dhb Aeron Lab Neoshell Overshoe

dhb's Aeron LAB Neoshell overshoes offer excellent waterproofing, breathability and a lightweight feel with a solid underside that makes the £50 price tag a bit more bearable.

• Pros: Waterproof in all but the heaviest rain, breathable, good warmth from the thin fabric
• Cons: Slightly tough to get on, similar performers cost less

Chances are that there will come a ride when you need overshoes, and those of us who ride outside all through the winter need something that will keep out as much water as possible and last more than one winter. Breathability and low bulk are also features that are very welcome.

dhb's Aeron LAB range is its top-end kit. It uses the best fabrics and the focus is on getting the best performance for the lightest weights functionally possible. That, dhb believes, will open up its winter range to use in early season races. While I've not been bowled over by all of the new kit, these overshoes are really good and well worth the money.

Making these overshoes feel light on the feet was one of dhb's primary concerns and so it turned to Polartec's NeoShell material to make up the bulk of the overshoes. This softshell fabric is thin, flexible, windproof and pretty good at keeping out water as well. It results in overshoes that sit very close to the shoes and allow the ankles their full range of flexion.

There are four pieces of the NeoShell, all stitched very neatly. These seams are then taped inside and I've not seen any water squeezing its way through. The material extends a good length up the leg and ends in a large gripper that sits snugly against the skin. Personally, I've taken to wearing my bib tights over my overshoes. I know, revolutionary. But it works to prevent water seeping down the shin and into my socks. I'm happy to deal with the slightly odd look for drier feet.

The worst weather that these saw was three hours of falling rain and plenty of standing water. These kept out everything so I really can't fault them for normal rain. Maybe the heaviest stuff would get through and deep standing water might flood the cleat holes, but for normal riding, these are as good as I've tried.

The temperature range was also pretty good thanks to the breathability. I've used these from around 12°C down to about 5°C on their own. Anything lower than that and I popped some oversocks underneath for a little extra insulation. But the front toe section covered the vents on my Shimano S-Phyre RC9 shoes so no chilly air was getting in. For harder rides and mild weather, they breathe well, though you'll probably get sweaty feet if you go for it up a climb in mild weather.

> How to keep your feet warm while cycling in the cold

Sizing is quite small, in keeping with the aims for a close fit. My medium was snug and I sit right between the small and the medium sizes with my UK8 feet. One thing I will mention is that my ankles are pretty skinny and the medium was tight on my leg. If you've got big legs then size up.

That brings me on to getting these things on and off, which is a slight struggle. The base isn't flexible at all, but once you've got it over the cleat and heel, it's easy. That heel is tough thanks to the Kevlar reinforcement that does very well to help protect the overshoes from stones and gravel.

Additional features include some reflectivity on the heel and from the logos, and a pull tab that I didn't really find that useful for getting the overshoes on. It's easy to cut off, though.

Now we come to the slight issue of the £50 price tag. It's higher than Lusso's Windtex Terrain Overshoes (£30) that also deliver good waterproofing. But your £50 is going to last a good few years thanks mainly to the tough underside. These are certainly more durable than Castelli's Diluvio Pro Shoe Covers (£50). You can easily spend a lot more, too: Rapha's Pro Team Overshoes are a whopping £80.

> Buyer's Guide: Essential wet weather clothing and gear

All things considered, I'd say that these are excellent value for money, with great waterproofing from a lightweight and breathable shell. The base is tough and does make them a slight faff to put on, but the close fit is worth it. If you're out on your bike whatever the weather, it's £50 well spent, I'd say.

Verdict

Good breathability and waterproofing from a lightweight and flexible fabric