Neoprene Tips?

[Jason Brinkman]

I have been considering buying some 2mm neoprene to make some combination overboots/gaiters for winter use over running shoes with snowshoes. I am thinking along the lines of 40 Below's products, but simpler.

Does anyone have any experience working with neoprene? Will I be able to simply glue it, or will I have to sew to reinforce? What glue to use? Aquaseal? Special wetsuit contact cement?

Is this even feasible?

[Roger Caffin]

To be sure it is feasible.

Can I recommend that you buy neoprene foam with Lycra on at least one side – it will last much better.

Cheers

[John S.]

What about Louis Garneau Protect Bootie at performance bike?

[Steven Evans]

Jason,
I was just looking at my neoprene socks, and they are sewn and glued. The thread is only noticable from the outside (ie. they aren't sewn from the inside and then turned inside out), and the inside seams are pushed tight and glued.
REALLY Looking forward to seeing this come together. I have a pair of 40 Below TR on order (I'm waiting impatiently) , and would love to make or see something lighter.
To get the pot boiling…I'll say that I envision a lower section (maybe just covering the ankle) made of neoprene and a nice high eVent gaiter attached. Personally, I wouldn't bother with a zipper or velcro (just slip them on) as I would put them on the morning and take them off at night – that's me though.
It would be nice if the sole was beefy enough to use without snowshoes for when snowshoes aren't needed – Not necessarily a bare trail, but through some snow. However, I realize this is not the goal. Oh yeah, make sure they only weigh 1 ounce for the pair ;)
OK, I'm getting carried away. Have fun on your project, keep us up to date and good luck!!

[Jason Brinkman]

I was thinking I would need the neoprene with Lycra on both sides (inside and out). Outside for durability, inside for ease of sliding on and off without zippers or gussets.

The Louis Garneau Protect Bootie looks great. I wonder if it has a hole in the sole for clipless pedal cletes? A weight would be nice too, but it looks to be pretty minimalist.

I had thought about making the top gaiter portion out of a WPB for the weight savings. Another thought that crossed my mind look for a pair of hip boots or waders with neoprene socks and WPB uppers – then I would just cut them to desired height and add a cord to snug the top.

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