Yes, proper fenders make a great difference. This sort of fenders (see below) with long mudflaps made me forget wet feet entirely. And they protect the bottom bracket to a such extent that during one particularly wet and dirty spring i didn't need to clean it once. Also, people riding behind do appreciate good fenders on your bike.

These are Gilles Berthoud fenders, a bit on the heavy side.


SKS longboard are my second favorite. The rear fender does let through a tiny bit of spray, but the front one is as good as Berthoud fenders (excuse me for posting this picture twice in this thread)