Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Commuting
Reload this Page >

Staying dry

Search
Notices
Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

Staying dry

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-22-10, 01:55 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 16
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Staying dry

Ok, having just finished my morning commute into London, does anyone have any tips for keeping dry feet
I've got sealskinz socks that come up to my calf, neoprene overshoes and a front mudguard on my racing bike (23mm tyres) and yet my feet are soaking? Should I just give up and wear normal socks that will dry quickler?

I do about 10 miles so I'm only looking at 30 -40 minutes out there but it's bugging me!!!

Thanks

M
martint235 is offline  
Old 02-22-10, 03:06 AM
  #2  
Subjectively Insane
 
MilitantPotato's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Saint Louis, Missouri
Posts: 801

Bikes: '09 Rodriguez Adventurer Custom, '08 Trek 7.3Fx

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Rain paints...
MilitantPotato is offline  
Old 02-22-10, 04:04 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
rumrunn6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,552

Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0

Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,584 Times in 2,344 Posts
how did you feet get wet?

I use rubber overboots and my feet stay dry. these also help cut the wind and cold. I use wool sock liners and wool socks. and sometimes chemical hand or toe warmers.

today was dry and warmer so I just wore strong walking shoes with the liners and socks

Last edited by rumrunn6; 02-22-10 at 07:09 AM.
rumrunn6 is offline  
Old 02-22-10, 07:00 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
commo_soulja's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: C-Ville
Posts: 1,251

Bikes: are fun to ride

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 33 Post(s)
Liked 35 Times in 23 Posts
Full coverage fenders would help keeping your feet dry. I use PB and you'll be surprised how they help keep you and bike dry. Still won't help keep you dry from the falling rain.
commo_soulja is offline  
Old 02-22-10, 07:09 AM
  #5  
Steel is real, baby!
 
frpax's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Boise, ID
Posts: 2,532

Bikes: 1984 Pinarello, 1986 Bianchi Portofino, 1988 Bianchi Trofeo, 1989 Specialized Allez, 1989 Specialized Hard Rock, 2001 Litespeed Tuscany

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Liked 7 Times in 7 Posts
How I stay dry:

I live in the desert.


Sorry I'm no help, I'm just in one of my moods today!
frpax is offline  
Old 02-22-10, 07:27 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Iceland
Posts: 273
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Why are your feet wet?
Do you have a direct spray from the front wheel onto your feet? (you need bigger fender and mudguard).
Does the water leak from above into the overshoes? (wear your pants outside the overshoes)
Do the overshoes wet through? (try better type or silicon spray those you have).
__________________
My advice is free of charge and of respective quality.
1982 Miyata 912
1998 Wheeler 5900 with front and rear air cushion suspension
2015 Canyon Spectral 7.0 EX
j3ns is offline  
Old 02-22-10, 06:04 PM
  #7  
member
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SF bay area
Posts: 319

Bikes: 33yr old mtn bike

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Don't try to seal your feet, I've found that the sweat builds up and they still end up wet and then cold. I like good socks that are comfortable and insulating when damp or wet. I also wear booties over the shoes that shunt some of the water from getting in.
But there is no perfect solution as far as I know.
buzzbee is offline  
Old 02-23-10, 09:13 AM
  #8  
Squeaky Wheel
 
woodway's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Newcastle, WA
Posts: 1,661
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 75 Post(s)
Liked 87 Times in 50 Posts
Expensive, but if you ride in wet weather a lot, oh so worth it:

https://www.lakecycling.com/mxz302-p-111.html
woodway is offline  
Old 02-23-10, 12:32 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: North of Boston
Posts: 5,721

Bikes: Kona Dawg, Surly 1x1, Karate Monkey, Rockhopper, Crosscheck , Burley Runabout,

Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 854 Post(s)
Liked 111 Times in 66 Posts
Flat pedals, goretex pants, waterproof winter boots, full fenders. Works for me.
Leebo is offline  
Old 02-23-10, 01:47 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
ortcutt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Cambridge MA
Posts: 289
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I agree with buzzbee. I focus on keeping my feet not dry, but warm: full-coverage fenders, platform pedals, cheap plastic gardening/Croc-style clogs, and wool hiking socks with silk liners. With this setup, my feet are the last thing I'm liable to complain about on a rain-sodden commute. The clogs -- obviously unaffected by the water -- perform surprisingly well. The socks are just about dry by the time I set out for the return trip.
ortcutt is offline  
Old 02-23-10, 03:33 PM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 61
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Are you more concerned about your feet getting wet during the actual ride (and thus getting cold) or about showing up to work with wet socks? If it's the latter, I'd suggest just bringing an extra pair of dry socks for when you get into the office. After drying your feet first, of course.

But the previous suggestions are correct about a full fender and mudguard helping to prevent your feet from getting wet in the first place.
The Tank is offline  
Old 02-23-10, 03:37 PM
  #12  
Bike addict, dreamer
 
AdamDZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Queens, New York
Posts: 5,165
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I settled on SealSkinz waterproof socks, they work best for me since I like to wear regular sneakers, don't like to wear any boots. Plus a cheap yellow Columbia jacket and Pearl Izumi Amfib bibs and I'm waterproof. Oh and I roll with full fenders now

Adam
AdamDZ is offline  
Old 02-25-10, 10:10 AM
  #13  
Bike Junkie
 
aadhils's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Posts: 1,620

Bikes: 2013 Orange Brompton M3L; 2006 Milwaukee Bicycle Co. Fixie (Eddy Orange); 2022 Surly Cross Check, Black

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 1 Post
I let my feet get wet. I just bring an extra pair of socks and shoes. I live in Cali so it does not really get that cold.
aadhils is offline  
Old 02-25-10, 11:13 AM
  #14  
SkreaminQuadz
 
jhhall's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Falls Church, VA
Posts: 133

Bikes: 2005 Cannondale Prophet 1000, 2006 Litespeed Teramo, 2007 Bianchi San Jose, 2007 Surly Cross Check

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by commo_soulja
Full coverage fenders would help keeping your feet dry. I use PB and you'll be surprised how they help keep you and bike dry. Still won't help keep you dry from the falling rain.
+1 PB fenders are very nice for this. I use Sugoi Resistor shoe covers as well and my shoes stay very dry.
jhhall is offline  
Old 02-27-10, 10:33 AM
  #15  
Charlotte, NC Commuter
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 190

Bikes: Gary Fisher Wahoo with Mammoth wheels

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Lake MX140 winter mtb shoes - waterproof and will keep your feet warm down to 25 degrees F with only one pair of thin wool socks. These shoes are the most comfortable I have worn. Check them out online: https://www.lakecycling.com/mx140-p-108.html

Ride safe,
JeffSG is offline  
Old 02-27-10, 10:35 AM
  #16  
Charlotte, NC Commuter
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 190

Bikes: Gary Fisher Wahoo with Mammoth wheels

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
From their website:

All Weather

Upper:
eVent™ waterproof, breathable bootie with adjustable neoprene collar. Framed within a fully adjustable harness with molded heel counter and toe guard.

Outsole: Real rubber Lake Mountain X race sole with optional Mudstuds ™

Closure: Side mounted push/pull BOA lacing system with powerzone in the forefoot

Compatibility/Drilling: SPD two-hole

Color: Black/Orange and Black/Green

Sizes: Men's 39 - 48, 50, half sizes 39.5-46.5
JeffSG is offline  
Old 02-27-10, 10:51 AM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 2,324
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
I use an endura gridlock jacket, rainlegs, and neoprene booties. I only really get a bit wet at the top of my socks - where water comes through the front of my tights. But this is minimal and only in really heavy rain. That is good enough for me, as I find full length rain trousers too sweaty.
daven1986 is offline  
Old 02-27-10, 11:25 AM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
mtalinm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Westwood MA (just south of Boston)
Posts: 2,215

Bikes: 2009 Trek Soho

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by jhhall
+1 PB fenders are very nice for this. I use Sugoi Resistor shoe covers as well and my shoes stay very dry.
agree...my trek soho came with fenders but I am considering removing them to use the PB fenders from my other bike. they're great
mtalinm is offline  
Old 02-27-10, 11:26 AM
  #19  
Senior Member
 
mtalinm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Westwood MA (just south of Boston)
Posts: 2,215

Bikes: 2009 Trek Soho

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by aadhils
I let my feet get wet. I just bring an extra pair of socks and shoes. I live in Cali so it does not really get that cold.
you californians just can't help rubbing it in for us northeasterners...
mtalinm is offline  
Old 02-27-10, 07:30 PM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 6,432
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 539 Post(s)
Liked 44 Times in 38 Posts
You have to wear long, waterproof pants along with something waterproof on your feet - maybe you already are, you didn't mention. Though full length waterproof pants tend to be...not nice and cool. Then something genuinely waterproof on you feet - like the Lake waterproof shoes, or actually waterproof covers (not neoprene) like the Goretex Shoe covers they sell ($90 - it's meticulous).

If it's to hot to wear full length waterproof pants, your feet are going to get wet. By "to" hot...a lot of times that's like "anything over 40 degrees". You can slow the water doing what you're doing (wearing something water resistant, along with fenders), but the only other thing you can do is wear something on your feet that will keep them warm, like wool socks.

As far as I know, at least. Tried to find something better, but haven't been able to after a year worth of research.
PaulRivers is offline  
Old 02-27-10, 08:34 PM
  #21  
Cycle Year Round
 
CB HI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Honolulu, HI
Posts: 13,644
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1316 Post(s)
Liked 92 Times in 59 Posts
If you are just trying to keep your feet and socks dry, and not worried about the shoes getting wet, then just grab a few extra of those clear vegetable bags in the store. Put them over your socks, just like a second sock.
CB HI is offline  
Old 02-27-10, 08:45 PM
  #22  
10 Speed
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 400
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Try Pearl Izumi booties. They make a rubberized bootie that fits pretty tight at the ankle and waterproof.
MerckxMad is offline  
Old 02-27-10, 09:19 PM
  #23  
Older than dirt
 
CCrew's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Winchester, VA
Posts: 5,342

Bikes: Too darn many.. latest count is 11

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by mtalinm
you californians just can't help rubbing it in for us northeasterners...
Hey, at least he's more realistic about it. I can't ever help but chuckle at some of the CA posters that say "it's so cold" and then say it's 50degrees
CCrew is offline  
Old 02-27-10, 11:17 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Westlake Village, CA
Posts: 415
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I wear rain pants, Goretex hiking boots, and boot gaiters to keep my feet dry. I also have fenders with a mudflap. That is on my mountain bike. I my road bike my feet get soaked.

Paul
paul2432 is offline  
Old 02-28-10, 01:20 AM
  #25  
Cycle Year Round
 
CB HI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Honolulu, HI
Posts: 13,644
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1316 Post(s)
Liked 92 Times in 59 Posts
Originally Posted by CCrew
Hey, at least he's more realistic about it. I can't ever help but chuckle at some of the CA posters that say "it's so cold" and then say it's 50degrees
Not as funny as greater Washington DC thinking 2 inches of snow is a huge snow storm and closing down the entire city. I have been in a bigger snow storm in Hawaii.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/57515799@N00/101485408/
CB HI is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.