Gaiters

[Ian]

After stuffing newspaper into my soaking wet "waterproof" shoes for the umpteenth time last night, I'm trying to think of ways to keep my feet dry. The limiting factor of any boot is the water that gets in at the top. Waterproof trousers would be a possibility, but I think on the issue of breatheability and small overlap around the top of the boot, I've discounted this option. So, I wondered about gaiters. These would significantly reduce the amount of water that gets in at the top by raising the level to just below the knee. I maintain mobility in the knee area - important for pedalling - and they'd be compatible with my existing waterproof shorts.

Does anyone on here wear gaitors to ride with?
Anyone got any comments on anything I might not have considered?

[mountainbaker]

I've been wondering about this, as my winter boots keep filling up with water and take an age to dry. I have some gaiters, but have never ridden in them, but walked with them a lot in the "summer" of 2012. Only real problem was that they get very hot. But mine are some cheapo ones, very waterproof, but not breathable at all! I might try them out this week actually, if workload permits any rides...

[Zippy]

I've given up with trying to start dry when riding if it's gonna be wet. My main concern is now just to make sure temperature is alright, and providing stuff is breathable enough, when it dries out, as long as they breath when it's stopped raining, stuff dries out ok. I've got the shimano winter boots - given I'm not the worlds biggest gore tex fan, I've been impressed with how they keep my feet warm despite being soaking wet, and seem to dry out alright through my feet breathing.

With that in mind, I would reckon you'd need some seriously breathable gaitors to keep em working like that, as it's then another layer. Saw some rab neoshell ones which look like they'd do the job. Otherwise - I find when walking I get seriously sweaty in gaitors - so on a bike you gotta be careful about that.

That's my thoughts, but having not actually tried it, I'd be interested in how you find them if you give it a go.

[Dan_K]

I've got some cheap ones (not gore tex) that I use for walking in. I have used them on the bike with my shimano mw80 boots and found them to be sweaty but they do work.
I quite like the look of the Trekmates XT gore tex ones.

http://www.trekmates.co.uk/index.php?ro ... path=61_77

[johnnystorm]

I've been wondering about this, as my winter boots keep filling up with water and take an age to dry. I have some gaiters, but have never ridden in them, but walked with them a lot in the "summer" of 2012. Only real problem was that they get very hot. But mine are some cheapo ones, very waterproof, but not breathable at all! I might try them out this week actually, if workload permits any rides...

Yeah, had my cheap ones on at the weekend. Walking at 4mph was enough for my jeans to get damp underneath so at bike speeds I wouldn't hold out much hope. Also depends on how the front section attaches. Had Yeti gaiters in the past and they are vaguely exciting, probably more chance of them staying put. You could also leave them more open at the top for a bit of venting when it wasn't so wet.

[Bearbonesnorm]

I sometimes use water resistant Inov8 'scree gaiters'. They're more for keeping stones and stuff out but the do form a pretty good seal around your ankle that does keep some water out.

The only problem I see, is the strap that runs under the shoe. Obviously they're designed to fit just in front of the raised heal that most walking boots have but cycling shoes usually don't. It doesn't cause any issues when riding but can if you're forced to walk, because the strap is sitting proud on the flat sole.

Integral Designs and Luxe both make some nice lightweight eVent offerings that look a good bet.

[slarge]

Ian, I have only tried gaiters for walking and find them hot and sweaty. The only solution I think exists for water entering boots through the top is gaffer tape. Tape the top of the boot to your calf. You will have sweaty feet, silky smooth calves but hopefully warm feet.

[chris n]

Dyffers can often be seen in the winter with the cuffs from a pair of Marigolds round his ankles, sealing the top of his boots/waterproof socks. Bonus points for using the [Crikey, how much] pink ones.

I just let them get wet and use two pairs of socks - coolmax liners under calf length Sealskinz.

[johnnystorm]

Civi colours about twice the price!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-BRITI ... 1c394c6c3f

Normally the problem is them popping off bendy boots. Bike shoes might be stiff enough! I remember them being a bastard to fit to my Lowa plastic climbing boots.

[ScotRoutes]

I've used gaiters for several years for hillwalking. I've also used them on the bike, in winter, and found them to be pretty effective. They are usually paired up with Shimano MT80 boots.

The cut-off marigold solution also works.

However, the answer is waterproof socks - either Gore-tex or the full-length Sealskinz.

[Ben98]

http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/mid-l ... 101-2.html
Event gaiters?

[Ian]

Thanks. The "too hot" comments are interesting. I wonder if that is because walking simply generates more heat than cycling? When riding your feet don't actually do very much, so are inclined to get cold easily if wet - or at least mine do. If my feet go cold, I sometimes elect to walk up a climb to warm them up a bit.

In order to regular temps a bit, I wonder if a combination of long socks (calf length), with 3/4 leggings and gaitors over the top. You'd no doubt look a right charlie until you'd put the gaitors on, but tbh, I don't think that matters. I ride on my own most of the time anyways.

[Brothersmith]

I've got some cheap ones (not gore tex) that I use for walking in. I have used them on the bike with my shimano mw80 boots and found them to be sweaty but they do work.
I quite like the look of the Trekmates XT gore tex ones.

http://www.trekmates.co.uk/index.php?ro ... path=61_77

I got these originally for my approach shoes which I use for backpacking, but they work equally well with cycling shoes. There a nice tight fit so no flappy material and you do get a bit sweaty but its bearable. They don't stop water running down your leg into your shoe/boot if its raining though.

I find waterproof trousers over the top of my waterproof boots to be only solution when truly wet out. Wouldn't mind giving these a go though if I can find them in a sale anywhere - Showers Pass Skyline pant, there a combination of waterproof material on bum and front of legs and soft-shell everywhere else. Look like a good compromise to overtrousers.

http://road.cc/content/review/106033-sh ... f-trousers

[Lughnasadh]

I use long length sealskins waterproof socks.

I have a few pairs and they work a treat until they have been over washed. They also keep your tootsies nice and cosy

[Gari]

I use gaiters for fat biking in the snow and find them great, they do sweat a little if I am working hard but nothing that doesn't dry out while sorting your gear out and pitching etc..... a little colder than at present mind so maybe I would sweat more in these temps. I am off to look at the Laraigh Ghru tomorrow on the pugs so I shall give it a try! wait one, out.

[ianfitz]

Neoprene socks with a tiny cut made next to the big toe.

Never be dry but will be warm

[composite]

Gaffer tape.

[benp1]

I have a short pair of integral designs event gaiters; and a longer pair of rab event gaiters (hispar maybe?)

Never tried them with biking but they work fine for walking when I've needed them. Most of my walking is with breathable shoes though so I just get wet feet, but walking keeps them warm. Doesn't work for cycling!

[Brothersmith]

Just saw these in the sale on backpacking light

http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/promotions/IB101.html

They look really close fitting at the top of the leg and could prevent the ingress of water. Says the top is made of a stretchy material though so would be interesting to know if they wick water to the sock or not.

[Ian]

I've plumped for the Rab Latok Alpine ones, in eVent. Quality and height look good, but I've yet to fit them to my still damp and muddy shoes. Hopefully give them a test tonight, so will report back.

As Gari as drawn attention to, I have half an eye on using them for snow conditions too, if we actually get anything substantial enough to ride on...

[Ian]

Ok, two rides later, I reckon these have been a good purchase.

First ride was absolutely soaking wet. Lots of saturated ground up on the common. Feet dry for about an hour before the spray off the wheels made it over the top and seeped down through my long soaks and reached my boots. My shoes got wet, but they we're clean underneath and feet warm owing to increased wind protection around my calves. To be fair, it was ludicrously wet and I don't think anything would have kept my feet dry.

Tonight's ride was a total mud-fest and my feet were warm throughout, and when I got back, I peeled the gaiters off and revealed dry feet and largely clean shoes. Perfect.


Gaiters - pre ride by ianbarrington, on Flickr


Gaiters - post ride by ianbarrington, on Flickr

[mountainbaker]

I think the size of your tyres has a lot to answer for in terms of how wet your legs are getting!

[Ian]

Yes, that's probably true, but I hope that the same tyres will also help achieve a higher level of fitness, so it's kinda necessary

[yeti342]

Recently (early jan) we did a mudtreks weekend of guided rides around Brechfa forest through very deep puddles and very deep streams all of us had wet feet after 30 mins except my mate who wore gaiters over his boots !!!

[composite]

You could still get these on with over shoes as well right?