Pants only. I may not understand the point of your question exactly but I'll give it a shot: when worn with shorts, they'll still keep your feet dry, of course. However, crossing creeks will still result in wet feet if the waterline is high enough - the gaiter isn't sealed up top - and if enough water hit your legs from riding fast through deep puddles, some of it could run down your leg and make its way down inside the shoe. That's where pants are helpful as they can direct water down your leg and over the gaiter, away from your feet.
Five Ten's Trailcross line is designed with bike packing in mind, and they come with drain holes, so they're great for creek crossings where you know your feet will get wet, but designed to let the water out quickly. After that, though, it's up to ventilation to help your feet dry out. For riding in places like the Chilcotins where you may cross five creeks in a day, your feet are gonna get wet no matter what you do, so you can either ride with wet feet or take your shoes and socks off for those crossings.
May 12, 2023, 10:17 a.m. - Pete Roggeman
Pants only. I may not understand the point of your question exactly but I'll give it a shot: when worn with shorts, they'll still keep your feet dry, of course. However, crossing creeks will still result in wet feet if the waterline is high enough - the gaiter isn't sealed up top - and if enough water hit your legs from riding fast through deep puddles, some of it could run down your leg and make its way down inside the shoe. That's where pants are helpful as they can direct water down your leg and over the gaiter, away from your feet. Five Ten's Trailcross line is designed with bike packing in mind, and they come with drain holes, so they're great for creek crossings where you know your feet will get wet, but designed to let the water out quickly. After that, though, it's up to ventilation to help your feet dry out. For riding in places like the Chilcotins where you may cross five creeks in a day, your feet are gonna get wet no matter what you do, so you can either ride with wet feet or take your shoes and socks off for those crossings.