Cycling overshoes are an essential piece of gear for riding in cold and wet conditions. Those of us who live in rainier climates can’t always wait for a dry day to ride, getting your hands on a pair of bike overshoes will make those winter rides more enjoyable by keeping your feet warm and protected for longer.
Cycling overshoes, sometimes called booties, are essentially sock-like covers that fit securely over your cycling shoes. They aim to protect your feet from the elements. Some overshoes will be constructed with thick materials with inner linings to keep your toes toasty and insulated. While others will aim to create an impenetrable shield against the rain, wheel spray and splashes from puddles.
Other pairs may aim to increase your aerodynamics, or offer windproofing to ward off windchill and keep you going for longer. Some overshoes out there will aim to do all of the above, so it’s up to you to decide what features you need in an overshoe and how much you’re willing to spend to get them.
Best cycling overshoes 2023
Endura Road Overshoes: £31.99Castelli Diluvio UL Shoe Cover: £39.99 Madison Sportive Thermal Overshoes: £22.99Shimano S1100R H20 Overshoes: £60.00Sportful Neoprene All Weather Bootie: £45.00Assos RS Rain Cycling Booties: £75.00GripGrab RaceThermo Waterproof Winter Road Shoe Cover: £52.95Rapha Winter Overshoes: £55.00Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Oversock: £38.00
Other overshoes we’ve reviewed:
Dhb Neoprene Nylon Overshoes:35.00Altura Nightvision Waterproof Overshoe: £30.00
Do I need cycling overshoes?
We’re sure there are some cyclists out there who layer up with a million pairs of winter cycling socks and hope for the best when it comes to coping with winter rides. This isn’t the best strategy though. When you’re riding in wet and chilly weather, you really need to protect your extremities from becoming too cold.
That’s why it’s key to invest in a good pair of winter gloves so your fingers can remain dexterous enough to brake and change gears. Equally, we all know that if your toes go numb and start feeling like they’re going to fall off, then a ride can quickly turn from grim to downright unbearable.
Cycling overshoes are for protecting your feet from adverse weather and are an investment that will quickly feel worth the spend tenfold during a cold winter ride. If the rain or the cold often deters you from getting out and about on the bike, and you feel like you’re missing out on cycling during the winter months, then bike overshoes could be a simple solution.
How we test and why you should take our word for it
Joseph Branston / Cyclist
We’ve been testing cycling gear for years at Cyclist and all our reviews come from our own real-world experience out on the road and trail. We’ve seen it all when it comes to the good quality and the more questionable cycling kit, and our reviews sort through the chaff of brand promises to uncover what really works in practice.
Cyclist’s testing is overseen by tech editor Sam Challis and website editor Matthew Loveridge, both experienced bike nerds who’ve reviewed an immense range of bikes and kit. From budget picks to innovative, industry-breaking new concepts, we’ve got the expertise to pick it apart, so you know you’re in safe hands.
Read on for a full breakdown of the best cycling overshoes with links to full reviews, followed by in-depth buying advice.
Best cycling overshoes 2023
Endura Road Overshoes
William Linn / Cyclist£31.99High level of waterproofingGood for extreme weather
These thick and stylish overshoes from Endura merge a high level of waterproofing with thermal prowess. The hydrophobic neoprene expels water, while welded seams and a reinforced zip keep it out. The cherry on the cake’s the fluoro yellow and reflective detailing in the design, which boost visibility in low-light conditions – great for commuting.
Castelli Diluvio UL Shoe Cover
William Linn / Cyclist£60Secure velcro strap and zip closureA good all-rounder
Castelli’s Diluvio UL overshoe is made from a thick 3mm neoprene to keep your toes toasty and dry during those grim-weather rides. A secure bottom Velcro strap and rear zip secure the overshoe, while some nice reflective detailing along the side and top ensures you’re seen by traffic.
Madison Sportive Thermal Overshoes
Marc Abbott / Cyclist£22.99Easy on-off thanks to stretchy constructionFantastic value for money
There are prettier overshoes or ones with a slightly better fit, but for the money it’s very hard to fault the Madisons. A useful bit of stretch means they’re not impossible to take on and off, while fleece-backed construction adds real warmth – perhaps even too much for conditions that aren’t fully wintery.
Shimano S1100R H2O Overshoes
Will Linn / Cyclist£39.99Light enough for spring ridingA value for money choice
The Shimano S1100R H2Os are lightweight and protective overshoes that are primed for spring-time conditions down to 5°C. The upper sports an effective waterproof coating and inside, comfort reigns supreme with a soft, brushed inner. True to size with plenty of stretch, a Velcro strap along the top helps to maintain a seal during downpours while the neon design will make sure you’re seen by all.
Sportful Neoprene All Weather Bootie
William Linn / Cyclist£45.00Thermo-welded seams for waterproofingGood wind protection
This neoprene-clad overshoe from Sportful mixes good insulation with practical waterproofing features like thermo-welded seams and a Velcro strap to seal in the top. An array of reflective details will increase safety for commuters and those riding in less than ideal weather conditions.
Assos RS Rain Cycling Booties
William Linn / Cyclist£75.00Streamlined and waterproof without insulationA good high-performance option
These Assos RS Rain Cycling Booties are unlike any we’ve come across. They’re evidently made for the racers among us, who are after an aero solution to wind and rain protection when out on a ride. The stretchy and malleable dual-layer ‘windshield’ fabric keeps the elements at bay, leaving the rider to focus on what’s important, pushing the pedals to a new PB.
GripGrab RaceThermo Waterproof Winter Road Shoe Cover
William Linn / Cyclist£52.95Extra-thick 4mm neopreneA good high visibility option
For properly cold days, the 4mm neoprene construction of these RaceThermo overshoes from GripGrab will keep the chills at bay. The stylish overshoe is replete with hi-vis and reflective detailing, making you extremely visible in low-light conditions. A bit of a struggle to pull on, but once in place they’ll protect from the wind and some light showers when out on the roads.
Rapha Winter Overshoes
William Linn / Cyclist£55.00Good for milder conditionsCope well with light showers
The Rapha Winter Overshoes are primed for mild weather when you’re in need of some protection from the elements and an injection of style. The brushed fleece lining keeps toes warm and comfortable, while the aero fit looks professional and might even save you a little energy.
Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Oversock
William Linn / Cyclist£38Simple oversock design adds some water resistanceGood for comfort and easy fitting
If you’re after an additional barrier to protect your feet against the elements, the Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Oversock could be your solution. The three-layer material has in-built water resistance and warmth, while the simple sock design makes them quick and easy to pull on, and to throw in the wash after a muddy ride.
Also consider
These overshoes didn’t perform quite as well in testing, but they’re still worth considering if specific features appeal, or you can find a particularly good deal.
Dhb Neoprene Nylon Overshoes
William Linn / Cyclist£35Kevlar soles protect from wearGood for mild weather
A staple in Dhb’s core overshoe range, these 3mm neoprene booties provide some thermal protection and shower resistance for those grim off-season spins. A smooth YKK zipper is accompanied by some nice reflective detailing on the otherwise plain overshoe. Meanwhile, the sole is reinforced by internally taped seams and a Kevlar abrasion-resistant overlay.
Altura Nightvision Waterproof Overshoe
William Linn / Cyclist£30Hi-viz design for the commuterVery easy to get into
Made with the commuter in mind, the Altura Nightvision overshoes offer some mild weather protection from the elements and a good level of visibility in low light conditions. The Velcro strip along its length means that it can be completely opened and wrapped around a wide range of shoes.
How do I choose cycling overshoes?
Waterproofing
William Linn / Cyclist
Overshoes that claim to be waterproof are typically made out of PU, neoprene, or several layers of material to form a hydrophobic membrane against water ingress. Polyurethane or PU tends to be the material of choice in more budget overshoes, it can be thinner than neoprene so watch out for additional inner linings to boost warmth.
Neoprene is what wetsuits are made out of, and the thicker the material the more thermal the overshoe. Overshoes tend to be made from anything from 2mm to 4mm thick neoprene, which is both waterproof and windproof, but much less breathable than alternatives due to the thickness of the material. It tends to be the best pick for more thermal-focussed overshoes.
Whatever the material, waterproofing depends on the whole construction. With large cut-outs, no overshoe is going to protect well against full immersion, but good ones will have properly sealed seams and other features that aim to keep moisture on the outside.
Thermal capabilities
Some waterproof overshoes will also aim to be thermal to provide the ultimate winter shoe cover for your rides. Thermal overshoes will often be made out of thick neoprene to trap the heat in the shoe, or have a soft brushed inner lining to boost insulation. If you’re lucky, some even have both.
Top seal
William Linn / Cyclist
To create a water-tight seal on an overshoe, it’s essential that the garment forms a tight and impenetrable seal to the elements along the top. Some overshoes will achieve this by employing stretchy and compressive material that’s naturally snug against the calf.
For extra security, other features to look out for are an upper Velcro strap to close shut the top of the bootie, and a grippy coating to stick tight against the skin or sock and avoid unhelpful gaping.
Reinforced sole
William Linn / Cyclist
Most high-quality overshoes will have something added to the sole to increase their durability, and at the same time their walkability when in cleats. Many overshoes employ Kevlar fibre to fortify toe and heel surfaces; this is a para-aramid synthetic material that provides a tensile strength 10× greater than steel.
Other overshoes will boost durability by using abrasion-resistant fabrics and some rubber sections to extend the lifespan of the overshoe in use.
Closure systems
William Linn / Cyclist
Overshoes can be secured shut in a number of ways. Sock-like overshoes will avoid using a zip but instead have Velcro straps under the sole to secure them. This avoids any wear and tear along weaker points of the shoe that can be caused by zips, and also means there’s less chance the overshoe will chafe or feel scratchy on the leg in use.
Not all overshoes fit snugly enough for this though, and others instead choose to have a zip or long Velcro strip up the rear. This style of overshoe tends to be pulled onto the shoe and gives more coverage along the sole. A zip may have a protective baffle to keep in warmth and to avoid any water seeping through.
Visibility
William Linn / Cyclist
A cherry on the cake of a well-made overshoe is some reflective details. This is often in the form of a silver reflective logo or piping along a zip. Some overshoes have iridescent threads spun into the main body of the shoe which provide some reflectivity all over, while neon and fluorescent colour choices really up an overshoe’s visibility to another level but will show filth sooner. Opt for a pair of overshoes that employ at least some features that boost visibility to improve your safety when out on the road.
How should I wear cycling overshoes?
William Linn / Cyclist
Yes, they’re called overshoes, which some may take as a hint as to how exactly you should wear them when layering up for a winter ride. Cyclists remain divided though in the great over tights/under tights debate.
Many cyclists will pull on their overshoes over their tights as the very last step before heading out the door. What’s key with wearing overshoes this way is that the overshoes sit snugly around the calf to avoid any rain or puddle splashes seeping in. If you’ve got exceptionally stylish or hi-vis overshoes, then you want them on show, right?
That makes sense, but if you really want extra protection from the elements, then it could be more logical for you to tuck your overshoes underneath your longs to form an additional layer against the rain and cold, especially if the overshoes don’t form a sufficient seal by themselves. This approach means water will be directed over your booties, rather than into them – think how roof tiles are arranged to keep the rain out. The choice is up to you, your ride conditions, and style preferences.
How to put on cycling overshoes
William Linn / Cyclist
It may seem self-explanatory, but the way you put on your cycling overshoes can have a direct impact on their lifespan. There are generally two ways to put on your cycling overshoes, and this depends on their design. Some overshoes will be built like a sock with cut-outs on the bottom for your cleats and heel, and sometimes a side zip. These overshoes can take a minute to wrestle on, and should be pulled carefully over and onto the shoe until they sit in the right position.
Other overshoes will have a Velcro strap on the bottom and can be pulled onto the leg before the shoe then pulled over and strapped around the bottom. These can be quicker to get on, but the bottom closure can reduce an overshoe’s long-term durability and sometimes make them less weather-resistant.
Want more winter cycling advice? Read our top tips for riding outside in the cold months
Tags: Winter cycling
