Yesterday at the Cheaha Challenge it was in the high 40s low 50s and raining throughout most of the ride. I could not feel my feet from mile 20-60 because they were numb from wet and cold. It was painful down the descents. What is the best shoe cover for conditions like this?
There are various waterproof booties out there, but having used a few good ones for some long rides, you should be aware that the waterproof aspect can only last for so long. Even if the bootie is totally waterproof, water tends to creep in from the top over the time of a long ride. And your socks assist in this process, as they kind of wick the water down the bootie. Even high quality synthetic socks. Most booties do great in cutting the wind and protecting your feet (to a degree) from cold and snow. But water? No so much. Not if your ride is longer than 20 minutes …
Neoprene booties are waterproof - but as has been said - it will run down your legs into them. They will at least keep the windchill off.
Don’t worry about waterproof, worry about warm. Neoprene booties act like wetsuit, they will let some water in if it is wet enough but you have a nick better chance of staying warm. As it gets colder, a vapor barrier layer next to your feet, before your socks (aka plastic bag) will help a lot to keep you warm but you may sweat too much for that. But toe covers may be all you need in those temperatures.
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To hit home the point, when it is wet there is no such thing as waterproof on a bike.
Focus on warm, and to that extent no booties will ever do better than a proper pair of foul weather riding shoes.
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Good point about the toe covers - they can be left on your shoes and won’t slow you down getting in and out of the shoes.
What do you do in the winter though - or are you a lucky soul that doesn’t get winter.
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I got a pair of Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier covers. A little pricey, but worth the money. Easy to put on and keeps the feet dry and warm on wet/cold rides. I’d go a size larger than what you think you need.
Good point about the toe covers - they can be left on your shoes and won’t slow you down getting in and out of the shoes.
What do you do in the winter though - or are you a lucky soul that doesn’t get winter.
Thanks for the laugh. I live in Calgary. We have recorded snow every month of the year although uncommon. So, I’m used to cold weather. But, I normally ride the trainer in winter. But, as I enjoy cycling in the mountains, I’ve learned how to cycle in cool temps (freezing and below). Plus, commuting to work in the AM often means temps close to freezing. For my hour commute I’ll wear mid weight wool socks, cycling shoes and neoprene booties. If it is wet, the wool still insulates as does the neoprene. That’ll work to about -10C. Don’t forget to tape over all metal parts in the sole of your shoe (where the cleats screw in) - a double layer of electricians tape works well. And tape over all vents / ports. If feet are still cold then layer. Super light wicking socks, mid weight wool, shoes, heavy wool sock over shoe, cut out for cleats, the neoprene cover over that. Colder than that, forget the clipons and look into Sorrels (felt lined winter boots) with platform pedals.
To hit home the point, when it is wet there is no such thing as waterproof on a bike.
Focus on warm, and to that extent no booties will ever do better than a proper pair of foul weather riding shoes.
+1 on dedicated cycling-specific winter boots. Expensive up front, but ultimately nicer than dealing with booties over regular shoes (although I still have those for ‘minor’ foul/iffy weather where I might elect to swap them on/off). Be sure to size them a bit roomy for thicker socks; if they’re snug like your regular summer shoes and then you try to stuff thick wool socks in, the crimp in circulation will be worse than having thinner socks ~ but you need to check the manufacturer, though, as some will account for this in their sizing so you get your ‘normal’ size, while other brands keep the fit consistent so you get the next size up.
Another trick I read on here, is to get some cheap long dish gloves and cut the hands/fingers out, then use the leftover sleeve cuffs as gaiters: roll them up your leg, then down over the boot cuff but under your tights/pants, to help keep water from wicking down into the top of your boots.
Also, I personally opted for the MTB-style soles for better footing off the bike in wet leaves and snow and just swap some MTB pedals onto my road bike(s) for the winter, so for those I also used some silicone sealant to plug the gaps in the mounting hole slots around the SPD cleat so water can’t seep in up through the sole that way.