Most overshoes are much of a muchness but the Nanos from Castelli have a few features that set them apart from the crowd, and not just their Ann Summers looks.

The lightweight, stretchy fabric is a much more supple than normal – you’re hardly aware you’re wearing them – and the polyurethane face is waterproof, unlike standard neoprene. Rain and spray can slowly soak in through the seam that joins the upper and lower sections – it’s not taped – but your feet will stay drier than normal in these. Even if water does get in, they still keep your feet reasonably warm, like most other overshoes.

You don’t get as much insulation as with thick neoprene, but the Nanos keep the wind off and allow your feet to heat up inside. There’s good coverage around the sole too with just small holes for your cleat and heel, and that makes a lot of difference. We’ve found them about right for autumn use and milder winter days, swapping to something more hardcore when the mercury dips below about 7°C.

You get a sturdy YKK zip at the back with a flap behind that stops it catching on your clothes or shoes, and reflective piping along the side makes a valuable safety feature. The cuff is elasticated to give a comfortable gap-free fit around your ankle while a silicone gripper is designed to hold the top in place – not that we’ve ever had any issues on that score.

As for the price, these are certainly among the more expensive overshoes out there but they do back that up with an impressive performance and the build-quality is high.

Verdict

High-quality, water-resistant overshoes for autumn/spring and milder winter conditions

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Castelli Nano Shoecover

Size tested: 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, "Our most versatile bootie. Windproof to keep the cold off? Yep. Waterproof fabric? Yep. Super aerodynamic for time trials? Got that one too. So it’s good for everything, but we’re tired of the “you could wear that to the disco” jokes. It wasn’t that funny the first time we heard it."

We never mentioned any disco. But now you say it…

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 40  Height: 190cm  Weight: 74kg

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, sportives, general fitness riding,