Shoe covers...

[Catrin]

I need to get some gravel riding in soon...but I ride BMX pedals on my mountain bike, I don't clip in. Does anyone know of any shoe covers that might fit regular hiking shoes? The only other option is to put Frogs on my Jamis so I can clip in/wear my PI Barrier shoe covers and chemical warmers - but I want to get a good feel for riding gravel before I start attaching myself to the bike. I've been searching without much luck - I am really hoping for another option that won't cost me an arm and a leg. My hiking shoes aren't winter weight - and I imagine that real winter hiking shoes that I could ride in would probably cost about the same as winter mtb riding shoes/boots... Back to Google!

[Becky]

It's been my experience that most shoes that aren't cycling-specific have too bulky of an upper to work well with shoe covers. If your goal is water- and wind-proof, something like a Gore-Tex sock might be a better option (albeit not cheap!). Sizing up will allow heavier wool socks underneath. Don't be tempted by the cheaper Seirus Stormsocks- they make my feet sweat like crazy, worse than the Rocky Gore-Tex ones!

Good luck!

[Catrin]

I figured this would likely be the case, and thanks for the link. I have a small pair of something like this that someone gave me earlier this year but I don't think they are large enough to wear heavier socks underneath them.

[OakLeaf]

Honestly, plastic bags inside my shoes work as well as anything. Produce bags (cut down so they don't flap around my ankles) are lightweight enough that they even breathe a little. Over wool socks, they're not a bit clammy, at least down to a start temperature of 35° or so.

For the price of that beautiful lacinato kale you were going to buy anyway you get a wind blocking cover that'll last you until you decide whether you want to clip in.

[Catrin]

Honestly, plastic bags inside my shoes work as well as anything. Produce bags (cut down so they don't flap around my ankles) are lightweight enough that they even breathe a little. Over wool socks, they're not a bit clammy, at least down to a start temperature of 35° or so.

For the price of that beautiful lacinato kale you were going to buy anyway you get a wind blocking cover that'll last you until you decide whether you want to clip in.

Oooh, good idea Oakleaf! I will do this. How did you know I love lacinto kale? I hadn't even considered this, which is why I asked the question, thanks!