Rapha Pro Team Rain Overshoes

Rapha launched the Pro Team Rain Overshoes as part of its new Pro Team Softshell range, designed for racing in cold and wet conditions, with input from Team Sky. The overshoes are made from the same softshell fabric used in the jacket from the same range. They're less bulky than a neoprene overshoe and provide impressive wet weather protection.

They're constructed from a three-layer fabric that Rapha has developed, with a polyurethane membrane sandwiched between the inner and outer layer. The fabric is then soaked in a DWR treatment – most fabrics have a DWR treatment coated on the outer surface.

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To ensure water resistance all seams are taped, the main seam externally from the toes right across the middle. The zip is water resistant too. The sole is constructed from a durable fabric with cut out cleat and heel holes. A few reflective details are added, but it's a shame the signature Pro Team horizontal stripes aren't reflective, though they do add a useful bit of contrast for low-light riding.

I found the Medium shoes a good fit over my size 45 Fizik shoes; the ankle could be slightly tighter, though it's fine when worn with a pair of legwarmers or bib tights as the extra layer of material around the ankle fills them out. A size Small provided a much more snug fit, but required a bit more wrestling into place.

Performance in the conditions they're designed for is very impressive. They do a top job of keeping road spray and rain out of your shoes. They're not completely impenetrable – ride in heavy rain long enough and the water will eventually overcome their ability to keep the damp out – but for short rides and races, I found them easily up to the task of keeping my feet dry.

They're also highly breathable, and that makes them well suited to riding and racing in the changeable conditions of spring and autumn (and wet summer days). When it can be warm but very wet, full-on winter overshoes are overkill and oversocks, my usual go-to choice for spring, aren't up to the task. The Rapha Pro Team Rain Overshoes suit these conditions perfectly. They keep the rain out, or most of it anyway, and certainly enough for a typical race distance or short training ride, yet don't overheat the toes.

With a lightweight build and excellent and comfortable fit, backed up with impressive bad weather protection, the Rapha Pro Team Rain Overshoes fit the bill for riding and racing in challenging weather, and are well suited to spring (and autumn) conditions.

Verdict

Excellent rain protection and low-bulk fit makes them ideal for spring and autumn riding and racing