Dry Feet

[ondowntheroad]

I'm planning a Trans Am east-west next year. It looks like rain is common in the east. I'm pretty well set up for rain except for my feet. I don't really mind riding with wet feet unless it's cold but I hate putting on wet shoes the next day. The Eastern segment of the Trans Am  in mid June looks like hot weather. So my question is for former Trans AM riders: What is the best method to keep the feet dry? Is it really a concern in the hot weather or is it just no big deal? It seems like any solution I've thought of so far will be too heavy to carry or a hassle to put on or may be too hot for normal riding if you put it on and it doesn't rain. Any input appreciated.

[bogiesan]

I hope you get better advice.
Cycle Oregon is always in September and we hit mountains often. We
see weather (altho not this year). Tent, bike clothes, camp clothes, bed
clothes, sleeping bag... everything can be either soaked or damp. and
when things get wet in Oregon, they say wet until the sun comes out
for 10-15 hours.
There's no way to stay dry in Oregon's rain, it's often moving sideways.
If you dislike wet bike shoes, wear bike sandals. You cna wear
neoprene socks but your feet will just get all wrinkly and deyhyrdated.
You can wear neoprene or Goretex shoe booties but they really don't
help in storms or if you're on your bike for many hours.

The only thing I've ever been able to do when my feet get wet is stop
and dry them. Same for socks and shoes. But it's impossible to dry
water logged wool bike socks without lots of heat and patience. Drying
shoes takes even more patience and less heat.

david boise ID


go, ristretto, FCP/AE
"Read the manual."

[DaveB]

Unfortunately, I have to agree with bogiesan.  You can't keep you feet dry in a heavy rain.  The best you can do is try to keep them warm.  In warm weather it's no problem, just annoying.  In cold weather you have to keep your feet warm and neoprene or insulated shoe covers will do it even if wet.  

Fenders are effective with wet roads if it isn't actually raining but they only delay the inevitable in a real rain.  Same for shoe covers.  Even fully "waterproof" shoecovers can't keep the water from running down your legs into your shoes.

Once you stop for the day, stuffing wet shoes with newspaper and changing it a couple of times will do a very effective job of drying them out.  Until the next rain.    

[staehpj1]

The other comments so far are good, but I will add...
Shoes and socks a widely variable in their comfort when wet and their speed of drying.

First shoes...

I have found that my Lorica and mesh Sidi Bullet 2's absorb very little moisture and feel dry as long as your socks are dry.  When the socks are wet the shoes don't seem to contribute and the mesh allows some drying.  As long as it isn't too cold they work great.  If you expect real cold and wet at the same time take shoe covers.  Wet suit type neoprene ones are pretty warm.  I didn't take or miss them on the TA.

Some shoes that I have tried stayed very wet and even after a sock change the socks were instantly soaked from the shoes.

Other shoes may work for you, but try to find ones that don't absorb much moisture.

OK, now socks...

I have has fairly good luck with both synthetics and with Smartwool.  I really like the fairly inexpensive Under Armor low cut athletic socks better than bike specific socks that I have tried.  I have had good luck with others like Ultimax and Thorlo, but don't find them any better at several times the cost.   The UA ones come 4 pairs in a bag for about $12 if I remember correctly.

I carried three pairs of the UA and one of the Smartwool. I sometimes wore the Smartwool socks when it was cold, but not often.  Bothe were pretty comfortable when wet.  I think I might leave the Smartwool home next time since they really weren't used much.

Do get out of wet shoes and socks when in camp and let feet air and dry out.  I carried a pair of Crocs as camp footwear.

On the sandal issue...

I personally find that I get blisters from most sandals when wet for walking and the idea of riding in sandals does not appeal to me.  Others apparently love them.

[scott.laughlin]

I have a pair of Niki All-Trac anphibious I bought about three years ago.  In the rain, those with wool socks and rat trap pedals do the trick for me.

If you find a way to keep the rain off your feet they will sweat and your feet are wet anyway.

 

[JimF]

We left Yorktown, VA, mid-May and ran into rain periodically all the way across. I found bike sandals (Shimano) the best in rainy weather. They dry quickly when rain stops and feet don't feel soggy. They are healthier (ventilation) for feet, too. I recently bought Keen's new Commuter sandals and really like them. Good riding.

[erniegrillo]

Go to your local grocery store and pick up some of the plastic bags that are usually available in the fruit and vegetable dept. Put these over your shoes if it's raining and don't worry about clipping into your pedals, it is no problem.  A roll of scotch or masking tape can be used to wrap around the instep or ankle area if you are worried about fit. Your feet will stay warm and the only moisture you will experience is from condensation.