What waterproof boot covers do (and what they do not)

A boot cover, also called a shoe cover or overboot, is a second skin for your footwear. Our Dri-Tek Reusable Waterproof Boot Covers are made of 100% waterproof polyester with a PVC backing, on a ripple rubber sole. They are reusable, unisex and black, and the product page lists them for rain, slush, mud and wet conditions in every season.

The point is that you keep the boots you like. Your riding boots, everyday winter boots or hiking boots stay on your feet, and the cover takes the water. One thing to know: the product page does not specify insulation. They keep water off your boots, and the warmth comes from your boots and socks.

Rubber boot covers vs fabric boot covers

Many people search for rubber boot covers. Our covers are the fabric kind with a rubber sole: the part that meets the ground is ripple rubber, and the part that wraps your boot is waterproof polyester with a PVC backing. A long side zipper runs from the sole to the top, so you step in from the side instead of forcing a boot into a tight sleeve. The product page lists them for rain, slush, mud and wet conditions. If you are weighing a full rubber overboot for other work, check what that product's own page says it is made for.

How to size boot covers

The size chart on the product page goes by your US running shoe size, not your boot size. Find your usual running shoe size in the men's or women's column:

Then the rule that matters most: the chart says to go one size up if you will wear the covers over work boots or motorcycle boots. A men's 10 running shoe reads X-Large on the chart, so over riding boots that rider orders 2X-Large. Owners back up the chart's note: they tell us the covers fit small, so take the size up seriously.

Very bulky boots, like steel-toe construction boots, can need more room again. If your boots are big for their size, ask us before you order and we will help you pick.

Boot covers in slush, wet snow and road salt

Slush on the shoulder, wet snow at the trailhead and grey spray off every truck: that is where boot covers earn their place. The cover keeps the slush and dirty spray on its own surface instead of soaking into your leather, which is one less thing to clean off your boots after a cold ride.

A few details on the product page matter in these conditions:

• Underfoot strap: holds the cover snug to your boot so loose material near the ankle does not flap around at speed.
• Velcro storm flap: closes over the side zipper and helps protect it against rain and slush.
• Ripple rubber sole: made for traction and grip on wet ground. On ice, walk as carefully as you would in any boot; no sole makes ice safe.
• Reflective strip on the heel: helps drivers see you in the early dark of a November evening.

After a salty, slushy day, rinse the covers with clean water and let them dry before you pack them away, so the salt and grit do not sit on the zipper. If cold feet are your bigger problem than wet feet, our guide to heated insoles vs heated socks covers the warm side; the covers keep that warmth dry.

On the bike: shifting, braking and riding in boot covers

Motorcycle rain boot covers have to work with your controls. One owner found the covers a little awkward to put on but could still get a foot under the shifter and shift smoothly. Every boot and bike is different, so before your first ride in them, sit on the bike and check that you can get your toe under the shift lever, work the rear brake and feel the pegs. Put them on at a safe stop, before your boots are soaked, not after.

For more on wet weather gear, see our motorcycle rain gear guide.

Waterproof shoe covers for walking, hiking and work

The product page lists biking, hiking, camping, hunting, construction, landscaping, gardening and fishing among the uses, and the sizing note covers work boots, so here is what holds for each:

• Walking in rain and slush: over running shoes, take your normal running shoe size from the chart. The covers keep your shoes clean and dry on a wet walk or a slushy commute.
• Hiking: one owner found they fit over hiking boots perfectly where another make had been too small. The chart's size-up note names work boots and motorcycle boots only, so if your hiking boots are bulky, ask us before you order.
• Work boots: the chart says go one size up over work boots. For heavy construction boots, check with us first.

Be realistic about a long hike. These are rain covers with a rubber sole, not hiking boots: they are made to keep water off your footwear, and the page makes no claim about how they wear over many kilometres of rough trail.

Rain shoe covers: the wet season

Once the snow is gone, the same covers become rain shoe covers. The page lists them for all weather and all seasons. In a long rain, water can run down your legs into the top of any boot or cover, so on the bike it makes sense to wear your rain pants over the top of the covers. The Dri-Tek 2-Piece Rain Suit page says to put your boots on before the pants, then pass the footwear loops beneath your boots. Add the Dri-Tek Reusable Waterproof Glove Covers over your gloves and you have the full set. For the riding itself, see our tips for riding in the rain.

Which boot covers should you buy?

• Over motorcycle boots or work boots: your running shoe size on the chart, then one size up.
• Over running shoes for walking: your running shoe size from the chart.
• Over hiking boots or bulky winter boots: start from the chart, and ask us if the boots are bulky.
• Riding in steady rain: add the rain suit and glove covers for the full set.

For more wet weather gear, browse our rain gear collection.

Questions riders ask us

Do they work in snow?

They are waterproof and the page lists slush and wet conditions in all seasons, so wet snow and slush are what they handle. The product page does not specify insulation; choose warmth through your underlying boots and socks.

Do they run small?

Owners say yes, and the chart itself says to go one size up over work boots or motorcycle boots. Size from your running shoe, not your boot, then add the size up for boots.

Construction boots: one size up or two?

One size up is the chart's rule for work boots. Steel-toe construction boots are bulkier, and we have had customers who needed more room than that. Ask us before you order and tell us the boot.

Is the sole tough enough for walking?

The sole is ripple rubber, made for grip and durability. Walking to and from the bike, across a parking lot or along a wet trail is what they are for. For long hikes on rough ground, a proper waterproof hiking boot is the better tool.

Are they reusable?

Yes. They are made to be worn again and again, not thrown away after one use, and one owner says they store nicely.