Shoe covers (or other tricks) for commuting in shorts

Question

I commute to work by bike, very often in casual shorts and waterproof North Face sneakers. Provided I don't want to change my clothes (in particular I don't want to get SPD etc.), is there a good way to keep my feet dry when it's raining?

In particular, would shoe covers be of any help? My impression is that most of the rain gets into my sneakers by streaming down along my ankles/socks, which is why I have doubts if shoes covers would be of any help when I cycle in shorts (but I've never really used them so please correct me if I'm wrong).

In case it's of any importance - if I wear the same clothes and just go for a walk/jog, then my feet stay dry for much longer. Ideal solution would allow my feet to stay dry for a similar amount of time when I cycle.

Answer 1

if I wear the same clothes and just go for a walk/jog, then my feet stay dry for much longer

Do you have mudguards (fenders) on your bike? If not your feet are in the spray from the front wheel and will get wet unless you wear over-boots. Or gumboots.

For cycling when the roads are wet mudguards make a huge different to your comfort. You'll stay dryer because the rain will only hit you from above, rather than spraying up from your wheels as well.

Gary.Ray's answer deals well with the actual shoe cover question. What I would add is that plastic bags and rubber bands work well as a short-term solution for one trip, but they don't last long. But that might help you decide whether shoe covers are worth having at all.

Answer 2

The main thing that would determine whether or not a particular brand or style of shoe cover will help would be the closure around your ankle, above the top of the shoe.

A standard, non-cycling over-shoe or shoe cover like those made by Totes and other manufacturers will usually cover most of the shoe, but the opening is wide and water will run down your leg into the shoe.

A cycling specific shoe cover will usually have some kind of opening in the back that zips closed. When you place your foot into the cover it zips partly up your leg and will stop most of the water from running into your shoe. I personally use neoprene covers, but covers of other materials may work just find as long as they close relatively tightly against your leg. If the closure is not quite tight enough, wearing an old-fashioned terry cloth sweat wrist band above your ankle and under the shoe cover would help absorb any water that leaks in. I have a set of 2" wide reflective bands with a terry cloth backing that I occasionally overlapping the top edge of mine if I think the rain will be torrential.

Since you are wearing a shoe that is not cycling specific, you will likely want to visit your local bike shop or outdoor retailer to try the covers on. If you buy online based on the size of your shoe you will likely want to order a size up at least to account for the additional sole support and padding in a normal shoe.

Answer 3

I used to ride in almost exactly the same gear as you (gym shorts rather than casual shorts), so I know where you're coming from.

The mudguards (US: fenders) help a little, but not if it's actually raining while you're riding, as you basically ride into the rain drops.

It's not the shorts, cycling tights/running leggings will do the same. Even waterproof overtrousers are of limited help as the headwind from riding tends to push them against your shin. And you get so hot you'll be almost as wet from sweat ("breathable" kit doesn't work too well with a film of wtare on the outside while you're actively sweating ). I haven't tried shoe covers but would only consider them in the winter -- in summer (even UK summer) I'd rather get rained on than boil.

One thing that I found was that after riding for 40 minutes in waterproof shoes I could at least wring my socks out and sometimes pour the water out (you can't always stop pedalling for puddles, e.g. a little dip on an uphill). In hot weather (sometimes with sudden downpours) I wore sports sandals, and the water just went straight through and out the other side. Now I've got SPDs I've got ventilated shoes (even on the sole) and the water can't accumulate.

My suggestion: Go for shoe covers when it's cold, but in warmer weather choose shoes that can't fill up with water (also maybe no socks). Either way a change of shoes/socks on arrival is probably appropriate, even though you have a .ac.uk homepage listed and can probably wear what you like.

Answer 4

Like you say, your feet get wettest from the rain running down your legs and into your shoes. The only way to stop this is a shoe cover system that seals at your ankle. I don't know of a commercially available system like this but if you are truly serious you could make something with bags and rubber bands.

Suggestions about fenders are well and good but on more than one occasion I've had the wind just right that an entire fender-load of water poured into my shoe.

You are fighting a losing battle. The better bet is to keep dry shoes at work or carry some with you.

Answer 5

Although I personally wear overshoes and SPDs, the best you can really expect in a prolonged downpour is that water enters your shoes slowly enough your feet can warm it up - they'll still be wet eventually, but not cold.

I suspect the best system for casual clothes is actually to stick a rain cape/poncho over the top - the cycling-specific ones are designed to attach at the wrists, so they cover you completely.

You should still get mudguards if you can, both to stop your front wheel spraying your feet, and because it's much better for your drivetrain.