Hello All,

Two years ago, I was touring across Virginia and it rained--for days--literally. The air temperature wasn't freezing, but it was indeed cold, and thus my shoes, socks, and feet became soaking wet and cold. I dealt with it, generally, not a really big deal, until one day it seemed that my cold feet contributed to lowering my core body temperature.

I've been shopping for a shoe cover that might help me out. One I'm considering is Pearl Izumi's Amfib Shoe Cover for about $45-50. Fleece lined, waterproof. Has anyone used these covers? Good points and bad points? Are they possibly too hot unless it's very cold outside? Please let me know if you have other recommendations, suggestions, etc.. I may do the TransAm this year, which of course includes going over the Rockies, and I want to be prepared. No doubt keeping my feet dry completely is probably impossible, but any improvement would be great.

Thanks!

David in PA (aka Wolfy)

I use these nylon booties on tours. They are lightweight, fold pretty flat for carrying, and while they are not 100% waterproof, they do at least keep the wind off so my feet stay warm:
https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1107797957363

I use neoprene booties, something like these for colder days and they do a better job of keeping my feet dry. The down-side is that they are bulkier:
https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1107797957365

But the ones you suggest would probably do the trick too.

I too had a trip when it rained all the time. 135mm in 10 days. I bought my shoe covers at Mountain Equipment Coop. They are made by Serratus and use Velcro strips to put them on. They are not exactly waterproof from the bottom as they are mostly open and I don't think you would want to wear them unless you were wearing waterproof pants, but they do the job for me.

Emergency fix - -
A cheap, temporary solution on the road if it has been raining for a while and you are down to your last pair of dry socks is to use a Ziplock bag on each foot - put your dry socks on, then the Ziplock bags, then your wet shoes - it's amazing how much warmer your feet will be - and you, too - and most of us carry a few extra Ziplock bags.

Yep, go to the grocery store, and pilfer a bunch of those thin produce bags, and put them over your socks. Keeps your feet/socks nice and dry, and free!

I used the Bellweather aqua-no booties for 110 miles over two days of rain this summer. I was amazed how dry my feet were (relative to the rest of my body) at the end of each day's ride. How your extremities feel definitely affects your performance.

Great question, a question with no one right answer though. I have been researching better rain gear or strategies since my cross country last summer. The foot part of my solution is generously sized gortex cover socks which can be worn over thin or heavy socks. I'm also switching to cycling sandels (I finally found some in my size) they dry out faster and are very comfortable. Depending on the temperature I will use leg warmers to overlap the gortex socks and if very cold or raining very hard, waterproof rain chaps to go over them. For what it is worth, I'm going to try out a waterproof rain cape and helmet cover in lieu of a jacket. With the rain cape, the entire underside is open to provide ventilation. Fenders are a must. I've ridden in most types of rain, warm rain is no problem, except if your shoes can't dry out (sandels again). It's the cold 39 degree rain that can put a stop to your day.
If you find something that works for you, please post it so we can all learn from your experience.
Greg