Pearl Izumi Amfib Mountain Shoe Cover - 2008

Easily the worst, and least waterproof, "waterproof" shoe cover I've owned. The sizes are grossly inaccurate (an XXL is way to small for size 48 shoes), water pours in through the (non water-resistant) nylon top and all the seams. don't waste your money, you're better off with plastic bags over your shoes!

Like a lot of people who own these, I didn't buy them because I wanted to keep my mountain shoes clean while I ripped up crosscountry trails on my hardtail. I got them because I ride my road bike in the rain a lot, and prefer dry(ish) feet to shriveled prunes.

These are a bit of a let down. When compared to other iP Amfib gear (I have the pants as well), they just don't perform. The pants keep you warm and dry. These shoe covers keep you marginally warm, but will not keep you dry in anything other than the lightest rain.

Also, the zipper design is rubbish. An absolute flop. The right boot is constantly unzipping. I resorted to putting these on under my Amfib pants (which I guess is normal) but I maintain that all zippers on my riding gear should not be defective. This lot is awful.

I suppose I should mention that I live in Seattle, where it happens to rain with authority. Because of the number of wet rides I have per year, I hoped to be able to trust in iP again. Maybe I'm asking to much from these things, seeing as I have never found a pair of shoe covers that actually do keep your feet dry, but I have to admit I was disappointed.

Bottom line: When it matters, these just don't keep your feet dry.

I would not recommend this product if you are expecting to stay dry. If you ride north of the Mason-Dixon they would keep your feet warm but very bulky. They are made very well and probably would last a long time. If you do want to purchases, I would recommend one size down (e.g. need XL buy L). The bottoms of these covers are cut very generously and the toe wants to slip off; way too easily. I think one size down may help keep the cover on the shoe. This product is a good idea but the design simply is not functional for mountain shoes. In 12 years of riding mountain bike I've never been able to find a shoe cover for my mountain shoes that are rough and tough enough for off road. The best thing that works for me on mountain shoes is wool socks and toe covers. If it is really wet, add some wind covers as a baselayer to the shoe cover...it works well.

Easily the worst, and least waterproof, "waterproof" shoe cover I've owned. The sizes are grossly inaccurate (an XXL is way to small for size 48 shoes), water pours in through the (non water-resistant) nylon top and all the seams. don't waste your money, you're better off with plastic bags over your shoes!

As many reviewers have noted, I have come across the toe slipping problem. I wear these primarily for commuting (30-35 minutes each way), and even with slight toe slippage, they do keep my feet warm (have worn without problem down to 25-30 deg F), and are easy on and off with my MTB shoes. Admittedly, I have not worn when it is really wet yet, but if it is dry and cold, I think they are acceptable and will be durable.

Other booties have been knocked for wearing down when walked in - I have not had this problem, as the sole cut-away provides ample room for my shoe treads to stick through.

As far as sizing goes, I was between the published sizes (43 - between L and XL), and the L fits quite well - except for the toe problem.

Must agree with other reviews that these are not waterproof or even highly resistant. If there is any moisture on the road these will get soaked just from spray.