Protective toe covers for days when it's not quite cold enough for full overshoes
Weight: 26g Contact: www.saddleback.co.uk
Castelli Toe Thingy
The Castelli Toe Thingy provides a little extra warmth on days that are cool but not so cold that you want to go with full overshoes.
First of all, the name: Toe Thingy. That's class.
Quite a lot of brands do toe covers (as they're more commonly known) and they're usually variations on a theme. They're mostly, although not always, neoprene – essentially, the end of a pair of neoprene overshoes. You get a cutout for your cleat and that's what holds them in place.
These Castelli ones are very stretchy so they're super-easy to get on and you can get a good, close fit with a wide variety of shoes. Silicone dots on the sole help protect the neoprene and add a little grip. And in terms of construction, that's about it.
The neoprene is windproof and water resistant so the Toe Thingies give you a little extra protection on rides when the weather is cool. They're especially useful if your shoes are well vented – a bonus in the summer but not such good news when the temperature drops.
The other time these are useful is when it's so cold that your toes are getting chilly even under full overshoes. Then you can whack these on as well for double-layer insulation.
Verdict
Protective toe covers for days when it's not quite cold enough for full overshoes.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Castelli Toe Thingy
Size tested: L/XL
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Castelli say, "Keep your feet warm without the hassle of a full shoecover. Made from super-durable neoprene, these toecovers slip easily over the front of your shoe and are held in place by the cleats. The rugged underside of the toe will add grip and resist rips or tears thanks to a silicone print. This can be worn on its own or as a layer between your shoe and shoecover.
- Wind- and waterproof neoprene protection for the tips of your feet
- Rugged, rubberized sole with openings for cleats
- Eye-catching scorpion logo and castelli lettering on top
- Can be worn on its own or as a layer between your shoe and shoecover"
Yep, that all seems fine to me except that the neoprene is not completely waterproof. It's certainly highly water resistant.
You can buy toe covers for about a tenner up to £30-odd. £14 isn't expensive – it's about the going rate.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
They did a straightforward job exactly as they should.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The silicone on the sole does seem to help resist tears.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? .Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
About the tester
Age: 41
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding,
Got a pair a few weeks ago, had them on on days when it's been near freezing with regular socks and not had any problems with cold feet, very happy with them!
All the gear and no idea!
I'm guessing that, save for the use of a couple of rubber bands, they won't work with recessed SPDs?
How about just putting on a second pair of socks and using the money you saved on something useful?
ALBANB
Because your shoes might suddenly feel too tight?
I'm guessing that, save for the use of a couple of rubber bands, they won't work with recessed SPDs?
I used the Craft toe covers which are pretty similar with my SPD shoes with no problem at all and I've used them quite a lot - the main difference on the Craft ones is that they aren't a long.
These will keep your feet way warmer than an extra pair of socks
is it actually worth it? really?
Next week: half length arm warmers for those in-betweeny days.
I thought one thing about shoe covers was that they kept your shoes clean. Not half clean. Surely, a pair of thin waterproof overshoes work best?
arrieredupeleton
I'm guessing that, save for the use of a couple of rubber bands, they won't work with recessed SPDs?
No, you're right, probably not. The hole in the bottom fits around the cleat and that's what holds the toe cover in place.
Not every cold day is rainy as well.
blog rowerowy - my blog about bicycles (written in Polish, but feel free to visit me! 
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I can understand the cynics but believe it or not toe warmers work really well.
The problem woth shoe covers is that they fill with sweat and get cold after an hour or so, toe covers don't so on dry days are great down to 2-3C (even of all they really do is plug the vents in your shoe).
Next week: half length arm warmers for those in-betweeny days.I thought one thing about shoe covers was that they kept your shoes clean. Not half clean. Surely, a pair of thin waterproof overshoes work best?
I use oversocks for the in-between temperatures where a full overshoe is too hot.
I'm sure these would work in conjunction with said oversocks for another set of in-between temperatures where its not qutie right for an overshoe 
and I must admit I like to look the part on the bike.. so cutting corners isn't something I really do... but some DIY toe-covers for hiding underneath oversocks are perfect and cheap!
cut the corner off a sandwich bag and shape it to fit over the toe of your shoe.. then wrap the bag-covered-toe in a bit of tape (electical tape was what I had to hand) to give your plastic bag toe cover some shape, rigidity, and increased durability.
et voila.. some DIY windproof toe-warmers that can be hidden under my oversocks.
These fit far more easily into a pocket if the day warms up than do overshoes - you don't have to make an all or nothing decision as you walk out the door.
Next week: half length arm warmers for those in-betweeny days.I thought one thing about shoe covers was that they kept your shoes clean. Not half clean. Surely, a pair of thin waterproof overshoes work best?
These fit far more easily into a pocket if the day warms up than do overshoes - you don't have to make an all or nothing decision as you walk out the door.
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