How to Make Shoe Covers for Cycling

In cold or damp weather, many cyclists find it necessary to wear cycling shoe covers, or "booties". These covers help keep your feet warm and dry, and make cycling a much more tolerable activity in adverse weather conditions. Prices for store-bought cycling shoe covers run anywhere from $15 to $60, depending on the quality and level of protection. By following a few simple steps, however, it's possible to make your own, saving your feet from wintertime discomfort, and your wallet from another expenditure.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Plastic garbage bag
Waterproof tape
Scissors

Step 1

Cut a square from a garbage bag. The square will need to be large enough to cover your shoe and wrap securely around your ankle. Some cyclists will have cleats on the bottoms of their shoes. If so, cut a hole in the plastic the size of the cleat. Each foot will have an identical shaped and sized piece of plastic.

Step 2

With your shoe on, and the cleat placed in the opening that you've cut in the bottom of the bag, pull the plastic up, around your ankle. Twist the bag where there is any slack. Secure the bag just above the ankle with waterproof tape. Add a second strip of tape at the base of the toes, again removing slack from the plastic.

Step 3

If you need extra warmth, layer a thick sock over the plastic. The sock will need to be at least one size larger than your everyday sock. Once again, if necessary, cut a whole in each of the socks to allow for the cleat on the bottom of your shoe.

Tips & Warnings

Some newspapers come in plastic protective sleeves. These are not as common as garbage bags, but if you can get one, they're an easy solution for your shoe covering needs. They're already formed in the approximate shape of your foot, and may need to be only slightly modified.

Wearing socks on the outside of your shoes may raise a few eyebrows on your next group ride. Shrug it off and take pride in your ingenuity.

Article Written By Matthew Ferguson

Matthew Ferguson is a writer living in Savannah, Ga. He has been writing for over 10 years and his work has appeared on various online publications. A collection of his short stories was published in spring 2010. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...