Winter overshoes

Five pairs of neoprene booties get ridden, rained on and rated

WHAT

When the temperature drops there’s only so much a pair of merino wool socks can do, so it’s down to the outer layer to truly keep the wind and water-induced chill at bay. The type of overshoes worn in winter are generally made from neoprene, a lightweight, stretchy, dense, foam rubbery fabric that is commonly used for wetsuits and which has great insulating properties. Neoprene is water resistant but does become waterlogged. However, even if your feet get wet — as they inevitably will in persistent rain — the neoprene will keep the water next to them warm.

WHY

You need overshoes firstly to cover up the ventilation holes in your shoes, providing a barrier against wind and water. They need to be made of an appropriate insulating fabric such as neoprene, which most brands have settled on for winter riding. Since you’ll also be clipping in and out and walking in them, they need a good level of reinforcement on the base if they’re to last more than one winter. Reflective elements on the back are useful if you’re riding in low light. Check an overshoe’s construction since the fewer seams, the less the chance of cold air and water getting in or warmth getting out.

HOW

We’ve worn these overshoes in the worst weather to date and reckon we’ve got a pretty good idea of how they’ll perform come December.