Commuting - Booty Issues (and no I don't need new shorts)

Can anyone recommend some cheap waterproof shoe coverings? I tried the grocery-bag over the shoe approach and had little luck. They need to either a) be thin enough for my crank bro's cleats to still engage or b) have large enough openings for clipless pedal cleats and c)Be very very waterproof.

I think it's grocery bag UNDER the shoe. That will keep your socks and feet dry. OVER the shoe, I think, will make you look like...what's the word for that?
An insane person. I think.

I looked at a lot of booties (HA HA)... the ones that seem to be waterproof ain't cheap. And none of 'em are cheap this time of year.

If you want waterproof, you need a waterproof fabric with waterproof seams. The Pearl Izumi Amfib seems to fit that bill ($50). I bought a set of the PI Cyclone ($40), but they are not seam sealed, so I'm taking them back, unused.

This $40 Cannondale model is seam sealed, so it sounds waterproof: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=22712&item=10-9650&slitrk=search&slisearch=true

The Belwether Aqua-no looks waterproof to me.

But you might just consider getting new shoes (!!!). The Lake MXZ301 is very well-liked for a winter shoe, and is $140 or $150 at Performance right now. Use the 10%-20% off sale and TP points and you might get it down to a quite reasonable price.

I bought a pair of Sidi Storms off Ebay... Should be here Monday.

I found a pair of Sealskinz waterproof socks at REI's used gear sale for $5. They seem pretty good so far, especially when they're tucked in under some longer pants. Ask me again after a wet and rainy Critical Mass ride tonight.

For the ultimate in frugality the grocery bag concept will work.
I have put a cycling sock on then the bag. Followed by a wool sock and my shoe.
Last time I also had amfib booties and put them on as well. It was a cold wet snowy day and I needed all the help I could find staying warm.

I have some Totes booties.

The bags your newspapers come in work even better. (again, over the sock, inside the shoe) I used that method when I was a paperboy.

I found a pair of Sealskinz waterproof socks at REI's used gear sale for $5. They seem pretty good so far, especially when they're tucked in under some longer pants. Ask me again after a wet and rainy Critical Mass ride tonight.

I have never been able to find booties that fit MTB shoes well. The socks work better and I got the Nashbar version for $10 last week.

I like the Performance neoprene booties (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17558&subcategory_ID=1344). They fit over my Specialized Taho's very well. My Taho's are 11.5 (although they're more like a normal 11) and the size 13 booties fit perfect.

I have Gator brand neopreen booties and they fit over my MT Bike shoes and they work on my crank bros egg beaters. They keep my feet warm and dry. I forget how much I paid, but, as I recall it was less than $40, so that is money well spent for warm, dry feet. Also, my shoes are dry all the time too, which I could see as a disadvantage to trying to layer between your socks and shoes.

PeterMac

I have Louis Garnau stop-zone booties for my Cannondale Roam MTB shoes. They work, but they are super tight. I don't think I'll be using them this winter. Waste of $40. Same with my cannondale winter gloves. I could've done just as fine for $10 at walmart but I spent $40 on these. Waste of money.

Walmart bags and duct tape will work in a pinch. I used them many times.

They do make your feet wet from sweat over longer period. But then all non breathable covers would.

Nashbar sells garneau neoprene covers cheap in the spring/summer - got mine for 16 usd. Be sure to get them 2-3 sizes larger than your shoe or they'll be too tight.

I have two pair of these you just cut out a place for you cleats. The are very lightweight and roll up small.
I have used them for cold as well. Just a little bit cold. Best for carrying for ocasional use. Not the best for everyday use in the winter.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=10114&memberId=12500226

Wow...Thanks much for all the advice. I've got to drop by my LBS for fenders tomorrow, so I thik I'll see if they've got anything as well.

so you put the bags over your socks not your shoes...THATS where I went wrong...lol.

Getting wet feet during the ride doesn't bother me nearly as much as climbing BACK into a pair of cold wet shoes, so I'm definitely going for booties.