In spring/summer of 2005, I tried using a shoe cover, mainly during rain and cold temperatures. They kept my feet happy until I walked in them. It didn't take much walking for the shoe covers to become frayed and eventually unusable.

This time around I'm trying two things to help my feet withstand cold/rainy weather: The first is Seal Skinz Waterblocker socks. I haven't tested them yet, but the reviews I've read have been stellar.

The other thing I was thinking of trying are the Burley Shoe Covers sold by AdventureCycling.org. Has anyone used them? Can they withstand small amounts of walking on occasion without falling apart or other problems? Or can you recommend another shoe cover?

Thanks,
David in PA

I have had a pair of the Burleys for about a decade. The sizing is very generous, so they look like clown shoes on my summer shoes. I have never walked far in them--i.e., just incidental walking like down the path to back of house, from the sidewalk into the grocery store or work, etc. They keep my feet completely dry in all weather conditions so far experienced, so I don't care much about the clown foot. Guess I could buy another, smaller pair if these ever wear out :-) Mine are size XL. On my winter-cycling, size 47 shoes they're only a bit too large; on my summer-cycling size 45's you get the clown foot look. You have to make your own cutout for clipless pedals.

I also have a pair of the Burleys but I haven't had to use them much. If I recall (I don't have them handy right now), they have a good sole that's thick and ... um ... burly They should hold up to short walking. I wouldn't go for a hike in them but for irregular use, should last a long time. They are big as mentioned above.

I bought a pair of Performance "toesties" which cover the front of the foot but not the heel. They have a cutout for the clip but like you I found that every day use was hard on them- then I tried them INSIDE the shoe over a light sock and they work quite well. This would depend on how snug your shoes fit of course.

I wore a pair thru on the Blue Ridge Parkway while pushing my bike thru the fog. Used fiber embedded strapping tape to cover the worn thru places.
I did keep out the water.
They are light and take up no room, just not great on endurance - tho still probably very still worth it.
Meanwhile, I have also gotten Seal Skinz and have not yet field tested them.