[meach]

This is my first winter of road cycling so relatively new to this. I do most if not all cycling in dry weather. Are there any reasons to go for neoprene overshoes instead of normal windproof/waterproof style for purely dry weather conditions? Would windproofs see my right through the winter?

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[irtubes]

Good discussion. One thing worth adding is that the performance of neoprene overshoes depends not only on the material itself but also on the neoprene grade and thickness.

Neoprene is valued because it traps a thin insulating layer of air while remaining flexible, which is why it performs well in cold and damp conditions. However, it’s important to remember that neoprene is water-resistant rather than completely waterproof. During prolonged exposure to heavy rain, water can eventually enter through seams, openings, or the top of the overshoe, reducing its insulating effectiveness.

For riders who mostly cycle in dry but cold weather, a lightweight windproof overshoe is often sufficient. If temperatures regularly drop close to freezing or roads stay damp, neoprene provides better thermal insulation and comfort. Pairing either option with quality moisture-wicking or merino socks can make a noticeable difference during longer rides.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on the riding conditions and duration rather than the material alone.

[mooleur]

mike the bike wrote:For a

mike the bike wrote:

For a commute of 30 – 45 minutes all you need is a pair of Planet X neoprene overshoes at £10.

Best of luck.

+1 on the Planet X front as they’re doing those winter packs for about £20 which you get overshoes, gloves & a hat & I think also socks in! Bargain!

[Jack Osbourne snr]

LondonByCycle wrote:After

LondonByCycle wrote:

After several years of struggling to find decent overshoes I finally took the plunge and bought some winter boots about a year ago – Northwave Celsius Arctic. I know its a more expensive solution, but if you plan to do a lot of winter riding they are worth the money. Also surprisingly good is warmer weather, I have worn them for over 6 months this year. Highly recommended.

+1 for boots. I have Gaerne Artix and have never been comfier in the cold and wet West of Scotland.

I have consigned my overshoes to the bottom of the wardrobe and they only ever come out for summer Audaxes.

[mike the bike]

For a commute of 30 – 45
For a commute of 30 – 45 minutes all you need is a pair of Planet X neoprene overshoes at £10. By the time you get to work the water will be finding its way through but, who cares, you’re at work. A couple of hours on the radiator and they’re ready to go again.

If you will be riding for longer then neoprene is not such a great idea but no matter which type you buy they all have a big hole at the top and your feet will suffer.

Best of luck.

[LondonByCycle]

After several years of
After several years of struggling to find decent overshoes I finally took the plunge and bought some winter boots about a year ago – Northwave Celsius Arctic. I know its a more expensive solution, but if you plan to do a lot of winter riding they are worth the money. Also surprisingly good is warmer weather, I have worn them for over 6 months this year. Highly recommended.

[glynr36]

Assos Rain Bootie and decent
Assos Rain Bootie and decent socks, always does me well.

[Ad Hynkel]

I’ve got Altura waterproofs
I’ve got Altura waterproofs and some Planet-X neoprenes. The neoprenes are great for very cold dry/damp or short wet rides, but not good for long, wet and cold. The waterproof ones are a single layer and great for wet rides of all lengths provided it’s not too cold. I agree with mooleur it’s good to have options.

I did once have some BBBs that seemed to work in most colder conditions which were the sealed off neoprene type. If you are going for a single most useful compromise then perhaps this type is best.

[edd23]

I have struggled to find a
I have struggled to find a decent set of overshoes for a while now, then I stumbled across the Grip Grap Orca ones, which are marketed as waterproof all season overshoes. I have worn them on wet spring and autumn rides and they have not been too hot and sweaty and more recently i have just worn two thin pairs of cotton socks, road shoes and the Grip Graps on 3hr + rides with the temperature hoovering around the 2 degree mark and i have not felt the cold. Not neoprene but in my opinion just as good….

[Leviathan]

Most Neoprene overshoes
Most Neoprene overshoes should have a PU (rubber) outer coating, like Endura Slick or Pro Tarmac so should be waterproof and warm (maybe thermal socks if it is freezing). I wear them all winter. My rule is Neoprene if I am wearing tights, something lighter if I have the legs out.

[mooleur]

My favourite subject!
I
My favourite subject!

I think I honestly have such a vast collection of different types of overshoes I could open a shop dedicated to it.

For neoprene my rule of thumb is if it’s “greasy” out (i.e. if it’s been raining and the roads are shitty) but it’s not actually raining but IS quite cold – then this is the time to use neoprene.

If it’s raining AND cold, get the waterproof winter booties, PRO (specialized) used to do some great ones that were like a really heavy duty waterproof with a fleece inner – great for those properly horrible snowy rainy days.

If it’s raining but NOT cold just get the plasticky stretch waterproofs, castelli (if you can justify cost) do great ones. Or Pearl Izumi, their neoprene’s are spot on too.

Generally it’s trial and error, everyone’s got different comfort zones. Maybe try a mixture of the water/wind proof slick overshoes but teamed with merino socks to keep you cozy, so you don’t end up spending a fortune.

Neoprene’s great but when it’s wet will cause you no end of frostbitey misery. But then if you JUST use the wind/waterproof ones, you might get super sweaty feet when the weather’s a bit fairer.

There’s really no right or wrong though, just whatever you feel comfortable in. 🙂

[Author]

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