Shimano S3000R Overshoes

Nothing can ruin a ride more than frozen and sodden toes, and a good pair of overshoes can really make the difference between cycling misery and happiness at this time of year. These Shimano S3000R NPU overshoes, with their thick neoprene construction and water resistant coating, provide the necessary barrier to the elements and insulation to keep you pedalling happy circles and not frozen squares.

Shimano may be best known for their components, but they also dabble in in clothing and produce a wide range of overshoes - which makes sense given their vast array of shoes. These S3000 NPU overshoes sit towards the top of the pile with a 3mm thick neoprene construction and smooth water resistant polyurethane coating.

Their bulk suggest they're going to be good in the cold, and that has certainly proven to be true during several weeks of testing. The thick neoprene construction provides excellent insulation for colder rides, and I have such bad circulation that I can be in discomfort after a couple of hours in chilly conditions.

And with taped seams, the S3000R NPU overshoes seal out most of the rain, puddle splashes and spray without wet feet concerns. Shimano only describes them as being water resistant, but they actually do a really good job of keeping your feet warm in several hours of rain.

They've been designed to fit over race shoes, with 3D modelling used to shape the different sections to provide an optimal fit over the shoe. It works too. Despite the bulk caused by the sheer thickness of the material, these are really good fitting overshoes with no discomfort or restriction.

There is plenty of reinforcing, making them a good commuting option, with a tough and durable material stitched into the front section and extending to the cleat opening, and zigzag stitching at the heel opening. The zipper is lined with a windproof flap of material, and there's a Velcro closure around the ankle.

The bright yellow colour certainly provides good visibility during daylight, and for riding at night there's a large reflective tab at the back, but they could really do with some more reflective details around the sides and toe area.

The pricing is on the high side but I've seen them a tenner off so it's worth having a look around. For the level of performance they offer though, they're really up there with the very best overshoes if you value warm and dry feet.

The only downside is the fact you can't stick them in the washing machine after a ride, so instead you have to wipe or hose them down between rides. Despite my best efforts to keep them clean between rides, they're not looking as good as they did new, a fact which would make the black colour option more practical for regular riders.

Verdict

Great insulation and rain protection; ideal for the most challenging winter cycling conditions