When you look out of your window and see the winter snow, it’s easy to think: there can’t be any way I’ll be able to cycle in this. The reality is that, for the majority of the year, cycling is a very healthy way to stay active and burn calories. But, in winter, especially when combined with snow, ice and frost, the cold can make the weather feel like a challenge: how can I stay safe and not get frostbite?
To be a great cyclist, you need to be comfortable. If you spend all day, or even just a portion of it, on two wheels, comfort is paramount. This is especially true if you live in a cold, harsh climate, and if you’re a winter cyclist. To keep warm and dry, you need quality cycling overshoes. Overshoes are a must-have for winter cycling, and these are the best overshoes of the year.
It’s Spring! That means that it’s the perfect time to buy some new cycling overshoes. There are so many different types out there, with all kinds of different features and sizes. Which one is right for you? I spent some time researching popular overshoes for cyclists, to help you decide which one to purchase.
In the toughest conditions, the finest cycling overshoes will keep your feet toasty and dry. In your finest bike shoes, you’re not going to enjoy riding in the cooler months. They’re usually made for hot, dry weather, with plenty of airflow and light uppers.
The most practical method to add some weatherproofing and insulation to deal with cold, damp circumstances is to wear a pair of overshoes.
Continue reading for more information on our top-rated choices, as well as links to complete evaluations of all the overshoes we’ve tested.
Our experienced testers have chosen the best cycling overshoes.
- Overshoes Castelli Pioggia 3: £55 (AU$102) / $59.99 (UK)
- Overshoes Endura Freezing Point: £49.99 (about $69.99)
- Overshoes Gore C5 Windstopper Thermo: £79.99 / AU$105 (£59.99 / $79.99 / AU$105)
- Overshoes by Rapha: £55 / $75 / AU$95
- Overshoes Shimano S3100R NPU+: £49.99
Overshoes Castelli Pioggia 3
Overshoes Castelli Pioggia 3. Immediate Media / Simon Bromley
- £55 / $59.99 / AU$102
- Smooth, stretchy, and lightweight (maybe)
- Despite their lack of mass, they are very warm.
Finally, an overshoe with minimal bulk and a flexible, tight fit that looks great on. Functionality is also superb, with strong waterproofing and wind resistance, as well as adequate insulation for comfort on cold winter rides in the UK.
Castelli says they’re aero (and they definitely look it), and they’re thin enough that you can adjust your shoe’s Boa dials through them as well.
Overshoes Endura Freezing Point
Overshoes Endura Freezing Point. Immediate Media / Simon Bromley
- £49.99 / $69.99
- Neoprene with a fleeced inner face is thick and warm.
- Strong stitching and a sturdy foundation
Endura’s top-of-the-line road overshoes are made of neoprene with a fleece inside for added warmth that reaches all the way to the bottom, so your feet won’t get cold.
The sturdy construction should last a long time, and there are lots of reflectives to increase visibility on the road.
Overshoes Gore C5 Windstopper Thermo
Overshoes with Gore C5 Windstopper Insulation. Immediate Media / Simon Bromley
- £59.99 / $79.99 / AU$105
- Fabric construction with a low bulk and a pleasant feel
- Water resistance without the use of neoprene
For a pleasant, lightweight feel and a less bulky profile, Gore utilizes thicker, more insulated fabric on the front of the C5 Windstopper Thermo overshoes, where more water will contact your foot, and thinner fabric on the back.
These overshoes are DWR-treated and have a breathable design that keeps water out while keeping you cool on the inside.
There are also bright yellow overshoes available, as well as the black overshoes shown.
Rapha Overshoes are a pair of overshoes designed by Rapha
Overshoes by Rapha. Immediate Media / Simon Bromley
- £55, $75, and AU$95
- Neoprene, but not excessively so.
- Available in both bright pink and all-black.
Despite the fact that these overshoes are made of neoprene, Rapha’s cut is excellent and there isn’t a lot of bulk.
We found the Rapha Overshoes to be suitable for temperatures in the single digits (Celsius), but they may be too light for use in colder climates.
Although you’ll need to wash these overshoes regularly to keep them looking fresh, the optional bright pink color provides a little of flare to get you noticed.
Overshoes Shimano S3100R NPU+
Overshoes Shimano S3100R NPU. Immediate Media / Simon Bromley
- £49.99
- Cold, damp conditions are no match for heavyweight neoprene.
- Bright colors and reflective materials will help you stand out.
Shimano’s neoprene overshoes feature a water-resistant exterior, a high ankle cuff, and a sturdy foundation to operate in temperatures as low as -5°C.
Their bright color and reflective elements help you stand out on the road, and the cut is close enough that they don’t feel cumbersome.
Take into account…
In testing, these overshoes received less than four out of five stars, but they’re still worth considering, especially if you can locate a decent price.
Extreme Weather Overshoes by dhb
dhb Overshoes for extreme weather. Immediate Media / Simon Bromley
- £32 / $41 / $52 AUD
- A simple neoprene design that won’t cost you a fortune.
- Does a good job with the fundamentals
The Extreme Weather overshoes from dhb are made of 3.5mm neoprene and are water-resistant.
They feature taped seams and a Kevlar-reinforced foundation, as well as enough fluorescent material to make you stand out. All of this comes at a reasonable cost.
Overshoes Fiandre Fiandre Fiandre Fiandre Fiandre Fiandre Fiandre Fiandre Fiandre
Fiandre bootie overshoes with a sporty look. Immediate Media / Simon Bromley
- £80 (about $90)
- Construction of high-quality Gore-Tex fabric for low-bulk rain resistance
- Because there is no insulation, it is ideal for warmer climates.
In a lightweight, though expensive, overshoe, high-end materials provide outstanding rain protection.
However, the lack of insulation may make your feet chilly during winter rides. These are better suited to rainy but temperate weather.
Overshoes Altura Firestorm
Overshoes from Altura Firestorm. Immediate Media / Simon Bromley
- AU$72 / £40 / $56 / £40
- Fabric structure is light and airy.
- A cool color with a lot of reflections on the sides.
Altura’s softshell overshoes come in a grey colorway with reflective speckles along the sides, which is a welcome contrast from black. If you like, there is still a black option available.
They’re warm, with fleecy insides, but the fabric dries out faster than some of the competitors.
They’re also less flexible than others, so getting the right size is crucial.
How to Pick the Best Cycling Overshoes
What exactly is an overshoe?
All-weather overshoes usually have the same basic design. There’s a high ankle cuff to keep rain from flowing down your leg, as well as a bootie-style bottom portion to keep your shoe covered. To keep out wheel spray, it usually includes a center seam on top that is taped. Other seams are typically taped as well.
Closed-cell neoprene rubber is the traditional material for overshoes. It’s the same material used in wetsuits, and it protects you from the elements while also providing insulation. It’s not very durable, therefore it’s usually covered with a stronger outer cloth. It’s also very hefty, at 3mm or so thick, and it’s not at all breathable.
For the uppers, some kit designers may choose a less bulky fabric that is usually DWR (durable water resistant) coated and contains a breathable membrane. It’s a lighter, less rigid alternative to neoprene, but it loses its water resistance with time and may not be as warm in cold weather unless extra insulation is applied.
Of course, whether or not this matters depends on how you intend to utilize your overshoes. Of course, it doesn’t only rain in the winter…
What’s more, what’s below?
Overshoes’ Achilles’ heel is usually their sole. It must first have a few of holes to allow it to fit over your cleats and heel. This eventually allows water into your shoes, which may seep into the uppers and vent holes in the soles.
You’ll also have to walk in your overshoes at some time, and you’ll have to put your foot down at intersections or stops, all of which will wear them out.
To withstand the abuse, most overshoes include a considerably stronger fabric on the base, which may include kevlar fibers. Even so, after a few of winters of riding, your overshoes are going to wear out and need to be replaced.
If you’re on a tight budget, inexpensive yet practical may be preferable than technological and showy.
Is it really necessary to wear overshoes?
Buying a pair of specialized winter riding shoes is an alternative to overshoes. They’ll feature sealed soles to prevent moisture entry from below, and the top will typically be insulated, waterproof, and breathable to keep your feet warm, dry, and sweat-free. Here at BikeRadar, we’ve evaluated some of the finest winter cycling shoes.
Heel lift may be a problem with certain winter-specific shoes, since the ankle cuff must be broad enough to enable your foot to fit inside the boot.
Brands like Mavic and Northwave have released winter cycling shoes in the past several years. These, too, feature a waterproof upper and sole, as well as insulation, but since they don’t have a cuff, the fit around the ankle is tighter, resulting in improved pedaling dynamics and a more comfortable fit.
If you intend to bike in cold, wet weather often, a specialized pair of winter shoes or boots may be less expensive than smashing your summer shoes and changing your overshoes on a regular basis. Waterproof socks are also a godsend for winter riders.
Is it possible that you’ve discovered what you’re searching for?
Check out our guides on the best winter gloves and the best cycling gear for riding in the rain if you’re searching for more winter gear.
If you prefer to exercise inside, here’s everything you need to know about indoor cycling, training apps, and the finest smart trainers.
A cycling overshoe is a small, thin, waterproof jacket that covers the lower part of your foot to keep your feet dry and warm when you’re cycling. They’re widely available and cheap, so there’s no excuse not to own one. You’ll find them in most high street shops as well as specialist cycling retailers. There are different styles, but the most popular are a pair of waterproof cycling gloves that are worn over the overshoes. Some will be cheaper than others, but more expensive ones will have better quality gloves and more features. If you’re looking for the best overshoe, here’s our guide to the best 2019 cycling overshoes for your money.. Read more about best mtb overshoes and let us know what you think.
Cycling shoe covers are a great way to keep your shoes clean and dry, but they do not provide any protection from the road.”}}]}
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the warmest cycling overshoes?
The best cycling overshoes are the ones that have a high level of insulation and keep your feet warm.
Do overshoes keep feet warm?
Overshoes are a good way to keep your feet warm in the winter. They can also be used as an extra layer of protection from the cold, and they can help prevent snow from getting into your boots.
Do cycling shoe covers work?
Cycling shoe covers are a great way to keep your shoes clean and dry, but they do not provide any protection from the road.
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