DexShell Heavy Duty Neoprene Water Resistant Cycling Bike Overshoes

Product Information

Sometimes, kit makers will use a less bulky fabric for the uppers, one that’s typically DWR (durable water repellent) coated to repel water, and includes a breathable membrane. It’s an alternative to neoprene that’s lighter and less stiff, but it can lose its water-resistance over time and, unless additional insulation is added, may not be as warm in cold weather.

Providing useful foot protection for spring and fall, you could also wear a set of these underneath full overshoes if you get really cold toes. All-weather overshoes tend to follow the same basic pattern; there’s a high ankle cuff to try to prevent rain from running down your leg and into your shoe, and a bootie-style lower section that covers your shoe. That typically has a central seam on top, which is taped to keep out wheel spray. Other seams will usually be taped too. The zip is waterproof, with a reflective strip on each side, plus there’s a reflective logo at the front Only after a couple of hours in continuous rain could I sense dampness. I can't be sure where exactly it was getting in, or if it was penetrating the actual fabric. Certainly, the fabric isn't as good as a smooth surfaced neoprene (which seems impenetrable); water will get through it. Overshoes like these are aimed at cleated shoes. I have used them with brogues, but I’d be careful of damaging the hems on rat-trap pedals.The 90% Neoprene, 10% Nylon fabric has a ‘roughed-up’ surface. According to DexShell, this makes them more abrasion-resistant. While I haven’t been throwing myself on the tarmac to test this, I have been impressed with the seemingly untouched surface appearance despite heavy use over the last six weeks. The Altura Thermostretch Windproof Overshoe have become my preferred choice for both early morning and late evening rides; the reflective detailing is better than on any other overshoe I own. Elsewhere, it's a classic bootie that's well-made and offers excellent protection in cold, damp weather. However, I found the top edge of the cuff a little tight for my liking. Specs Overall, DexShell deserve recognition for a great bit of kit that does exactly what it should with no compromises in quality - and without the price tag of some premium overshoes. Specs

Like the Sportful All Weather bootie, theDexshell Heavy Duty overshoes are really easy to pull on thanks to the design, with any shoe closure adjustments easily accessed and made.

Even when raining the overshoes still perform very well. Naturally, a cut-away sole means these can’t be waterproof. However, the hems sit so snug to the sole that they come very close to being water tight. I’ve ridden in some pretty horrific conditions and it’s taken a decent amount of time for water to penetrate to the shoe (yes, I do have mudguards). The fit of the overshoes was noticeably good, not only because coming in four sizes (many brands only offer two or three) allows it to be closer to your actual shoe size, but also because the thinner elasticated gripper at the top really holds them in place throughout the ride.

Technically cycling overshoes aren't designed for trainers or other non-cycling specific footwear. There will no doubt be some options for shoe protection on a bike, but even with a rain cover, your feet will get pretty cold in standard trainers or office shoes. It's certainly worth considering giving a clipless pedal system a try for keeping your feet warm throughout the year, you'll also be very surprised by the difference it makes to your riding. Emma’s first encounters with a bike were in between swimming and running. Soon after competing for GB in the World Age Group Triathlon Championships in Edmonton in 2001 she saw the light and decided to focus on cycling. is a good deal of cash to splash. Value will depend a great deal on how much you value dry, warm feet in winter and how often you use overshoes. Whilst I’d rate them as just about the best overshoes I have used, there are other considerations, too. DexShell offer the shoes in sizes S to XL. I’m a size 8/42 so, following their size chart, opted to test a medium. It offers a very snug fit, just what I look for in an overshoe; it keeps drafts and water out and feels cosy too.These two gentlemen could not be any more accommodating if they tried, quality service that is a rare find in today’s crazy world, I can not recommend this company enough! Only after a couple of hours in continuous rain could I sense dampness. I can’t be sure where exactly it was getting in, or if it was penetrating the actual fabric. Certainly, the fabric isn’t as good as a smooth surfaced neoprene (which seems impenetrable); water will get through it.

Further reflective detail is provided by logos etc, but some of these will be hidden, if you are wearing longs. Damp feet, but by no means cold feet.TheHeavy Duty overshoes did a top-notch job of keeping my feet totally warm, providing total wind resistance, which is something Dexshell needs to shout about a bit more as for us cold feet sufferers it's often more of a selling point than anything else. Value Another lighter option for those who don't want a full overshoe is a toe cover, or a "Toe Thingy" as Castelli affectionally call it. These overshoes are warm and durable plus their generous sole openings should help prevent you damaging the material when walking around.

The robust toe and midsole areas gave enough stiffness to help the overshoes hold their shape, but had enough stretch to let you pull them in to place first time. While the fit was snug, it was refreshing not to have to burn calories pulling the things on. Getting dressed for a winter ride is quite an undertaking, not to mentioned the removal of it all post-ride, when it’s potentially caked in mud and wet. For me, the DexShells are genuinely the easiest-to-pull-on overshoe I’ve ever used. Even when raining the overshoes still perform very well. Naturally, a cut-away sole means these can’t be waterproof. However, the hems sit so snug to the sole that they come very close to being water tight. I’ve ridden in some pretty horrific conditions and it's taken a decent amount of time for water to penetrate to the shoe (yes, I do have mudguards).