22 December 2007
One simple step to keeping your feet dry
Posted by todd under: Footwear; Raingear; Reviews .
It’s no fun to ride with wet feet.
It’s less fun to walk around the office in your socks, while your shoes sit under your desk stuffed with newspapers, because they dry quicker that way. (Yes, I KNOW this is goofy, but I have done it.)
I’ve tried hauling an extra pair of shoes and socks on my rear rack, double-bagged with plastic shopping bags. I’ve tried keeping a dry pair of shoes and socks at work as a backup. And I have tried riding with plastic bags over my feet.
All of these methods work, to a greater or lesser extent. But by far the best things I’ve done to keep the dogs dry is to buy a pair of shoe covers.
Mine are nylon, with a zipper up the side (that’s them in the picture). They are made by Burley, and they are great; unfortunately, Burley is no longer making raingear. (If you wear an extra-small, you might be in business — Lexington’s own Pedal the Planet and this site still list the Burley shoe covers in this size.)
However, there are other options. Check here for shoe covers that look similar to mine (I have never tried any of them, but if I were going to, I would pick this one), or Peter White sells rewaterproofable waxed cotton Carradice Duxback shoe covers (see a picture of them here).
Shoe covers generally cost $30 to $50. If I were buying the covers now, I would try the Carradice model. It costs $23 from Peter (shipping not included).
This is an essential piece of gear for everyday riding, especially if you want to wear your work shoes on the bike. A good pair of shoe covers will keep your feet completely dry. I have worn the Burleys in some torrential downpours over several years and they have not failed me yet.
In fact, I almost ALWAYS wear one (while riding a bike anyway). (On the other hand, if YOU don't want to wear a helmet, I have no problem with it.) I don't remember what happened on this particular day. Fortunately for all of us it makes for a less-nerdly picture. My exceptionally talented professional photographer friend Charles Bertram took this photo.
I asked my 6-year-old son, Caleb, an avid bicyclist and artist, to draw a bike for me. I think he did a great job!
