waterproof effect, the best thing is waterproof trousers and then waterproof socks. Your shoes will still get wet, but feet stay dry. However it does predicate on you being able to dry your socks out before the ride home. Or have 2 pairs of socks.

I have Goretex shoes, but I've found the water leaks over the top into the shoe.

[irc]

Def full length mudguards and a good mudflap on the front one. Keeps spray from the road off you.

Thereafter for the legs I found Rainlegs surprisingly good. Keeps your legs dry while not getting you wet from the inside from condensation. £22 on Amazon.

https://road.cc/content/review/56364-rainlegs-wind...

[mooseracer]

Spatz are brilliant, but probably overkill for commuting

[JEA1K]

Mudguards and Spatz is the only way to keep feet dry/warm. I've been through lots of shoe covers over the years and if I'm honest, I don't bother riding if its too cold/wet but this combo is the only way to ensure you're not miserable.

[Gruffy]

As above, trying to keep your feet dry is a fool's errand. Full mudguards and Spatz are my solution to keeping warm. Dry shoes and socks waiting for you at the office.

[Ashfordian]

As mentioned by someone earlier, you cannot keep your feet dry so it is better to go for warm feet. The reason your shoes will get wet is there is a big hole in the top when your leg/foot goes. Water will either run or seep down your leg into your shoes. Your socks will do the same because they have the same hole at the top problem.

The only other tip I can provide that definitely works, is once your shoes are wet, stuff them with newspaper and they will be dry for the return or next days commute. I stopped looking for shoe drying solutions once I started with this

[IJWS15]

Simple

When I used to commute on a bike if it was raining in the morning I went in the car. If it was raining in the evening I got changed when I got home. I was never wet for long.

[jim3]

After 15 years of all weather commuting and having initially tried a fair few different overshoes, the best I have found are a combination of mudguards (obvs), merino socks and Planet X neoprene Velcro overshoes (<£15). I basically buy a pair until they wear out (~4y) and replace. As others have said, they’re not totally waterproof but very close and always keep my feet warm. This is on an 11 mile each way commute in Yorkshire including all winter.

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CLCAOSH/carnac-neopr...

[defblade]

defblade said:

I think I'll order a pair of the Oxford Rainseal for now

These definitely fit over my DMs... I'll need to wear them on the "wrong" feet though, as the zip bulges towards the inside and I'd worry it'd rub on the chainrings.