So, got some shoes which can back up for an occasional hike. I'm talking about largely a cycling vacation, but on a rainy day, maybe a short hike.

Ideal in the sense that they have a decent sole, and you can remove the cleats and put on a rubber base.
Only thing lacking is water proofing. So, any feedback for the water proofing sprays that you get? Do they only work on already water proof shoes, or will they work on this too?

Second, any feedback on water proof socks? MTB guys use them right?

https://www.sealskinz.com/UK/road…

Don't try to make shoes waterproof.
Buy different shoes if you want waterproof.
Where did you hear MTB riders use waterproof socks?
Leave the cleats on or use different shoes.

Showers pass.com has excellent waterproof socks. The Crosspoint sock comes in two styles and two or three colors. I've used them and they work just like the video on the site.

If you try to seal them up on the bottom, you'll turn your shoes into buckets.

I use these. Very comfortable and breathable (porelle).

Dexshell Ultralite

waterproof socks won't breathe and the sweat will gather, no way I'd do that. I'd rather just use a quality wool sock and deal with the damp than trying to waterproof it. the negatives of waterproof vs not are to high for my taste. feet need to breathe just like hands/torso/etc do. flip side to this is if you want hiking shoes get hiking shoes instead of trying to use a converted cycling shoe. the needs of both are far different and worth the investment in having both. just my .02

Thanks guys.

I have hiking shoes. Idea was to carry less on a vacation.

I think I'll continue carrying both.

or...wear plastic bags on your feet. That's how they ride in the tropical rain forest.

It kind of begs the question that if your concern is while cycling, how do you keep rain coming down the leg and into the top of your foot ?.

You then need to be wearing rain paints to keep your feet dry. I've only done this when I was in heavy rain at elevation in Colorado and I then used baggies between wool socks and the shoes. It worked well enough and at least my feet were warm.

If it's for hiking and you anticipate walking thru puddles, I wouldn't be using mt. bike shoes anyway but instead wear hiking boots that are waterproof, plus gaiters.

When I'm riding my mountain bike on days I know there are going to be stream crossings I bring plastic bags and bag my feet. It works really well. On unplanned cold weather rides I've also use bar wrappers to cover my toes to keep the wind chill down.