Asking the impossible? Waterproof smart and good for cycling in

[Jellyheadbang]

I'm a cycling commuter.
My ideal is a pair of shoes/boots which are suitable for cycling in, waterproof (fully) AND that also look smart and stylish for work.
Does such a thing exist or am a searching for an holy grail?
Thank you 😊

[Jellyheadbang]

Bump as posted so late

[ScaryDuck]

Holy grail I'm afraid! You need a pair of these overshoes or similar - you can just put them over whatever shoes you like and they'll keep the rain and mud off. And keep your feet toasty warm while they're at it. Then take them off when you get to work obviously!

[Jellyheadbang]

Thank you scaryduck I really appreciate it.
I have never ventured into cycling gear as had no idea where to start. Believe it or not I've even tried cycling in wellies. Not nice...
So these overshoes then....can I just wear them on a normal pedal bike? They don't have to clip into pedals or anything?
Anything clip on I fear would make me claustrophobic and anxious

[NachoAddict]

I cycle to work and just change shoes when I arrive. I have a waterproof bag that clips onto the back of my bike.

[Jellyheadbang]

nachoaddict what do you wear on your feet to cycle to work?

[bingohandjob]

Overshoes are probably the best, but I'd consider the swapping shoes option as suggested. If you're looking for stylish cycle kit, Velo Vixen and (the Water Off A Duck's Back stuff is lovely) Vulpine worth a look. And Rapha, if you can afford it! If you are happy to get changed at work, Wiggle & Evans do great range of waterproof trousers/jackets etc.

[Jellyheadbang]

bingohandjob! Thanks for all the suggestions, I will check them all out. I'm fine for waterproof outer clothes including bottoms it's just the footwear that's always eluded me!

[NachoAddict]

I just wear my trainers so far, I am pretty new to it all.

[Jellyheadbang]

I'm so over the swapping shoes thing, I have so much to do , organise, think about and have poor cognition/ memory due to illness, I have forgotten to bring spares several times and tried leaving a pair at work for changing into but that's not always ideal as not every shoe goes with every outfit!

[Paintbox]

JUst leave a pair at work. Admittedly they won’t go with everything but neither will your perfect cycling waterproof pair either

[Etymology23]

I wear Goretex lined leather boots. Not these but eg like this www.clarks.co.uk/c/Cheshunt-Hi-GORE-TEX®/p/26119480

[Hellywelly10]

There are lots of chealsea boots in the shops. I got a leather dark red pair from m and s
Have worn them in meetings and to walk up hills.

[FlaviaAlbia]

I used to keep a few pairs of work shoes in my desk drawers since I only ever wore them at work and used goretex cycling shoes for cycling in over winter.

I haven't yet found an overshoe that's really waterproof though it depends on how far you're cycling.

If you can find smart goretex boots they'd do the job though. My DM has a pair from Gabor she got a few years ago that might do if they still do similar.

[bingohandjob]

If you really want waterproof boots, Teva are good... www.teva.co.uk/search?q=De%20la%20vina probably bit smarter than e.g. Ecco or Geox.

[Jellyheadbang]

Thank you everyone, so many fab ideas here. I'm bidding on some dm Chelsea boots (because I love them) but ime dms haven't been that waterproof for cycling.
There's lots to look at which will be fun, 😊

[ScaryDuck]

So these overshoes then....can I just wear them on a normal pedal bike? They don't have to clip into pedals or anything?
Nope, they have space for clips but they go over normal shoes too, I wear them with trainers sometimes. They are quite round though as designed for cycling shoes so maybe size down for more slimline smart shoes. I reckon a pair of them over your DM chelsea boots will be about the most waterproof you can get on a bike.

[Jellyheadbang]

scaryduck that's exactly the sort of advice I want and need. Thank you ever so much for your help , excited about venturing into more serious(for me) cycle wear!

[ScaryDuck]

No problem at all! I get excited about buying cycle kit too