Best cycling overshoes - Keep your feet warm and dry during the winter months | Cyclingnews

The best cycling overshoes offer protection from the elements and will keep your feet warm

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A pair of the best cycling overshoes can help keep cyclists' feet warm and comfortable when cycling in cold and wet winter conditions.

If you're cycling during winter for any length of time, wearing a pair of overshoes over your cycling shoes will offer extra insulation and protection from the elements that should hopefully keep your feet comfortable and warm. If you've had frozen feet on the bike before I'm willing to bet you remember it well. Though we are all different some riders will feel the cold more than others.

There is a really broad range of overshoes on the market which can be split into two camps, heavier-duty overshoes for cold and wet weather and lighter weight more specific options. Different riders will need different things but I've got most bases covered in this guide and there are clear explanations on which overshoes are suited for the best thing. If you really struggle with cold feet a pair of the best winter cycling shoes or best road bike mudguards may also help insulate your feet and keep them dry on the road.

Whether you are looking for one pair to get you through the whole winter or adding additional pairs for more specific conditions or riding, you should find something in this guide. I tend to alternate between the Spatz Fasta and Nalini BOW to cover my winter riding when I'm not testing pairs out. For true deep winter, maximum protection check out the Spatz Pro Stealth system.

If you are shopping for your first pair, this guide should offer some useful advice on what to look for. There is lots of handy advice on choosing overshoes and keeping your feet warm during winter at the bottom of the guide.

Ultimate protection

+ Heavyweight winter protection+ Included toe covers can be used separately adding valueA heavyweight two-part overshoe layering system, that offers the ultimate in winter protection

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Best overall

+ A very capable all round winter overshoe- Not totally impervious to waterIf you don't want or need the bulk of the Pro Stealth system take a look at the lighter-weight Fasta model.

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Rain protection

+ Lightweight wet weather protection- Won't keep you warm in the cold over a long periodHigh-cut and lightweight water-resistant overshoes to go under your bib tights or leg warmers.

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Best budget

+ Great performance for the price- Softer neoprene is nicked and cut more easilyThe Endura Road overshoe in Hi-Viz yellow version is a good quality overshoe that doesn't break the bank. It takes the best value spot.

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Aero protection

+ Very versatile- Harder work to put on and get offThe Velotoze Road 2.0 overshoes are a cheap and versatile option that is aero and provides strong foul weather protection.

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Light and warm

+ Lightweight, with a great fit- Will become waterlogged in wet weatherThe Nalini B0W are great fitting, light and warm overshoes best suited to drier, cold days where you don't want or need too much bulk.

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Last updated on 2nd of October 2024For our latest update, we removed products that were outdated or no longer in production. Added lots more additional imagery of each product and reduced the amount of products in the guide for a real best-of-the-best selection.

I'm a lifelong cyclist who has been racing and riding on the road for over twenty years. I have experienced frozen and wet feet plenty of times and remember when the choice of cold and wet weather overshoes on the market was not nearly as strong as it is today.

I'm up and out training on the bike every Saturday morning whatever the weather to put every pair of overshoes I test through their paces.

✅ You suffer from cold feet and want more protection. The Pro Stealth system offers the most comprehensive protection right now✅ You regularly complete long winter rides in all weather. If your heading out for several hours training, these will be money well spent

❌ Your outdoor winter riders are shorter and more intense. If this is the case the Pro Stealth may be overkill, depending on the temperatures.

The Spatz Pro Stealth overshoe system is the latest offering from Spatz, the British brand that specialises in foul weather kit whose overshoes have been leading the charge in overshoe performance for the last several years.

The Pro Stealth is an overshoe system that is made up of a set of sturdy neoprene toe covers which are designed to be worn under the main overshoes themselves. This adds an extra layer of warmth and protection when worn together. But they can also be worn on their own as well, or the overshoes can be used without them on less grim days. They are tight-fitting and offer a solid level of protection. The toe covers are quite a tight fit, but the overshoes themselves are easy to get on and off despite their tall fit.

The overshoes themselves have been refined, being slightly lighter than the similar Spatz Pro II which I also rated highly. They are a little bit thinner and use covered neoprene fabric across a lot of the foot area which should minimise nicks and tears which has been something to watch for on previous Spatz iterations.

The fit has also been firmed up and everything sits tightly in place, the toe cover/overshoe fit area is snug thanks to silicone grippers and I think this will help minimise underfoot water ingress. There's still the fleecy inner lining and discreet Spatz Logos on the midfoot and calf.

If you are looking for a heavy-duty, winter overshoe that can deal with pretty much anything from freezing commutes to long winter training rides and lots between look this way. Although the price is higher than some other options here, if you really value comfortable feet on cold rides these are a brilliant investment in your own comfort.

We have tested and used previous Spatz offerings and you can read reviews that plot the brand's overshoe development. Check out our Spatz Pro 2 overshoes review. We've also reviewed the Spatz Roadman 2 and Legalz Pro overshoes.

✅ You want a capable, stylish and warm overshoe for all-around winter riding✅ You want an overshoe that still offers great protection but don't want or need the extra bulk of the Pro Stealth system

❌ There isn't much to criticize here. The Spatz Fasta is one of the best winter overshoes on the market right now.

The Fasta Oveshoe from Spatz is also a newer model from Spatz though the brand has released a Fasta Lite option which I haven't tested yet. If you are familiar with the Legalz model from Spatz the Fasta represents a slightly lighter weight, more fitted and aero, one-piece overshoe that just brings a bit less bulk whilst still offering great protection.

The Fasta isn't as high cut as the Pro II or Pro Stealth but is similar to the Legalz and feels a little bit lighter when you're wearing it. On faster, more intense or just less grim days it's the winter overshoe I reach for when I don't need the level of protection the Pro Stealth option brings.

It's also a one-piece pull-on design meaning there is now no velcro strap to close underneath. The downside to this is that they're certainly not 'fasta' to put on in the morning, but they're still easier than Velotoze.

Spatz also says the overshoes should provide a smoother transition with bib tights or legwarmers thanks to being a bit thinner at the top. They are burly enough to put up with some pretty grim weather though. If you don't need full-blown four or five-hour deep winter ride protection or tend to press on a bit the Fasta may be what you need and will perform very well across a range of winter riding.

✅ You want a solid winter overshoe, but at a slightly more affordable price point

❌ You like or want an overshoe with a taller ankle, the Endura's don't have the same height as some other options here.

The simply named Endura Road Overshoe in Hi-Viz Yellow is another competitively priced neoprene option, one that has been a cornerstone of the Endura overshoe line for years.

The main body of the overshoes features soft neoprene and the Hi-viz fluoro sections stand out, there is also a reflective strip on either side of the zip to help you stand out in the gloom and dark. There is a black version, but I'm fond of the Hi-Viz in the winter gloom. The aramid stitching around the neoprene underside of the overshoe feels really durable and solid and I was drawn to this feature. It's proved solid after over a year of testing.

The Road Overshoes keep your feet warm and dry for long periods, they fit snugly around your shoe and the durable lower sections around the cleat opening feel solid. The offset zip makes getting them on really quick. However, if you like your overshoes to extend a little higher up the leg perhaps look elsewhere as the Enduras aren't the tallest. I also managed to put a nick in one quite easily with a fingernail taking them off, so this is something to look out for. If you are looking for an affordable, good-quality overshoe to deal with wet or just cold conditions, the road overshoes are a really solid buy.

You can read my in-depth review of the Endura road overshoes here.

✅ You are looking for a light, warm overshoe to wear on milder, dry days when you want to leave the heavier neoprene at home

❌ You do lots of walking off the bike in your cycling shoes at cafes and stops or just tend to be hard on your overshoes. The toe area of the B0W won't stand up to too much off-the-bike abuse.

❌ You want a lighter overshoe for wet weather. The B0W will deal with some light spray, but isn't an overshoe for heavier rain or wet conditions.

The Nalini B0W overshoes are lighter-weight, fleece-lined overshoes that don't add too much bulk at under 100 grams for the pair. But add a surprising amount of snugness and warmth given their light weight.

If you are interested in some less bulky overshoes for dry, colder days or for shorter more intense riding in anything but very wet conditions they are a nice overshoe option and my go-to pair. Over a winter of use, I came to value their deceptive warmth, in the right conditions.

They have a wide elastic gripper at the top to ensure they stay in place, a large reflective tab on the rear of the heel and a YKK-sealed waterproof zipper. They were probably my go-to pair of milder-weather overshoes this winter. The fit is also very good with zero slipping or sagging anywhere.

The overshoes are made in Italy by Nalini and construction seems quality with no defects at all. The reinforced toe section is also still looking pristine.

The Nalini B0W is a similar overshoe to the Assos GT Ultraz Winter booties we have tested in the past. The Assos GT Ultraz has now been discontinued but can still be found online if you are interested. You can read my in-depth review of the Nalini B0W overshoes if you want all the juicy details before you buy.

✅ You like the idea of one inexpensive option for training and racing that can do a lot well ✅ You want to stay aero and fast on the bike but need protection

❌ You don't enjoy putting on tight-fitting overshoes, these are the trickiest overshoes to get on and off and may not be worth the effort for some. I don't think they are too bad though, it just takes some practice.

Velotoze offers a simple, yet very effective solution for waterproofing your shoes by creating a full latex membrane that encases them very tightly just like a swim cap.

The sealing of the Velotoze is just about the best in the whole guide. The fit is so tight it's very hard for water to penetrate. As a result of the fit, and the latex construction breathability is greatly reduced, so you will find your feet quite damp and a bit sweaty after use. This is to be expected though, and the wet but warm effect is in full effect here.

If you're looking for a super warm and waterproof overshoe, the Velotoze isn't a quick fix for this, but they will keep water at bay, and if and when moisture seeps in your feet will be wet but warm. Over a prolonged period in colder temperatures, though your feet will go cold, there's always a trade-off. But they bring an awful lot to the table and for the price, I'd say it's worth getting yourself a pair for what they can do.

The Road 2.0 units are a lot easier to put on than the originals which I also owned which made life easier. They are also a hugely popular choice for racers and time triallists thanks to their lightweight and aerodynamic fit.

If you're riding or racing hard in foul conditions the Velotoze are cheap and can be really useful to improve aerodynamics or keep spray and water at bay.

Take a look at my in-depth review of the Velotoze Road 2.0 overshoes.

✅ You want lightweight, wet weather protection when riding or racing. The Aquashield covers will feel like a secret weapon under your leg warmers or bibtights.

❌ You feel the cold, these overshoes deal with water well but are thin and won't keep your feet warm for hours on end when riding at lower intensities

The GripGrab Aquashield Shoe Covers are a well-thought-out lightweight, wet-weather option if you're looking for something that offers good resistance to rain and road spray without adding lots of weight or bulk. Moving on from the Velotoze above, the Aquashields are easier to put on and get a lot less sweaty thanks in part to the thin fleece lining and outer material.

Their design and fit are different to most of the other overshoes in the guide. The Aqua shields are tall overshoes that are probably only around a centimetre or two shorter than the Spatz Pro Stealth. They are however specifically designed to sit under your tights or leg warmers, which is meant to minimise the amount of water running down your legs and directly into your shoes. The picture above is to show you what they look like, not necessarily how to wear them properly.

You can of course wear the majority of overshoes this way if you want to, but in my experience, nearly all cyclists wear them over tights or warmers; an interesting point if you're trying to minimise water ingress into your shoes.

I wore them on a very wet day recently and a standout was the feeling you get as your lower legs and shins start to slowly get soaked was eliminated by having them sitting under my bib tights, it was also quite a nice sensation as the soft fleece lining is comfortable against your skin.

Overall they are going to be suited to shorter or harder wet rides or efforts where you still generate some heat. The bottoms are fairly open (for road cleats only) and I think if you were out for hours in the rain in them you would end up with wet and possibly still cold feet. You need the bulk of a heavier neoprene option to stay wet but warm for hours. But in the wet or on days when there's lots of spray, they are a good option, look neat and don't break the bank.

✅ You are looking for overshoes for less cold temperatures that offer good all-around protection from wind and rain ✅ You want an overshoe to race or ride a little bit harder in that has less bulk

❌ You want a warm waterproof overshoe for freezing temperatures - for that perhaps look to the Spatz Fasta model

The Sportful Fiandre booties are constructed using the popular Gore-Tex Infinium fabric and are a thinner overshoe designed to offer excellent wind-blocking protection as well as water resistance in slightly warmer temperatures. The Fiandre's for me are less about pure wet weather protection like the GripGrabs and Velotoze above and instead are a bit more of a foul weather all-rounder option.

If you're riding in foul weather conditions and want excellent wind and rain protection without the full bulk of a heavier-weight neoprene overshoe then the Fiandre is a solid option. The Gore-Tex Infinium material also offers great windproofing and breathability, so your feet won't get sweaty. I'd go for these for less wet, windy conditions for example, and the GripGrab Aquashield overshoes for when there is more water. Think blowy, grey Fall or Spring days when there is perhaps some standing water or light showers, the Fiandres are perfect for these kinds of conditions.

The cuff of the overshoes extends a good way up the ankle and there's a brilliant wide elastic gripper to keep it firmly in place, a touch I really like and value. It also works well if you're only wearing shorts and overshoes for a race perhaps or an intense spring ride. The zip is moved to the side to keep it out of the way of spray and has a neoprene guard inside to prevent water from working its way in. I wore them on an autumn day when there was a lot of standing water from heavy rain and they were perfect at keeping the spray away without my feet overheating.

Visually the Fiandre looks good and has a quality feel, cutting a stylish figure when worn, I would like to see a slightly tighter fit overall as there is some wrinkling, but this is partly due to the nature of the Infinium fabric.

Take a look at my in-depth review of the Sportful Fiandre bootie overshoe.

✅ You want sold, heavy duty all rounder.

✅ You like the idea of being able to attach a clip on rear light to your overshoes

❌ You want a lighter, racier overshoe - These are bulkier deep winter overshoes

Another heavier-duty winter option worth considering is the UltraWear Zipperless overshoes from BBB. A pair of heavy-duty neoprene overshoes that extend nicely up to around mid-calf height and cost slightly less than the Spatz options.

What I like about them is the fit and cut combined with the heavier-duty protection. You get thick neoprene, reinforced toe and heel sections nice mid-calf height and a good fit. There is no bagginess or sagging to be found here! Also worth mentioning is that, like the Spatz options, you pull these overshoes on before your cycling shoes, then pull them down over your shoes due to the zipperless design.

The sole openings are fairly large and I think you could use these off-road with MTB shoes too as long as you minimise the walking. BBB rates them as suitable for between 0 and 5 degrees but you could of course use them over a much wider temperature range; they will be fine up to around 10 degrees in my experience.

There's also a small loop on the heel to allow the fitting of a small clip-on light, a feature no other overshoes in the guide offers.

If you're shopping for your first pair of overshoes, try to spend at the top of your budget. Generally, you'll just end up with a better quality product. I'd recommend purchasing a heavier-duty set of overshoes first and filling that main wardrobe gap. They will serve you well across all conditions and it's better to have feet that are a little too warm than freezing cold. Then if you want to add additional more specific pairs later on down the line you can. Any of the Spatz models or the BBB option would be a great place to start to kick off and get yourself protected for winter.

This is a key point for me. Lots of overshoes are marked as 'waterproof' but in reality, I'd argue no overshoe is 100% waterproof at the moment. If you are riding for a prolonged spell in rain or taking on a lot of road spray water will eventually find its way in. A major culprit here is other riders' rear wheels, your own front wheel, or a badly designed front mudguard/fender that catches the water from the rear wheel and funnels it outwards onto your feet. This is especially problematic if they are badly angled or on the shorter side.

One of the best things you can do in the fight against wet feet is get a decent front mudguard that offers good coverage, straight away it will prevent a good amount of water from being sprayed at your feet and make a big difference.

The key between having soaked, freezing feet or wet but warm-feeling feet is overshoe material and construction. A thicker neoprene overshoe should help keep your feet wet but warm if compromised by water which aids comfort.

A thinner overshoe could potentially leave you with cold feet if it's soaked through and subject to hours of wind chill or rain. That's when things start feeling uncomfortable.

If you're doing lots of longer-length rides in cold conditions, this point is important to consider. If you do mostly shorter, more intense road rides it's amazing how much heat you generate and how little kit you can get away with wearing.

We would also recommend fitting some of the best road bike mudguards to your bike which will help minimise road spray over your feet and protect your bike.

Like the Spatz system here, layering toe warmers and overshoes also offers another way of adding another layer of protection over your toes which can be most susceptible to the cold.

You can also try winter cycling socks and some brands offer windproof, insulated socks which will also add warmth. Shoes that aren't super tight or on the small side will also help with circulation and air flow to keep your feet comfortable. Some warm-up balm or embrocation on your feet may provide a sensation of warmth that may help you feel a bit more comfortable.

Another way of keeping your feet warm out on the bike is riding at a higher intensity to keep the blood pumping to your extremities and your core warmer. If you struggle outside, why not keep your rides shorts and a bit more intense, you will stay that bit warmer on the bike.

Yes, cycling overshoes are worth buying. Anything over around an hour on the bike in the cold and wet and there's a fair chance you will have soaking and cold feet. Yes, you can tough this out and ride for hours but I can promise it won't be comfortable and you'll be using energy trying to stay warm that could be used elsewhere.

I have ridden for hours in winter with frozen feet and it's miserable. A pair of overshoes will protect your feet and keep them warmer and if water eventually does work its way in, you will be 'wet but warm' instead of frozen to the bone. My advice is to invest in a set of neoprene overshoes first, put some time in with them on the bike and get an idea of what you like, and what you don't.

Just as you may not need full winter boots, full shoe covers might be too warm. Toe covers, as the name suggests, only cover the toe box of your shoe, ending just past the cleat, which helps to hold it in place. They tend to be fairly cheap but for the usually reasonable price can fill a useful gap in your wardrobe for spring and autumn cool conditions.

Cycling overshoes, on the other hand, engulf your whole shoe and see a cuff that will continue up the calf, the length of which varies by brand and model. Of course, the further up the leg, the greater the protection against the elements, and with the additional coverage, it should come as no surprise that full overshoes are considerably warmer.

Read more in our overshoes vs winter boots feature.

As the name suggests, cycling overshoes are worn over your cycling shoes, and most pull on after you have put your shoes on. For some of the tighter options, you need to pull them onto your leg before you put your shoe on, and then pull the overshoe back down over the shoe. Most are on in seconds and are easy to get on with a bit of practice.

Most cyclists will wear their overshoes on top of their bib tights or legwarmers but you can wear them underneath against your skin and some are even designed to be worn this way. This may prove a bit tricky with big bulky overshoes, but it means the water that soaks into the fabric of your tights doesn't then just seep downward into your shoes, but instead downward on the outside of the waterproof membrane.

Hopefully, it goes without saying, but if you are wearing winter overshoes, you should wear leg warmers or bib tights too, it's not very smart keeping your feet nice and warm and then bleeding body heat from your exposed legs and knees. The more heat you can retain the better; it will help you put all of your energy into pedalling the bike.

The thicker the shoe cover, generally the warmer it's going to be. An overshoe that also extends higher up your ankle and calf will really help promote warmth and help keep your ankles and shins warm. One thing to keep in mind is how much of the bottom of your shoe it covers.

The warmest overshoes in this guide are the Spatz Pro Stealth which offer internal insulation, great lower leg coverage and additional toe covers.

Also, it's worth noting that thick neoprene overshoes can scuff against your cranks as you ride and the overshoe is likely to wear through more quickly. You should also stay on top of cleat and pedal wear as worn-out cleats and pedals can exacerbate this problem.

Cycling overshoes should have a snug fit. If they're too loose, you could find them slipping and letting in all the elements or even rubbing your nice shiny crank arms. Check your shoe size against the size guide for overshoes, and that should give you a good starting point. Most cycling overshoes have enough stretch to accommodate your feet. All of the overshoes in this guide fit well and don't sag or fit too loosely when properly sized.

Hopefully, years if you look after them. Try not to walk around too much in your overshoes and rinse or wash them after wet, mucky rides and if the build quality is good, they should last several years.

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

You can read our in-depth review of the Castelli Estremo overshoes here.

Associate Editor Josh Croxton rates the Specialized high cut neoprene shoe covers, and praised them in this feature of cycling tech we love.

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Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn’t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it’s made of.

He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport's biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Alberto Contador. He's also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing.

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