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I recently started commuting and only go to work 2 days a week. Commute is 9 km and I have a shower at work and completely change my clothes at work.

I'm all set for nice weather and I'm also set for the coldest winter. The part still unclear is rain when it is somewhat warm. I have an idea for jacket and pants.

For my shoes (flat pedal, regular tennis shoes) I originally thought I just let them get wet, and then at work change them for dry shows after the shower. but then i thought they will take forever to dry.

So my idea is to also have shoe covers. I realize my feet may sweat (or not since feet don't do much when biking). If possible i like the shoe covers to have a bright color for added safety.

It looks like they are wear items and I don't need them that often.

For some reason I can't make links... I found these and hope they work on regular shoes even if they say they are for clipless: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0834BZHBY...v_ov_lig_dp_it

Are there any specific products I should look at or is the above random amazon item just good enough till it fails? Again, it seems they seem to be wear items (I have pins on my flat pedals, for example)

I saw some older threads about this and it seems many people just use whatever.

I use lightweight waterproof hiking boots. Comfortable, dry, inexpensive, rugged. I tried shoe covers, but they didn't last a season.

What I use are minimalist trail runners like the Merrell Trail Glove for a bit faster rides (stiffer sole) or Vapor Glove for easy commutes (very flexible sole). They dry quickly and the studs from the flat pedals have just enough grip.

The worst cycling condition isn't warm rain, it's cold rain.

I ride with Sidi Mega shoes (artificial "leather"). When it rains hard, I'll pull the insole out and stuff the shoes with newspaper for an hour, and then let them dry the rest of the work day. They won't be fully dry for the ride home, but they're not as bad as putting on the socks I wrung out that morning.

I don't know about shoes but for tepid and warm rain I choose a rain poncho for air circulation.

These seem to be more sturdily made:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...1TTQ5DAD&psc=1

I tried shoe covers and must have a couple of pairs from different manufacturers somewhere around. I found them too cumbersome in practical use, awkward to put on and take off, and awkward to wear, far more bother than gain. I use either a rain cape or parka that both spread out up to handlebars in the rain and protect the shoes enough from above. As to the bottom, I have a generous mud flap on the front wheel and, if I ride rapidly over a puddle, I raise my feet.

I used ankle gaiters on a cold rainy day with a long ride. They were terrific. They were a lot looser than those shown above. They wrap around the foot and ankle and fasten with velcro.

If the rain isn't cold, I prefer sandals which lets the water evaporate to a degree. I might wear wool socks or no socks. I never wear cotton socks on any day of the year.

So we haven't rain yet, so i neglected this. but i rode to work every day (2/week) and the shower logistics etc. worked out fine. So I think riding every day (rain or shine) is possible. I also think I can have one rain outfit at home, and one at work (in case rain appears in the afternoon).

I considered just riding with wet feet, but think I would hate it.


I forgot to mention, I have flat pedals with metal pins. Many reviews I saw mention the covers get damaged at the bottom. So currently I'm between these types:
- disposable (maybe realistic to use 5 times each?): https://smile.amazon.com/HUABEI-Disp...ustomerReviews
- re-usable and sturdy: https://smile.amazon.com/JUSPRO-Wate...s%2C96&sr=1-18

So with regulars flat pedals and metal pins, is a reusable like the one above going to hold up? I hate to use disposable stuff, but if the reusable gets damaged anyway (pedal pins), the disposable may be better. Advantage of the disposables is they are tiny and i can stow them away easier.

I also want to look at gloves, but think some cheap water-proof may be fine to keep the hands warm for now. for winter i have liners i could put underneath water-proof type. Right now i just want to make it till fall, and then possibly buy something more for colder October rain.