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.

All the deals displayed on our review pages are pulled from a constantly updating database feed of the best affiliate deals available. The criteria for deciding on what are the best deals is who is offering the lowest, delivered price. In most cases we will be showing the very best deal available online, but sometimes you may be able to find an item cheaper. If you can please feel free to post a link in the comments box below. To find out more about affiliate links on road.cc click here.

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.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

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.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 41  Height: 190cm  Weight: 75kg

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,