Hello, I have been starting to cycle for commutes a lot recently and it’s been great. one problem I’ve been encountering is I just wear my regular footwear, mostly boots due to my work and style, and they occasionally get scuffed up by the gears.
Does anyone have any tips or product reccs to protect the inner part of the heel of your shoe/boot that’s on the side of the cassette? Picture shows the approximate area I’m describing.
It isn’t ideal for me to be bringing a second pair of footwear with me all the time that I change in and out of for rides and to also have to strap down or carry my work boots separately, but I’m considering this as a last resort. I‘m imagining or searching for some kind of protector either for the shoe itself or maybe that could cover the cassette safely so I don’t bump into the gears directly.
Thank you!
by Equal-Still-2488
7 Comments
I recommend getting some bike specific shoes. Yes… it’s a pain to carry your boots, but riding shoes work better for riding. Consider running a front basket to conveniently carry boots and whatever else.
There are different types of cycling shoe covers. I use the big nylon waterproof ones most recently purchased from Rockbros. Work boots aren’t ideal for cycling and most of the shoe covers won’t fit, but may be worth a try. I always find if I ride in boots they’re just so stiff and wide that there’s no way to not have them bang into the bike. And since they’re meant to protect your feet there isn’t much feel. It’s harder to know where on the pedals you are etc.
Maybe it’s just me but I like when my shoes get broken in and look a bit worn, especially work boots. Scuffs add character and can be touched up with a bit of shoe polish. I say ride on and embrace the evidence of your cycling awesomeness.
The gears are scuffing up your shoes, specifically? So you’re missing the plastic plate that goes over the gears to protect you from the teeth? Replacing that should help. Just make sure you get the exact specific correct size for your tooth count.
But real leather is not going to like getting chafed by the pedal arm either. I don’t know your climate, could you wear some crocs to commute? They’re lightweight, and adequately athletic when you engage the heel strap.
you could use gaiters i guess but maybe just put your feet farther out on the pedals
get bigger pedals if you can’t and insist on wearing the boots
I solved this by gettin wider pedals.
Can you wear lighter boots to work? Get bigger pedals? Your foot shouldn’t be that close to the chainring