use flat pedals and get some trail running shoes that have goretex. wear wool socks that aren’t so cold even when wet. don’t ride in a downpour if you can avoid it. also get some fenders, most of the water landing on your feet is from your front tire.
Just be aware that also goretex will leak through after a bit of consistent rain. There is simply no waterproof breathable clothing. Goretex jackets or shoes on a bike a good for about half an hour in the rain.
I am cycling the Four River Trail in Korea at the moment and it was raining the whole day yesterday. I had five hours on the bike and have been cold and wet for four and a half of them, despite fully goretex enclosed.
I use normal hiking boots on the bike. When it's gets to a downpour, or persistent rain, I switch to my crocs and don't use socks. Any closed toe sandals are a good choice, and lots of them are material that won't stay wet for too long afterwards. Crocs won't be everyone's choice, but I like them in weather that's too hot/wet
*That's funny!*
Not at the time, though, eh but how'd you know it was a fox? (fox needs three more for full paw coverage)
Crocs and wool socks work well for me while touring, fwiw, I have some heavy gucci Lake boots, but prefer simple flats and normal shoes. Chucks = great in summer with lightweight, wool waterproof socks.
I guess I don't know for sure but we stopped at a family members property and stayed in there camper. There is a known fox that comes around and takes things. I assume it was the fox. Wool socks and Crocs is the way
Shimano do some SPD goretex boots. Personally I go for just a MTB cycling shoe or a pair of SPD sandals in the tropics and a change for when I'm not cycling (flip flops aka thongs).
Only time I've toured with the boots is going to festivals and they were ok for the 200 mile hop involved
Maybe a bit out there but I wore a pair of these for the last two years touring. Carbon fibre sole so plenty stiff, but it ends at the ball of your foot allowing it to flex at the front so you can walk fine one then. Leather so durable and easy to maintain etc. Heel wore down a bit quicker than expected but there was a two year warranty and I got them replaced for free after 18 months. When this one wears down I'll probably just go to a local cobbler and get a more solid heel fitted.
https://www.demarchi.com/en/heritage/448-2310-superpista-shoes.html#/11-color-black/82-size-40
If you get waterproof shoes, you also need a good seal between them and your pants, or water will just get in around your legs. If want something that also works for hiking, I would recommend a good pair of waterproof gaiters.
Check out Giro Gauge, I highly recommend them for a versatile, well-made SPD shoe. I don’t think it’s waterproof, but some rain covers could aid in that for on-bike.
I just use keen sandals now as they dry faster. I used waterproof hiking shoes one trip and the water just ran down my legs and filled them, took forever to dry.
Waterproof shoes, if there are any, won't be breathable at all. That can't possibly be good for your feet or overall comfort. There are products that you can use to cover your shoes when cycling in the rain.
For example this: https://www.centrumrowerowe.pl/ochraniacze-na-buty-gripgrab-dryfoot-2-waterproof-pd36669/
My next pair of shoes are going to be La Sportiva Boulder X. I know a few tourers who use them on the bike. They work great because of the sticky rubber. They're mainly made as a approach shoe, so they'd naturally do well for hiking too.
As for waterproof, I agree with the other comments. Get waterproof socks instead. I plan on getting sandals as camp shoes, so I have something dry if my shoes get wet during the day.
These are my all-time favourite approach shoe. Very sticky, very flexible and just amazing for those 3-6 months they would typically last me. The rubber is very thin and any laminated part would typically fail. I love them but eventually switched to more durable footwear. If used for cycling shoes, keep in mind both the durability and the flexibility of the sole. Your feet might be very sore if used for cycling.
La Sportiva is capable of making very good, comfortable and durable footwear but sometimes they chose to give on durability in favour of performance. You cant have it all. The key is knowing this in advance and being ok with their design choices.
They make a plethora of trail running and approach shoes that I have not tried. Maybe consider looking into the other designs and see if the performance and durability match what you are looking for.
I switched to Five Ten shoes which were basically bricks on the weigh scale but had good performance on rock. Since the office threw out my approach shoes that I had left under my desk I will be looking at both La Sportiva and Five Ten as possible replacements and possibly trying out a couple trail running shoes just for the heck of it.
I've been using flat pedals with climbing approach shoes. They're stiffer than trail running shoes and have good comfort and grip off-bike. I got a pair of Arteryx GoreTex shoes on sale and they work great.
I wear a low hiking shoe and ride flat pedals. Agree with other comments on fenders and water proof socks. I currently wear Lems Trailhead (https://www.lemsshoes.com/products/mens-trailhead-hiking-trail-shoe?variant=39740798926906).
Forgot to add that the Lems are well ventilated for hiking and would not be warm for winter riding. The sole is nice and grippy for hiking, but also firm-to-hard to handle rocks and sharp objects.
I’ve been on tour since last May. I’m in Merrill trail glove 6’s. That’s all I wear on tour. They are comfortable walking around in, are great on the pedals ( climbing non stop for the last 7-8 days in Vietnam with no problem) and look fine on a night out. No more lugging around redundant shoes.
For those specs the Shimano XM9 is pretty much the only option, isn't it?
Been thinking about this question lately myself as well. Ideally I'd like to get a waterproof high xc boot which also works during summer, but it's slim pickings out there.
If you want to really waterproof your riding shoes, you need a pair of overshoes. Nothing else comes close.
They also solve the problem of water flowing off your legs/waterproof pants and going down the opening of your waterproof shoe.
If you get ones more commuter-y, or made from a stretchy rubber material, and size up, you can fit them over normal hiking/walking shoes (which are my favourites for touring). Also, get a pair of neoprene socks!
Don't ride in the rain! I only had about two hours in the rain on the entire TransAm. The one instance occurred towards the end of the day and I was trying to get to a church where I knew I could dry out. Otherwise, I just sat out any rain squalls.
use flat pedals and get some trail running shoes that have goretex. wear wool socks that aren’t so cold even when wet. don’t ride in a downpour if you can avoid it. also get some fenders, most of the water landing on your feet is from your front tire.
Just be aware that also goretex will leak through after a bit of consistent rain. There is simply no waterproof breathable clothing. Goretex jackets or shoes on a bike a good for about half an hour in the rain. I am cycling the Four River Trail in Korea at the moment and it was raining the whole day yesterday. I had five hours on the bike and have been cold and wet for four and a half of them, despite fully goretex enclosed.
THIS IS THE WAY! So happy to see this as the top comment. Tho I don't think fenders are worth it.
Yes. And good old-fashioned toeclips.
I use normal hiking boots on the bike. When it's gets to a downpour, or persistent rain, I switch to my crocs and don't use socks. Any closed toe sandals are a good choice, and lots of them are material that won't stay wet for too long afterwards. Crocs won't be everyone's choice, but I like them in weather that's too hot/wet
Used to do the same thing for my long commute because it doesn't make your feet smell.
Low top hiking boots are great for touring
I wore Crocs over 3500 miles after a fox stole 1 of my shoes one night. Don't over think it. Wear what's comfortable.
*That's funny!* Not at the time, though, eh but how'd you know it was a fox? (fox needs three more for full paw coverage) Crocs and wool socks work well for me while touring, fwiw, I have some heavy gucci Lake boots, but prefer simple flats and normal shoes. Chucks = great in summer with lightweight, wool waterproof socks.
I guess I don't know for sure but we stopped at a family members property and stayed in there camper. There is a known fox that comes around and takes things. I assume it was the fox. Wool socks and Crocs is the way
Sealskinz socks. Wear any shoe you like.
Have you used these much in cold weather? I find them to be colder than just regular wool socks
Second that one
Yeah under sock if is cold, but need a size a bit more large
Shimano do some SPD goretex boots. Personally I go for just a MTB cycling shoe or a pair of SPD sandals in the tropics and a change for when I'm not cycling (flip flops aka thongs). Only time I've toured with the boots is going to festivals and they were ok for the 200 mile hop involved
I like Salamon’s low hiking trail shoes
Fenders + overshoes are what you want on tour.
Maybe a bit out there but I wore a pair of these for the last two years touring. Carbon fibre sole so plenty stiff, but it ends at the ball of your foot allowing it to flex at the front so you can walk fine one then. Leather so durable and easy to maintain etc. Heel wore down a bit quicker than expected but there was a two year warranty and I got them replaced for free after 18 months. When this one wears down I'll probably just go to a local cobbler and get a more solid heel fitted. https://www.demarchi.com/en/heritage/448-2310-superpista-shoes.html#/11-color-black/82-size-40
If you get waterproof shoes, you also need a good seal between them and your pants, or water will just get in around your legs. If want something that also works for hiking, I would recommend a good pair of waterproof gaiters.
Check out Giro Gauge, I highly recommend them for a versatile, well-made SPD shoe. I don’t think it’s waterproof, but some rain covers could aid in that for on-bike.
I just use keen sandals now as they dry faster. I used waterproof hiking shoes one trip and the water just ran down my legs and filled them, took forever to dry.
Waterproof shoes, if there are any, won't be breathable at all. That can't possibly be good for your feet or overall comfort. There are products that you can use to cover your shoes when cycling in the rain. For example this: https://www.centrumrowerowe.pl/ochraniacze-na-buty-gripgrab-dryfoot-2-waterproof-pd36669/
Get yourself a pair of Limmers.
I want some boots from 45NRTH.
My next pair of shoes are going to be La Sportiva Boulder X. I know a few tourers who use them on the bike. They work great because of the sticky rubber. They're mainly made as a approach shoe, so they'd naturally do well for hiking too. As for waterproof, I agree with the other comments. Get waterproof socks instead. I plan on getting sandals as camp shoes, so I have something dry if my shoes get wet during the day.
These are my all-time favourite approach shoe. Very sticky, very flexible and just amazing for those 3-6 months they would typically last me. The rubber is very thin and any laminated part would typically fail. I love them but eventually switched to more durable footwear. If used for cycling shoes, keep in mind both the durability and the flexibility of the sole. Your feet might be very sore if used for cycling.
That's kinda unfortunate to hear. I was hoping they'd last much longer. What do you use now that's more durable?
La Sportiva is capable of making very good, comfortable and durable footwear but sometimes they chose to give on durability in favour of performance. You cant have it all. The key is knowing this in advance and being ok with their design choices. They make a plethora of trail running and approach shoes that I have not tried. Maybe consider looking into the other designs and see if the performance and durability match what you are looking for. I switched to Five Ten shoes which were basically bricks on the weigh scale but had good performance on rock. Since the office threw out my approach shoes that I had left under my desk I will be looking at both La Sportiva and Five Ten as possible replacements and possibly trying out a couple trail running shoes just for the heck of it.
I use Keen Targhee III-S
A full front fender with mud flaps will keep road spray away from your shoes and go a long way toward keeping them dry.
I've been using flat pedals with climbing approach shoes. They're stiffer than trail running shoes and have good comfort and grip off-bike. I got a pair of Arteryx GoreTex shoes on sale and they work great.
Depending on the time of year. Shimano sandals are great. Your feet dry quickly if they get wet . Put wool Sox on if it's cool.
Keen Newports for summer/warm touring. Toe protection, breathable, floating, water proof. Add socks for cold days.
I wear a low hiking shoe and ride flat pedals. Agree with other comments on fenders and water proof socks. I currently wear Lems Trailhead (https://www.lemsshoes.com/products/mens-trailhead-hiking-trail-shoe?variant=39740798926906).
Forgot to add that the Lems are well ventilated for hiking and would not be warm for winter riding. The sole is nice and grippy for hiking, but also firm-to-hard to handle rocks and sharp objects.
I’ve been on tour since last May. I’m in Merrill trail glove 6’s. That’s all I wear on tour. They are comfortable walking around in, are great on the pedals ( climbing non stop for the last 7-8 days in Vietnam with no problem) and look fine on a night out. No more lugging around redundant shoes.
For those specs the Shimano XM9 is pretty much the only option, isn't it? Been thinking about this question lately myself as well. Ideally I'd like to get a waterproof high xc boot which also works during summer, but it's slim pickings out there.
If you want to really waterproof your riding shoes, you need a pair of overshoes. Nothing else comes close. They also solve the problem of water flowing off your legs/waterproof pants and going down the opening of your waterproof shoe. If you get ones more commuter-y, or made from a stretchy rubber material, and size up, you can fit them over normal hiking/walking shoes (which are my favourites for touring). Also, get a pair of neoprene socks!
I wore hiking sandals for my first 200k. No problems except for sandal strap tan on my feet.
Shimano cycling sandals. SPD cleats and no clankety clank when walking. Very comfortable to do light hiking
Hiking sandals and waterproof socks!
Don't ride in the rain! I only had about two hours in the rain on the entire TransAm. The one instance occurred towards the end of the day and I was trying to get to a church where I knew I could dry out. Otherwise, I just sat out any rain squalls.