Shoe Covers for MTB

Windproof and waterproof membrane: keep your feet warm

Your feet are the first to suffer from the cold when mountain biking: not very mobile, exposed to the relative wind and the spray from the wheels, they get cold quickly as soon as the shoe gets wet. The shoe cover wraps the shoe in a second layer. The one from Gist features a windproof and waterproof membrane: it blocks cold air and water while allowing some of the sweat vapour to escape, preventing your foot from soaking in moisture. This differs from neoprene, which is very warm but not breathable, and is suitable for short rides. A membrane works better for long rides where the effort alternates between climbs and descents.

The rest of your gear

Mountain biking gear also includes:

• Mountain bike shoes.
• Socks.
• Trousers.
• Jackets.
• Gloves.
• Protectors.

All the gear is gathered on the mountain biking page.

Open sole and reinforcements: the constraints of mountain biking

A mountain bike shoe cover works harder than a road model. It needs to accommodate the cleat and the studs from the sole, hence a large opening underneath, to maintain grip when carrying it or walking in slippery terrain. The toe and heel, which rub against rocks and the pedal, benefit from being reinforced. The fabric must withstand thorns and low branches, and the fastening must remain reliable once covered in mud. A Velcro fastening, like on the Gist, can be operated with thick gloves and adjusts to the volume of mountain bike shoes, which are often bulkier than road shoes.

Size, putting on and maintenance after a muddy ride

The size is chosen according to the size of mountain bike shoes: the shoe cover should wrap around the shoe without pulling on the seams or being loose enough to get caught in the crank. To put it on, start by putting on your shoes, slide the toe into the shoe cover, align the opening of the sole with the cleat, then close the Velcro. After a muddy ride, let the dirt dry before brushing it off, rinse with lukewarm water using mild soap and air dry, away from a radiator which would weaken the membrane. A water-repellent spray product can revive the water-resistant capacity of the fabric from time to time.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearances, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and sent within 24 hours. The highlights of the year occur in a stable order: the Black Friday in late autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back to school.

Frequently asked questions

Does a shoe cover keep feet dry in the rain?

A model with a waterproof membrane, like the Gist, blocks rain and wheel spray. However, water can still enter from the top if the tight-fitting leg doesn't cover the shaft of the shoe cover.

At what temperature should you wear shoe covers for mountain biking?

As soon as the thermometer drops below around ten degrees, or in damp weather even milder, as a wet foot cools down very quickly. In dry and mild weather, they mainly risk making you sweat.

How can you prevent the shoe cover from wearing out under the sole?

Limit walking on rocks and asphalt, which wear down the fabric around the opening. Check the condition of the reinforcements after each ride and stitch small tears before they grow.

Can a shoe cover be used with flat pedals?

Yes, but the studs of flat pedals catch the fabric and wear it out faster. A model with a broadly open sole limits this contact and maintains the shoe's grip on the pedal.

Shoe cover or winter shoes for mountain biking?

The shoe cover extends the use of your regular shoes at a lower cost and can be removed if the temperature rises. The winter shoe, which is taller, is suited for those who often ride in the cold.