Most Waterproof Booties

[MorganColeman]

Hey Everyone,
I conveniently misplaced my booties and need a new pair for my daily commute. I live in the Northwest where you're a)wearing booties, b) wearing rubber boots, or c) have wet feet.
My most recent pair was the neoprene model from Endura. They're ok, not stellar.
What recommendations have you? If water seeps in through the seams, they're not good enough. The more durable the undersole, the better.

Any suggestions?

Morgan

[Nooch]

Hey Everyone,
I conveniently misplaced my booties and need a new pair for my daily commute. I live in the Northwest where you're a)wearing booties, b) wearing rubber boots, or c) have wet feet.
My most recent pair was the neoprene model from Endura. They're ok, not stellar.
What recommendations have you? If water seeps in through the seams, they're not good enough. The more durable the undersole, the better.

Any suggestions?

Morgan

Pricey, but these seem like they'd be fantastic: http://www.competitivecyclist.com/product-apparel/2012-assos-rainbootie_s7-9804.158.0.html

[cp43]

I have a pair like these (http://www.goreapparel.com/gore-bike-wear-city-overshoes/FCITYO,default,pd.html?dwvar_FCITYO_color=9900&start=15&cgid=gbw-men-geartype-accessories). They're waterproof (GoreTex) but not insulated. I've been very happy with them.

Chris

[FlashUNC]

Castelli seems to pride themselves on their rain booties of late. I will say the Nanoflex stuff they make is pretty legit in terms of water resistance.

[fourflys]

I have a pair of the PI weather barrier booties and have noticed my socks are still wet after a ride here in Kodiak... I wonder though if it's the sole of the shoes that are letting water in... I wear Diadora mountain shoes...

[cnighbor1]

the best solution I seen while riding in soggy Seattle area is this. Neoprene kayak socks and Shimano clip in open sandals. this way there is no water in your cycling shoes or boots and neoprene socks keep you feet warm. I also like polypropylene socks has they don't ascorb cold water if riding normal bike shoes

[xjoex]

I really like the Showers Pass Club Shoe Cover.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dYiMi3U0hqc/Ss9syFW2nqI/AAAAAAAACKc/wpuPgAu0nQw/s512/IMGP1009.JPG

If you are really concerned about water proof, I mount the cleat through the sole. Works like a champ.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6ebQjs88-jo/Ss9VAYTG3kI/AAAAAAAACKE/qi-WwNqzb0s/s640/IMGP0999.JPG

Full review:
http://robonza.blogspot.com/2009/10/review-showers-pass-club-shoe-cover.html

-Joe

[that guy]

I have some bontragers (http://bontrager.com/model/07876) that are really nice.

[thegunner]

Castelli seems to pride themselves on their rain booties of late. I will say the Nanoflex stuff they make is pretty legit in terms of water resistance.

can't say best, but their nanoflex shoe covers are pretty decent for rain riding (although you're screwed if step in a puddle and water gets in from the bottom... it's never coming out :))

[d_douglas]

I cannot remember the model, but I have some sugoi ones that are cheapish and good for MTB or road shoes. Not perfect by any means, but they keep me quite dry even in pouring rain.

We are neighbours, so I know the wet weather that you speak of....

In any case, skip neoprene. In my opinion, wet feet are sad feet, even if they are warm.

[uno-speedo]

I have these and they're good at keeping water out and keeping your feet warm:

http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/p/23785/estremo-winter-overshoe-2012

[carpediemracing]

In water I dislike the cold "external" water more than being sweaty.

Therefore I use plastic bags, over the shoes.

Put on your socks and shoes like normal.

Then slip a thin plastic bag over the shoes. Tape the top to your ankle - I use duct tape. I try and get the tape at a level about where the booties end so the tape sort of "shields" my leg from the bootie edge. This way you don't have the bit of your skin just above the tape getting abraded by a damp bootie loaded with sand and grit.

Unless you have Speedplays or some other intricate cleat set up you'll be able to clip in and out a good half dozen to dozen times before you wear through the plastic. I don't use Speedplays so I can't speak for those pedal uses.

I usually put booties on over because warm wet is okay (like a summer rain) and if I'm going through all this it's because it's 35 degrees and pouring and I have at least an hour of racing ahead of me, maybe up to three hours of racing.

With Look Keos I have at least half a dozen clip in/out cycles.

My feet are totally dry for anywhere from 55-70 minutes. They do get less comfortable after 2-3 hours due to condensation but water usually never gets in. They stay warm for sure.

[FlashUNC]

can't say best, but their nanoflex shoe covers are pretty decent for rain riding (although you're screwed if step in a puddle and water gets in from the bottom... it's never coming out :))

I've just used their arm warmers and Gabba jersey, but both are legit for keeping water out. I'd imagine their booties are pretty decent all things considered.

[Gummee]

I've had good luck with the Gore Gore Tex insulated booties. Buddy of mine has the non-insulated version.

Pro Tarmac booties do a good job too.

I've got some PI Barrier Lite booties coming because that same riding buddy from above tore my Tarmacs a few weeks ago and he hasn't replaced em yet.

As with anything, it all depends on keeping water from seeping in from the top, so add fenders with that and all's better in the end.

M