overshoes v toe covers?

rodgers73
rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
edited October 2010 in Commuting general
I'm a bit reluctant to buy overshoes due to a combination of being wary over their durablilty, the cost and whether I need such a level of waterproofing/insulation.

Having done a couple of (very) wet rides I found it was only really my toes that got wet and on most days they are numb with cold due to the air vents etc.

So, with that in mind are toe covers a better (ie cheaper, less likely to fail and less fiddly and sweaty) alternative to a full on overshoe?

Cheers

Tom

Comments

  • sc999cs
    sc999cs Posts: 596
    Feet in freezer bags in shoes.
    Steve C
  • deptfordmarmoset
    deptfordmarmoset Posts: 3,118
    sc999cs wrote:
    Feet in freezer bags in shoes.

    Funny, I was just wondering whether lining the toe-ends of my shoes with baking foil would make a difference. But freezer bags makes sense as far as the low-budget kitchen solutions are concerned. Mind you, as I haven't got any freezer bags, I might experiment with baking foil anyway :wink:
    Looking for a cycling buddy?
  • rodgers73
    rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
    sc999cs wrote:
    Feet in freezer bags in shoes.


    I like your thinking - any downsides??
  • sc999cs
    sc999cs Posts: 596
    rodgers73 wrote:
    sc999cs wrote:
    Feet in freezer bags in shoes.


    I like your thinking - any downsides??
    Not very breathable so you could end up with hot sweaty feet.
    Steve C
  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    I use toe covers quite a lot - in combination with merino lined sealskin socks. They aren't enough to keep my toes warm in winter but my circulation is bad. The very obvious upside is that they last! I've worn mine a lot and only had one tear which superglue fixed.
    Faster than a tent.......
  • deptfordmarmoset
    deptfordmarmoset Posts: 3,118
    I have pretty ropey circulation in my toes. But I gave baking foil a little try-out today as a sort of internal toe cover. Considering the amount of foil you need it's virtually free and it does give you a bit of protection. 3 out of 10. Definitely not reusable though. And luckily, it doesn't crunch when you walk

    25 miles yesterday = slightly numb toes
    30 miles today (pretty much the same temperature) = no circulation problem.

    Next, I'm going to try to remember to buy some freezer bags so I can compare :lol:
    Looking for a cycling buddy?
  • cyberknight
    cyberknight Posts: 1,238
    I get cold feet on very cold days even with thick overshoes and i put it down to the cold coming in through the SPD hole/interaction with cold pedals.
    FCN 3/5/9
  • Andrew N
    Andrew N Posts: 119
    My feet are the first to freeze after my ears and hands so would advise full overshoes!

    If looked after they can last for at least a season...and well worth it!
    www.goinggoingbike.com
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  • u05harrisb
    u05harrisb Posts: 531
    with freezer bags what you need to do is get some thinish base layer type of walking sock then freezer bag over them then wear the bigger walking socks over that, now that is a proper soution, clingfilm does not work though! :D
  • tiny_pens
    tiny_pens Posts: 293
    I have had positive experiences with the cheap lidl overshoes. They did only last a season but only expired due to the zip breaking. Yes they did get a bit worn but most of the wear happened when I wore them off road once - the pins on the flat pedals did a fair bit of damage to the bottom but they soldiered on fine.

    Much warmer than the waterproof commuter specific Altura ones I have (4 years and still going strong - all velcro so no zips to break) due to the fleece lining. Top tip if you do go for cheap overshoes. Don't take them off the shoe at the end of the ride. Just roll them far enough down to get your feet out of the shoes and leave the overshoes 'fitted''.

    I'm happy with the longevity given they only cost about £3.99.
  • woodford2barbican
    woodford2barbican Posts: 1,505
    My specialised winter boots are now on their 3rd season and I will expect they last at least 2 more.

    I think I paid about £70 for them.

    http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... oots-28764
  • deptfordmarmoset
    deptfordmarmoset Posts: 3,118
    deptfordmarmoset wrote:
    I have pretty ropey circulation in my toes. But I gave baking foil a little try-out today as a sort of internal toe cover. Considering the amount of foil you need it's virtually free and it does give you a bit of protection. 3 out of 10. Definitely not reusable though. And luckily, it doesn't crunch when you walk

    25 miles yesterday = slightly numb toes
    30 miles today (pretty much the same temperature) = no circulation problem.

    Next, I'm going to try to remember to buy some freezer bags so I can compare :lol:

    Right, I got hold of a couple of freezer bags this afternoon went out for a shortish ride. cycling socks underneath, then the bag, and another thicker pair of socks on top. Slightly more protection then the previous patented baco-foil version above. Say 6 out of 10. But I'll take one off that score because of the idiotic crinkly noise they make when you're walking!
    Looking for a cycling buddy?
  • sc999cs
    sc999cs Posts: 596
    What happens if you wrap your feet in foil AND use freezer bags?
    Steve C
  • deptfordmarmoset
    deptfordmarmoset Posts: 3,118
    sc999cs wrote:
    What happens if you wrap your feet in foil AND use freezer bags?

    I'll report back :wink:
    Looking for a cycling buddy?
  • pottssteve
    pottssteve Posts: 4,069
    If you have a mesh upper on your shoes, covering it with duct/electrical tape keeps out a lot of the air...
    Head Hands Heart Lungs Legs
  • BOYDIE
    BOYDIE Posts: 528
    I have tried the freezer bag ,and the over shoes.The bags tend to make my feet sweat a lot I have ended up with foot rot/toenail infection over the years ,maybe a couple of holes in the bag will let your feet breath better? Over shoes don't hold up well IMHO,I tend to tear through them within one winter season,while walking on them the grips on my summer shoes cut through the underside.But a good pair will deflect the worst of the wind chill.

    If you are getting wet feet add some mud flaps to your front mudguard, this extends the length of the protection offered keeping the water spray from hitting your feet,I made some home made ones Pictured below.I cut some flexible plastic to shape,drilled 2 4mm holes 10mm apart on my mudguard and its all held in place with a zip tie,also keeps spray of your bb shell and crankset.
    4929593698_8d26f56ab5.jpg[/url]


    I also have purchased a pair of Shimano winter boots almost 3 years ago, got them half price in the summer sales.I can get away with a thinner sock which in turn lets my blood flow better thus keeping my feet nice and warm.Its the best purchase I have made for winter cycling.

    Remember not to wear to thick a sock give your feet room to move.If you squeeze your feet in to your shoe it cant move,your feet need to move so the blood can circulate,thin layers are better as they trap layers of air which is a better insulator.I have a riding buddy who replaces his cycling insoles with thermal insoles sold at Timpsons ,they have a foil reflective surface which is ment to reflect heat back towards the feet,I have them in my welly boots for when I'm fishing and they seem to work fine.


    I also run and during the winter months I rub my feet in Vaseline this helps with the cold and chaffing,also any type of muscle rub also helps as this has a heating action,remember "winter green" sports rub? I use heat rub on my knees on the really cold days........stops the creaking when I'm on the SS.I have never tried this on my feet before but I it works for knees etc, It should help keep the feet warmer,smells nice as well.

    My 2 cents...
  • il_principe
    il_principe Posts: 9,155
    Winter boots all the way. It's taken me about 7/8 years to realise this, but they really are the answer, and should last way longer than overshoes.

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