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  Topic Name: Keeping shoes dry in the rain on: January 20, 2014, 04:20:06 PM
Couloirman


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« on: January 20, 2014, 04:20:06 PM »

Im rearranging my gear setup for this years CTR, and one thing that keeps occupying my thoughts is creative and lightweight ways to keep ones shoes dry in big rainstorms. I ride flat pedals (Canfield Crampons) so need my sole exposed for grip. I have toyed with the ideal of a big rain kilt that might help a little while hiking, but I think it will get caught in my wheels while riding. I already take the soles out of my shoes to dry every night and that helps a bit, but I'd rather not let them soak in the first place if possible. Just sitting out rainstorms is not an option for me.

Anyone have a good way of keeping the shoes dry-ish in the rain? Pearl Izumi shoe covers? Or do you just let them soak and deal with it? My feet are VERY prone to blisters and massive peeling/cracking/bleeding so keeping feet as dry as possible, even for a race as short as the CTR is key for me to be able to finish.
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  Topic Name: Keeping shoes dry in the rain Reply #1 on: January 20, 2014, 05:12:09 PM
pro_out


Location: Oklahoma
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« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2014, 05:12:09 PM »

 Gaiters and gor-tex shoes perhaps.
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Lone Wolf

  Topic Name: Keeping shoes dry in the rain Reply #2 on: January 20, 2014, 05:22:32 PM
sherpaxc


Location: Austin, TX
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« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2014, 05:22:32 PM »

I'm also interested to hear this. I think Marshall has a system set up. Hopefully he will chime in here. How do you like those crampons?  What shoes do you plan on using for the ctr?  I'm using spank spikes and plan on using 5.10 freeriders for my through ride.
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  Topic Name: Keeping shoes dry in the rain Reply #3 on: January 20, 2014, 08:07:21 PM
Mini Bear


Location: Denver, CO
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« Reply #3 on: January 20, 2014, 08:07:21 PM »

In my experience, it is best to go with a very lightweight shoe that both gets wet really quick...but also dries out very quickly. I've used 'waterproof' shoes/covers/socks/etc. and every time my feet still eventually get wet. They all work to a point, but the more 'waterproof', the longer they take to dry out. My two cents? Let the feet get wet. The lighter the shoes, the quicker they'll dry.
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  Topic Name: Keeping shoes dry in the rain Reply #4 on: January 20, 2014, 11:49:23 PM
Adam Alphabet


Location: Vancouver, BC
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« Reply #4 on: January 20, 2014, 11:49:23 PM »

Up here in BC if you're not riding in the rain you're not riding. I use Rocky gore tex socks over top of my favourite Defeet wool socks and then into the shoes. Shoes get soaked, feet stay dry. This is my standard wet weather set up for mountain biking, bikepacking and bike touring. I've been using this set up for years even on the CT a couple summers ago when I toured from Denver to Durango, no issues.

The one thing you'll want to do though is ride with the goretex socks on until your shoes dry out or they're at a dry enough level that you're comfortable putting your regular sock feet into your shoes other wise you'll just soak your socks. Sometimes this means starting riding the next day with the goretex socks on while you wait for the sun to come out to dry out your shoes while you're pedaling along.

My feet get really cold though and the gore tex socks don't help keep them any warmer unfortunately.

For your feet issues I cannot recommend this book enough:
http://www.fixingyourfeet.com/Fixing-Your-Feet.html
and the website has a tonne of great info as well:
http://www.fixingyourfeet.com/

I view that book as essential reading for anyone spending more than few hours out in the bush, biking, running, hunting, whatever.
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@adamalphabet

  Topic Name: Keeping shoes dry in the rain Reply #5 on: February 07, 2014, 09:03:41 PM
TheDudeAbides


Location: Ken Caryl, Colorado
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« Reply #5 on: February 07, 2014, 09:03:41 PM »

Sounds stupid, but it's economical, multi use, and ultra lightweight...

Trash bags, grocery bags, and rubber bands or hair ties...  That's how I used to roll when I used to bike to and from work when I was younger.

Otherwise the wool sock route is a solid idea.  Wool retains some 80% of it's warmth value even when it's wet as well.  Wool is simply the best cold/wet weather material on the planet.  I utilize it as often as possible.
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The summit is just a halfway point.

  Topic Name: Keeping shoes dry in the rain Reply #6 on: February 16, 2014, 08:48:21 AM
raybo


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« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2014, 08:48:21 AM »

I wrote an article about making rain shoe covers from a slit plastic water bottle and a nylon gaiter.
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  Topic Name: Keeping shoes dry in the rain Reply #7 on: February 16, 2014, 09:20:32 PM
chrisx


Location: Portland
Posts: 407


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« Reply #7 on: February 16, 2014, 09:20:32 PM »

In my experience, it is best to go with a very lightweight shoe that both gets wet really quick...but also dries out very quickly. I've used 'waterproof' shoes/covers/socks/etc. and every time my feet still eventually get wet. They all work to a point, but the more 'waterproof', the longer they take to dry out. My two cents? Let the feet get wet. The lighter the shoes, the quicker they'll dry.

yea what he said

For cold rainy days, medium cushion smartwool socks and shoes that will dry quickly.  
90% of the water on your feet came of the front wheel, or rolled down your pant leg into your shoe.
The smallest size gaiter will fit up inside your pant leg, and over the lip of your shoe.  Once you stop to think about it.  Your rain pants catch far more rain drops than your shoe does. All those drops roll down your pant leg, and drip inside your shoe. A gaiter gets them to drip onto the ground.  

A front fender with a home made extension does a lot to keep water of your feet.  As in above post.  cut a section from a plastic water bottle.  Poke 2 holes in it and your fender with a knife.  Use a zip tie to fix it to your fender.

Your shoe collects very few rain drops.  Eliminate the water from the front wheel.  Disperse the water from your pants off onto the ground.  Now your feet are 90% less wet

Crumple newspaper into a ball and stuff it into a wet shoe.  It soaks up some of the water and helps the shoes to dry faster.  You might be able to hold the newspaper filled shoe under a hand dryer to speed drying.  Don't let the shoe get to hot and melt the glue that holds your shoe together.  Keep your hand on the shoe.  The glue can withstand as much heat as your hand can.
« Last Edit: February 16, 2014, 09:29:40 PM by chrisx » Logged

  Topic Name: Keeping shoes dry in the rain Reply #8 on: February 16, 2014, 10:17:38 PM
chrisx


Location: Portland
Posts: 407


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« Reply #8 on: February 16, 2014, 10:17:38 PM »

If you find yourself shivering from the cold.
Take off your shoes and socks. 
http://www.natureskills.com/outdoor-safety/hypothermia-treatment/
http://www.backpacker.com/2012-january-reader-survival-escapes-hypothermia/survival/16235

Don't listen to me, or read the links I found. NO. Do your own research.  Better yet, speak to a medical person.
Do know what hypothermia is. Do have a plan.

A 99 gram emergency blanket could save you.
http://www.rei.com/search?query=emergancy+blanket
I had one in my bag for 2 years before I needed it.  When I needed it,  I needed it!
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