RO 77 Shoes = Wet Feet?

[grellboy]

At risk of setting myself up as Moron of the Month, I recently got these shoes used but literally as new. For some reason, they have a factory made hole in the soles at the end of the sole, right beneath the toe. Normally I am quite careful with weather forecasts but today I was caught out. Needless to say, my feet got completely soaked, so was just wondering what the actual point of this hole is?

 

[FishFright]

My new Specialised shoes have 3 of those so must be 3 x faster Although at £30 a pair that's only £5 a hole, bargain !

 

[Spiderweb]

It'll be for better airflow through your feet.
You could use silicone to fill the hole?

 

[J1888]

Ventillation, innit.

 

[si_c]

Ventilation. Or in the case of a recent commute home, a drain hole for water.

 

[Globalti]

Just fill it with bathroom sealant.

 

[S-Express]

They also have mesh uppers, in case you missed that.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Holes in the bottom/sole are to let water out, you numpties....

 

[Bollo]

I've got a pair of the RO88s for general use and they have the same hole. Great value for money, but no one would claim they're even moderately damp-proof. Chances are the water was coming in from all angles and not just the hole.

 

[Fab Foodie]

So let me get this right. You have a shoe where the upper part has a large surface area with a high percentage of non waterproof mesh.
You have a sole with a smallish hole at a the toe, that during rain and even puddles is fairly well shadowed from the rain and spray, and you think that the water gets in through the small hole in the underside?

 

[vickster]

So let me get this right. You have a shoe where the upper part has a large surface area with a high percentage of non waterproof mesh.
You have a sole with a smallish hole at a the toe, that during rain and even puddles is fairly well shadowed from the rain and spray, and you think that the water gets in through the small hole in the underside?

he got one bit right in the opening post although it is only the 9th....

 

[ManiaMuse]

All my Shimano shoes over the years and they've all had variations on that 'ventilation hole' (although I've never had problems with my feet getting too warm cycling in the UK...)

You can probably seal them up with something if you want although probably won't make too much difference to their overall waterproofness.

Get some decent overshoes and you'll keep the worst off apart from longer rides in the rain or heavy/torrential downpours.

Take the insoles out when you get home and stuff your shoes with brown paper/newspaper and put them somewhere warm to dry otherwise they will end up stinky!

 

[Milkfloat]

If you really want to block the airflow, then put a bit of gaffer tape over the hole under the insole, but inside the shoe - that way next year when we get the two days of summer, you can peel it off and have cool feet.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Block the hole and your feet will get even wetter as the water can't drain out.

 

[Globalti]

Don't stuff shoes with paper, where did this urban myth come from? If you use paper and leave them longer than a few hours it becomes counter-productive as the paper blocks the damp inside. Just remove the insoles and leave them in a warm airy place. Hanging on the washing line in warm sun with a breeze is perfect as the UV will also sterilise them.

Those holes were originally meant for storing your chewing gum.