Overshoes for commuting

vpnikolov

As per title - looking for overshoes that are not too bulky, waterproof and easy to take on and off on a daily basis. Any suggestions?

My current one are sh*te, need something to keep my feet dry.

shirley_basso

I think what you are asking for requires waterproof boots. I would also not bother with sealskin socks. Also rubbish unless it's only slightly damp.

Velotoze are the driest but a nightmare to take off and on, toe covers are easiest to take off and on, but your feet get soaked but stay warm.

Some bib tights have a hoof-like thing which goes over the top of your shoes so water which runs off your legs will carry on down the outside of your shoes rather than into your socks.

ugo.santalucia

Sealskinz socks alone don't do much, as water trickles in from the top. If combined with neoprene overshoes and maybe a pair of waterproof trousers or an equally effective means of preventing water to enter from the top of the sock, then you have a pretty good barrier.
That said, I have never managed to get home with dry feet in a deluge

wolfsbane2k

I've tried loads of different ones, and I've given up trying, and now just accept I'm going to get soaked through in a proper deluge.

fenix

Mudguards and flaps are the first line of defence. Unless you have them you're hosing yourself down even when it's stopped raining.

Planet X do cheap overshoes that work.

cjcp

Planet X neoprene overshoes for £10 are a bargain.

Not the most sleek overshoe out there, but they're good value for money, and I've found that velcro lasts longer than zips, which seem to collect the road crap a bit more, seize and break.

The neoprene will wear out under the toes if you touch down a lot, but I'd rather wear out the £10 bit of kit than a more expensive overshoe.

elbowloh

Does anyone have winter boots, such as the Mavic Crossmax SL or Shimano MW5?

I was thinking of investing in some (or even suggesting them as a christmas present from the wife). I use SPDs on my bikes, these are an option.

veronese68

cjcp wrote:

Not the most sleek overshoe out there, but they're good value for money, and I've found that velcro lasts longer than zips, which seem to collect the road crap a bit more, seize and break.

Broken zip on my Endura overshoes this morning. Already had a spare pair as I knew the day was coming. Could I find the spare pair this morning? :twisted:

wolfsbane2k

cjcp wrote:

Planet X neoprene overshoes for £10 are a bargain.

Not the most sleek overshoe out there, but they're good value for money, and I've found that velcro lasts longer than zips, which seem to collect the road crap a bit more, seize and break.

The neoprene will wear out under the toes if you touch down a lot, but I'd rather wear out the £10 bit of kit than a more expensive overshoe.

This. BBB Heavy Duty Overshoes, BBB Neoprene Overhoes, DHB Neoprene Overshoes, and currently have a set of Sealskin Neoprene Overshoes ready to go, but I haven't managed a single winter season out of any of the pairs.

I've found that for waterproofness, a set of 2017 dhb Aeron speed overshoes, (originally bought for 9.99 each, not the £35 a pair they want now) , with an added coat of nixwax is pretty good - flexible, very lightweight and fold up tiny for carrying around with me at all times, unlike neoprene ones.

j_mcd

elbowloh wrote:

Does anyone have winter boots, such as the Mavic Crossmax SL or Shimano MW5?

I was thinking of investing in some (or even suggesting them as a christmas present from the wife). I use SPDs on my bikes, these are an option.

I've got these:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gaerne-winter-r ... tex-shoes/

Never worn them in a real downpour but I have worn them when the roads have been soaked (went through one puddle about 6 inches deep and 20 foot long). Feet stayed perfectly dry. They're warm as well.

I'd imagine that there will be water ingress through the top but mudguards would stop most of that. Some kind of gaiter would stop the rest.

Quite pricey though. Took me years of getting wet feet before I finally made the leap to buy them. Lets face it, they'll probably last years so I'll get my moneys worth.

rhodrich

J_MCD wrote:

elbowloh wrote:

Does anyone have winter boots, such as the Mavic Crossmax SL or Shimano MW5?

I was thinking of investing in some (or even suggesting them as a christmas present from the wife). I use SPDs on my bikes, these are an option.

I've got these:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gaerne-winter-r ... tex-shoes/

Never worn them in a real downpour but I have worn them when the roads have been soaked (went through one puddle about 6 inches deep and 20 foot long). Feet stayed perfectly dry. They're warm as well.

I'd imagine that there will be water ingress through the top but mudguards would stop most of that. Some kind of gaiter would stop the rest.

Quite pricey though. Took me years of getting wet feet before I finally made the leap to buy them. Lets face it, they'll probably last years so I'll get my moneys worth.

Whoa! £200 is VERY pricey! They're only a 3 bolt fixing too, with not a particularly durable sole. I'd be interested if anyone had any suggestions for some more reasonably priced 2 bold fixing winter boots.

Oh - and I use these, but in black http://www.wiggle.co.uk/endura-fs260-pr ... ershoes-1/

Lightweight, and can be stuffed into a back pocket. No less waterproof than anything more neoprene like. I've got through 2 pairs in the past 3 years, so reasonably durable too. I only move to neoprene ones when the temperature drops below zero.

fenix

I'd look to buy the winterboots in the summer when they're on sale. ;-)

xbnm

Ive got some 4 year old North wave Artix GTX boots they generally warm and as there the old style with wrap around velco tops(old design not sure how good the new designs is) they have pretty much kept my feet warm and dry Ive never had absolutely soaked feet for 4 winters in the north east of England. I generally wear a pair of over trousers over 3/4 shorts when the temperature dips enough i need the extra layer to keep warm but i only do 5 miles each way.

Looking out the window i kinda wish i had both with me now :oops: :oops:

kofsw4

I've had a pair of Shimano MW80 winter boots for 7 or 8 years. Still going strong and possibly the best £100 I've spent on cycling kit. Toasty warm at all temperatures when combined with merino socks, so much easier to put on and take off than overshoes and keep the vast majority of rain and sitting water out. And 2 bolt SPD's so pretty comfortable and safe to walk around in even in snow. They do weigh about a kilo each though so it's nice going back to lighter shoes when the weather improves.

gbsahne001

I have a a pair of Northwave Celcius (I think) or they could predate celcius from 2010 and they're still going strong, although it's not been cold enough to use them yet.

redvee

I've got Specialised Defrosters and they kept my feet warm when needed and dry once I'd broken them in and softened the ankle cuff up. One thing I did try with my Sealskinz socks the last time I wore them was as I go bare-calfed in the rain was to put vaseline on my leg where the cuff of the sock is but I couldn't see if it worked or not as the rain stopped shortly after I left home.

UndercoverElephant

After years of struggling with overshoes (BBB Hardware are about as good as it got), I bought a pair of Fizik R5 Artica boots at what looked like the end of last winter.

Bloody brilliant things. Really warm and manage to keep my feet as dry as anything else has. Such a relief, especially as I suffer from Reynauds and so get proper cold. Last year (before I pulled the trigger) I even had the delight of chillblanes.

j_mcd

Rhodrich wrote:

J_MCD wrote:

elbowloh wrote:

Does anyone have winter boots, such as the Mavic Crossmax SL or Shimano MW5?

I was thinking of investing in some (or even suggesting them as a christmas present from the wife). I use SPDs on my bikes, these are an option.

I've got these:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gaerne-winter-r ... tex-shoes/

Never worn them in a real downpour but I have worn them when the roads have been soaked (went through one puddle about 6 inches deep and 20 foot long). Feet stayed perfectly dry. They're warm as well.

I'd imagine that there will be water ingress through the top but mudguards would stop most of that. Some kind of gaiter would stop the rest.

Quite pricey though. Took me years of getting wet feet before I finally made the leap to buy them. Lets face it, they'll probably last years so I'll get my moneys worth.

Whoa! £200 is VERY pricey! They're only a 3 bolt fixing too, with not a particularly durable sole. I'd be interested if anyone had any suggestions for some more reasonably priced 2 bold fixing winter boots.

Oh - and I use these, but in black http://www.wiggle.co.uk/endura-fs260-pr ... ershoes-1/

Lightweight, and can be stuffed into a back pocket. No less waterproof than anything more neoprene like. I've got through 2 pairs in the past 3 years, so reasonably durable too. I only move to neoprene ones when the temperature drops below zero.

Definitely pricey, no doubt about that but should last for quite a few years and they are warm as well, and I suffer badly from cold feet. From what I've seen there seems to be more choice in winter boots/shoes if you're looking at SPD solutions as they cover the mountain bike side of things as well. Never had anything but Looks myself so I haven't looked into it too much.

Costwise, you're best off buying these in May though!

elbowloh

UndercoverElephant wrote:

After years of struggling with overshoes (BBB Hardware are about as good as it got), I bought a pair of Fizik R5 Artica boots at what looked like the end of last winter.

Bloody brilliant things. Really warm and manage to keep my feet as dry as anything else has. Such a relief, especially as I suffer from Reynauds and so get proper cold. Last year (before I pulled the trigger) I even had the delight of chillblanes.

Are they a real thing? I thought it just something old people talked about.

wolfsbane2k

redvee wrote:

One thing I did try with my Sealskinz socks the last time I wore them was as I go bare-calfed in the rain was to put vaseline on my leg where the cuff of the sock is but I couldn't see if it worked or not as the rain stopped shortly after I left home.

Ah, so that's the magic to stopping the rain.
I'd say the Vaseline worked then.

keef66

I too have been using the PX £10 neoprene jobs for several years, and find them warm enough and dry enough for 99.9% of my winter riding. However, now I've moved to 3 bolt road cleats they are much more of a faff to put on / take off, so I'm now considering winter boots :roll:

My inner Yorkshireman will probably put up with the faff for this winter and start looking for winter footwear bargains come next summer...

rhodrich

Slightly off topic, but why do you guys use 3 bolt road shoes for commuting? Much easier to use normal SPD's, with their double sided pedals, shoes that you can walk in without looking like a lame duck, and cleats that last almost the life of the shoe without getting worn out...

keef66

Rhodrich wrote:

Slightly off topic, but why do you guys use 3 bolt road shoes for commuting? Much easier to use normal SPD's, with their double sided pedals, shoes that you can walk in without looking like a lame duck, and cleats that last almost the life of the shoe without getting worn out...

I don't commute. If I did I'd probably have stuck to SPDs

As it is I rarely put a foot down on my leisure rides, and I prefer the more attached feel of the SPD-SL pedals / cleats. The overshoe thing is a bit of an annoyance though.

j_mcd

Rhodrich wrote:

Slightly off topic, but why do you guys use 3 bolt road shoes for commuting? Much easier to use normal SPD's, with their double sided pedals, shoes that you can walk in without looking like a lame duck, and cleats that last almost the life of the shoe without getting worn out...

A very long time ago I went into a shop in Dublin and got a new bike, liked the thought of clipless and so inquired. Guy pointed me in the direction of Looks and I've never ridden with anything different. I don't cycle at the weekend and my morning commute is always at least 30 miles so I see it as a regular ride rather than a typical 'commute'. The cleats do wear out but not too fast and generally only on the foot down side (so one replacement pack lasts twice as long).

Now, of course, I have three bikes with Look pedals on them and the cost to change them all over to SPDs and get at least two new pairs of shoes would be horrific. Might give them a go if I ever get around to getting a Mountain bike though!

Incidentally, if I did ever switch over, is the clipin/out process the same or would I fall off a few times as they settled in!?!

greenamex2

elbowloh wrote:

UndercoverElephant wrote:

After years of struggling with overshoes (BBB Hardware are about as good as it got), I bought a pair of Fizik R5 Artica boots at what looked like the end of last winter.

Bloody brilliant things. Really warm and manage to keep my feet as dry as anything else has. Such a relief, especially as I suffer from Reynauds and so get proper cold. Last year (before I pulled the trigger) I even had the delight of chillblanes.

Are they a real thing? I thought it just something old people talked about.

Yep...and some of us have managed to get FROSTBITE...in the south of England!

asprilla

J_MCD wrote:

Incidentally, if I did ever switch over, is the clipin/out process the same or would I fall off a few times as they settled in!?!

Process is the same. Usually easier because the pedals are often double sided (Crank Bros Egg Beaters are quad sided).

I bought some SealSkinz Halo overshoes this year as I liked the idea of having lights on my heels. Total garbage.

I couldn't get the lights to turn on when I was wearing the damn things and I've just noticed that after three rides both of them have massive holes at the toes. Going back to my Endura ones that are a year old but still look ok, and my BBB Arctic Conditions that look box fresh after 4 years.

Would love to get some winter boots, but Giro don't make them and my feet are Giro shaped.

UndercoverElephant

greenamex2 wrote:

elbowloh wrote:

UndercoverElephant wrote:

After years of struggling with overshoes (BBB Hardware are about as good as it got), I bought a pair of Fizik R5 Artica boots at what looked like the end of last winter.

Bloody brilliant things. Really warm and manage to keep my feet as dry as anything else has. Such a relief, especially as I suffer from Reynauds and so get proper cold. Last year (before I pulled the trigger) I even had the delight of chillblanes.

Are they a real thing? I thought it just something old people talked about.

Yep...and some of us have managed to get FROSTBITE...in the south of England!

I’m trying to bring back some fashionably retro ailments. A few years ago I got pleurisy, all the cool kids want to try that one these days.

greenamex2

UndercoverElephant wrote:

greenamex2 wrote:

elbowloh wrote:

UndercoverElephant wrote:

After years of struggling with overshoes (BBB Hardware are about as good as it got), I bought a pair of Fizik R5 Artica boots at what looked like the end of last winter.

Bloody brilliant things. Really warm and manage to keep my feet as dry as anything else has. Such a relief, especially as I suffer from Reynauds and so get proper cold. Last year (before I pulled the trigger) I even had the delight of chillblanes.

Are they a real thing? I thought it just something old people talked about.

Yep...and some of us have managed to get FROSTBITE...in the south of England!

I’m trying to bring back some fashionably retro ailments. A few years ago I got pleurisy, all the cool kids want to try that one these days.

I got gout a couple of years ago, does that count?

elbowloh

greenamex2 wrote:

UndercoverElephant wrote:

greenamex2 wrote:

elbowloh wrote:

UndercoverElephant wrote:

After years of struggling with overshoes (BBB Hardware are about as good as it got), I bought a pair of Fizik R5 Artica boots at what looked like the end of last winter.

Bloody brilliant things. Really warm and manage to keep my feet as dry as anything else has. Such a relief, especially as I suffer from Reynauds and so get proper cold. Last year (before I pulled the trigger) I even had the delight of chillblanes.

Are they a real thing? I thought it just something old people talked about.

Yep...and some of us have managed to get FROSTBITE...in the south of England!

I’m trying to bring back some fashionably retro ailments. A few years ago I got pleurisy, all the cool kids want to try that one these days.

I got gout a couple of years ago, does that count?

Ah, a mate I've mine had gout a while back. Which I only thought you got from luxury living, drinking loads of port and roast beef every day...or so books of the Victorian era would imply.

keef66

UndercoverElephant wrote:

greenamex2 wrote:

elbowloh wrote:

UndercoverElephant wrote:

After years of struggling with overshoes (BBB Hardware are about as good as it got), I bought a pair of Fizik R5 Artica boots at what looked like the end of last winter.

Bloody brilliant things. Really warm and manage to keep my feet as dry as anything else has. Such a relief, especially as I suffer from Reynauds and so get proper cold. Last year (before I pulled the trigger) I even had the delight of chillblanes.

Are they a real thing? I thought it just something old people talked about.

Yep...and some of us have managed to get FROSTBITE...in the south of England!

I’m trying to bring back some fashionably retro ailments. A few years ago I got pleurisy, all the cool kids want to try that one these days.

I've had both scabies and ringworm, they are both pretty retro. Quite useful to drop into the conversation if people are encroaching on your personal space too...
And I've also had frostbite. Mind you, that was after an unplanned night in a glorified bin-bag on a Scottish mountain in January...

wolfsbane2k

used my heavily discounted Sealskin neoprene's today - that was a very pleasant surprise, even in the torrential downpour, my shoes remained firmly dry, no doubt helped by actually wearing waterproof overtrousers, stopping water running down my legs and into the socks, mind you.

PITA to get on through, but that's probably due to having sized them for one set of shoes, and now trying them on another..