Overshoe

Overshoes have proven to be something of a necessity these last few months. If you want to keep riding when the elements throw all they can at you, then you'll need a decent weatherproof pair, and this Bioflex Zero Overshoe is very decent for the spring and autumn.

Resembling a motorcycle derri boot, Pro’s Vanguard are technically advanced and versatile winter overshoes, offering unparalleled protection from the elements when worn with waterproof socks. Intended as multi-fit overshoee, they work much better with broader road, sports touring, MTB, and even trainer type/booties than more traditional types, lending themselves perfectly to freezing winter commutes or cross races.

Pro’s entry level Blaze strike a near perfect balance between performance and value for money but they’re best saved for the depths of winter as milder conditions can leave feet feeling boiled in the bag. Being Shimano offshoots, standards are very high. Relatively thick 2mm neoprene and slender profile pretty much rules out compatibility with anything bar competition road/performance mtb shoes, although some sport touring models might be ok.

The Pro Tarmac H20 Overshoe is one step down from the NPU version being water resistant rather than waterproof. Saying that though, in all but the heaviest downpours these will keep the worst of the weather out, thanks mainly to taped seams.

As the mellow shades of autumn make way for the bleak monochrome of winter a chap's mind naturally turns to ways of keeping his extremities warm. Cold and wet feet will make even the shortest ride a misery, and the most cost effective way of keeping them warm is to cover them in overshoes.

These overshoes give superb protection from wind, rain and, in testing, hail considering their low bulk.

The Tarmac H20s are made from antibacterial bamboo charcoal fleece with a stretchy polyurethane coating that's described as 'water resistant'. I would suggest this doesn't do the Pro' justice as I didnt find any hint of water getting inside the overshoes even during very wet testing. I also found that while my feet can overheat in my neoprene overshoes, the Pros didn't suffer from that problem due to their lighter weight construction.

Polaris Neo-Lite overshoes are stylish take on the traditional overshoes. Frozen feet can make any ride a misery and once you’ve tried a pair of overshoes you’ll wonder how you ever coped without. But let’s face it: overshoes aren’t the most glamorous piece of kit. They’re usually made from thick neoprene and have all the style of a furry granny boot.

With a healthy dollop of Scotchlite on all sides these overshoes are certainly a worthwhile addition to your night armoury, and the fact that your feet are constantly moving makes them even more visible. The fabric is a thin fleece with a waterproof PVC coating; it's stretchy, but not as stretchy as Neoprene, nor as warm. It is very windproof though, which is a bonus.