jdotconnor

As a relatively new rider (500 miles since end of July bike purchase) I rode in the rain for the first time on Saturday as Charlotte has been getting a lot of rain. I was fine with it. Used a lightweight convertible jacket/vest that kept me plenty warm in mid 60s drizzle although not dry at the end, not drenched. I wore a cycling cap under my helmet and used light colored sunglasses I use for cycling and golfing. At times I was a little warm but didn't want to risk getting cold on my 25+ mile route. At the very end my feet were so soaked they started to get cool. My shoes and socks were easily twice their weight.

Are there any very lightweight overshoes that are near waterproof? Seems most water resistant are heavier, most lightweight are focused purely on aero.

If I get another set of lenses for my Oakley flak jackets for darker days should I go clear or yellowish? I don't feel comfortable without them.

Carbonfiberboy 

I've been using Sugoi Resistor booties for many years and like them. They are waterproof and light. However if you're really going out for a long rain ride, water will still run down your legs and get your feet wet anyway. Putting a pair of dry suit leg seals over the tops of the booties prevents that.

I like to have both clear and yellow. I use yellow for low light days, and clear for riding at night.

K.Katso

Velotoze, aero and waterproof.

redlude97

no joke, saran wrap your foot before putting on booties

Marcus_Ti

Get fenders. Will make riding in the wet a ton more fun.

indyfabz

+1. Got a pair at The Bike Gallery in Portland before the '12 edition of Cycle Oregon and really like them.

mcours2006

Or not. I literally just got home from work. It rained on me for the whole time--one hour. Even with fenders my feet were still wet. Yeah, my back is not, but doesn't protect your feet.

OP, I've worn overshoes in the rain too. The water still seeps down my leg, into the socks and then into the shoes. Get a second pair of shoes so you can ride the next day.

PepeM

Wrap some Walmart bags around them.

caloso

Velotoze.

Lazyass

Toe covers and thin socks that don't hold a pound of water. I don't want my feet totally waterproof unless it's winter weather.

milkbaby

I think there are some neoprene or similar material waterproof socks out there. Personally, I prefer to just use wool socks and if it's cold also use shoe covers.

surgeonstone

This^^^, Both wool and or neoprene in thickness determined by temp are best at maintaining warmth.

Nachoman

What do you think of them? Do they work well? I've been looking for water proof shoe covers for a while now and they vary wildly in price. This brand seems pretty inexpensive compared to many others. Specifically I'm wondering if they tear easily? And how many seasons you are able to get out of them.
Thanks!

Seattle Forrest

Wool socks. You'll thank me later.

caloso

They are inexpensive and they can tear if you are not careful. So far I'd say I've gotten an infinite number of seasons out of them, but that's because it's been so dry the last two years. Also keep in mind that because they are absolutely water proof, they do not breathe at all and if it's merely cool rather than cold, my feet sweat a fair amount. That can be a deal breaker for some folks.

Marcus_Ti

How dry your feet stay is related to how much coverage your front fender has over the circumference of the wheel. The closer to the ground your front fender&mudflap is, the drier your feet will remain for longer.

Sounds like you have been in driving rain, which you'll get soaked through and through no matter what...in which case bring a spare pair of socks in your go bag and set a fan up to blow dry air into your shoes at work.

cydewaze

Heck, for the price you can't go wrong. I have a ~20 year old pair of PI shoe covers that are pretty beaten up. Looks like I found my replacements.

Shuffleman

I believe that you are not joking but holy cow--saran wrap? Don't your feet get extremely hot in that? Personally, I do not ride enough in the rain to care. I just wear my normal outfit and if it rains, it rains. I live in Florida so I don't stay wet for long as it tends to dry. Either way, I try not to ride in the rain. Running in the rain is a different story. I love running in the rain, but only during the summer. During the winter, it is miserable.

Hypno Toad

I ride in all conditions, including century rides in pouring rain. For rain in mid-60s, I just get wet feet. If I know I'm riding in the rain, I wear Merino wool socks. These are great at keeping your feet comfortable in wet conditions. I have wool in variety for weights for mild days to sub-zero days.

Pouring rain on my Pugsley, feet are wet but fine in wool socks:

K.Katso

Yeah, as caloso said, just be careful. They are easy to tear if you are walking around in them. You can make them last a long time if you get directly on and off the bike and watch where you put your feet when you're not on it.

redlude97

Usually rain means 40-50 degree temps here in the PNW, so heat is not an issue. Booties get way more hot in the same conditions

Phil_gretz

+1

Hapsmo911

This^ if its raining and your out for any length of time your feet will get wet. Wool keeps you warm. I like to cover for wind and insulate for warmth.

Sy Reene

this works.. or just use one of those thin plastic grocery store types of bags to stick your foot in. cut away what you don't need.. wind and waterproof, but you'll have more sweat buildup obviously.

Ajkollme

It's almost impossible to keep your feet dry in the rain. Water will either get through your shoes/raincovers, drip down the top of your shoes/raincovers, or your feet will be so insulated you'll sweat through. You'll be comfortable with wool socks, which let you stay warm even when wet.