Fandomii

Hi guys,

I am commuting to work (about a 30 minute ride or less) on standard pedals, and was wondering if you could suggest some shoe characteristics for comfort and a little better performance. Water resistance/proof is a must in my opinion, and was wondering what you would think of something like this:

It's not a very stiff shoe actually, not much breathable either, but 100% waterproof and warm for the winter. Your thoughts?

fooferdoggie 

I like keens overall and thats what I wear all the time. so I got some waterproof boots. plenty stiff with a wide cage and they keep my feet dry. https://www.amazon.com/KEEN-Anchorag...apparel&sr=1-5

sean.hwy

I was curious why water proof? If the roads are wet you are going to get to work with the giant water streak up the front and back. I get riding in the rain for fun but not when I am going to work.

BobbyG

Fenders + rain gear = fun!

FWIW, I wear stiff-soled sneakers with toe-clips and just put plastic grocery bags over my socks when it rains.

sean.hwy

ha-ha looks fun but a lot of work for a daily commute. clean bike. lube chain. extra cloths because of the rain. More likely to get hit from bad visibility from car drivers. Your work clothes are mess.

schiavonec

Wool socks are a must in winter if <40f. Any shoes work, but hiking shoes are what i have, so that works for me. I use race face chester pedals, so they accommodate a large variety of footware. Good socks and something that breathes are a god option. If it is freezing rain, i guess all/partual rubber boots may work, but they will cook my feet. Ymmv

BobbyG

I see you recently joined bikeforums....welcome!

I have commuted to work by bike since 1992. After I discovered bikeforums in 2009 I learned better, safer, easier and more comfortable ways to commute in all weather including rain, snow, ice, extreme cold and excessive heat. Plus night riding!

I bike in inexpensive generic atheletic wear and change into my clean, fresh street clothes at work after freshening up. I carry my clothes with me to work in a bag on my rear rack, but others use panniers, or keep a supply of clothes at work that they transfer on a day they drive. I'm able to keep toiletries at the office and clean up there. Others are lucky enough to have shower facilities.

As far as traffic, I will get off the road and stop if it rains heavy enough for most cars to use their wipers on high, but with smart 180-degree lighting on the bike and up high on the helmet I am more visible than a car with only forward facing daytime running lights. I also have mirrors and an airhorn.

Thanks to bikeforums I have found there are much fewer limitations to riding to work than I had imagined.

At 58, I'm happier and healthier than I was in my late 20s thanks to bike commuting.

All it took was an open mind, and a willingness to try what others do, and keeping or adapting the methods and strategies that worked for me. What it didn't take was a lot of money. Oh, you can spend a lot if you want the newest, or nicest things (and that's okay)...but you don't need them to ride smart and safe, and enjoy yourself.

BobbyG

Yes!
I wondered what all the fuss about wool socks was...until I bought a pair.

sean.hwy

I am just a few years younger. I used to commute to work on a bike in early 90's when I worked in SF. Just got a bike this xmas. Have not ridden since the 90's yikes. I was riding a motorcycle everyday and got hit :/ so I am little more leery than others I guess.

How does riding in the snow work? I would imagine all the snow packs up in the wheels and gums it up.

BobbyG

Studded snow tires.
I learned a whole bunch in the WInter Cycling forum: https://www.bikeforums.net/winter-cycling/

rumrunn6

new rain cape for the bike!? wutz the verdict?

Darth Lefty 

I have some water proof hiking boots I got at REI to wear all day on rainy days - biking or not. Can't remember brand. Pretty sturdy but not Very Serious expedition backpacking boots.

Waterproof = clammy, I use them only when I gotta.

Riveting

For commuting in the wet/snow, I like to wear GoreTex cycling shoes and clip in, and change into normal shoes at work. Clipping in is an advantage in the rain and snow because your foot has less chance to slip off the pedal, especially when launching from a stop with a lot of power an/or cadence.

Miele Man

I used bicycling shoes and neoprene over boots when commuting in Toronto Canada during rain and or snow. The shoes did NOT have cleats and thus the over boots did not need to have a hole cut in the sole for the cleat. They were warm and toasty.

Cheers

wolfchild

I disagree that clipless is an advantage...I use MTB platform pedals with a lot of sharp pins and never had my boots or shoes slip. These pedals are very grippy even in wet or snowy conditions.

Riveting

If we're talking about slipping, clipless pedals will NEVER slip, as opposed to platforms, which MAY slip. That specific advantage, no matter how small, isn't debatable. I personally have slipped a foot off a wet platform while pushing hard to cross a road with a car coming at me, though my platforms definitely weren't good ones and didn't have sharp pins. Thankfully I gave myself enough distance from the car to recover and get across before the car got to me. It's a shi++y feeling being in the middle of the road while you're straddling the top tube with both your feet dragging on the ground and a car coming at you.

I also ride mtb with SPD clipless. And there have been many occasions on steep technical uphill going 1-2 mph where I WISH I had platforms so I could've gotten my foot off a little quicker and caught myself, instead of stalling and falling over while still clipped in. Though I'm not sure I'd want to lose the ability to pull up on the pedal stroke.

john m flores 

Showers Pass waterproof socks may help expand the list of potential shoes.

BobbyG

This is the latest...
https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting...0-success.html

rseeker

Hiking boots for me, Vasque Talus Trek UltraDry, they're my full-time riding shoes because no matter what, they can take it. Well, maybe not hot flowing lava, but other than that.

I've been going through some old gear and found my hiking gaitors, they might get tried some wet day. I found my kayaking pogies too, it would have been nice if they worked for riding but they were made to solve a different problem.

rumrunn6

looks comfy, let us know how they work out!