Spatz Pro Stealth Overshoe System

The Spatz Pro Stealth Overshoe System takes a two-piece approach for maximum protection against the British winter. While in some ways the results are very good, the design is not without flaws, and it’s an expensive option too.

While the design has evolved since Spatz started making its overshoes almost ten years ago, the ethos remains the same: overshoes that are taller than most, reaching close to the knee, and made primarily from neoprene. And when I first encountered them with during my Roadman II test in late 2020, I saw them as something of a revelation.

Since then, I’ve used several models both on and off-road, with the Roadman III being my main choice for road riding over the past three winters. The Roadman is no longer part of the line-up, however, and there are no more off-road specific models.

What we have here is a new two-piece design that includes the Protoez toe warmers alongside the main, tall overshoes. Each part can be worn individually or combined for the worst conditions.

It comes in three sizes that cover EU38 (UK5) to EU49 (UK13.5) feet. I tested the smallest size, which weighed 316g all in. That breaks down to 82g for the Protoez and 234g for the overshoes.

I sit on the boundary between Small and Medium sizing and use wide-fit shoes, so I checked with the Spatz team before testing. They advised sticking to the size guide, as there’s enough stretch to accommodate wide shoes, even with Lake shoes’ broad fit.

Fitting Spatz overshoes can be challenging, particularly when they’re new. The toe warmer is relatively straightforward, while the main overshoe requires a similar process to all those I’ve used, with the basic steps as follows:

1. Fold the calf section in half
2. Pull the overshoe onto the leg before putting the shoe on
3. Put the shoe on and tighten as normal
4. Fit the toe warmer over the shoe if using both parts
5. Pull the toe over the shoe and secure the Velcro strap under the sole
6. Unfold the calf section

On first use these were extremely tight, to the point where I wondered whether I should have sized up. However, after a few rides, the neoprene stretched enough to make life noticeably easier. Even so, they are never as quick to put on as more conventional ankle-height overshoes.

The Protoez toe warmer is a simple but effective design, with a Kevlar-reinforced sole for durability and silicone strips to reduce water ingress. They are longer than many toe warmers, extending almost to the end of the shoe’s tongue. Despite the cleat opening appearing very small, there is enough stretch to accommodate Look Grip cleats, and I would expect them to work just as well with Shimano road or MTB cleats, as well as Time and Speedplay.

The main overshoe has no zip, relying solely on a Velcro strap beneath the sole to hold them in place. Fitting them over the Protoez toe warmer is slightly more difficult, but the process remains the same.

I used the Pro Stealth throughout winter in temperatures ranging from below freezing to almost double digits ‘warmth’. They perform best in the latter, and one clear improvement over the Roadman models is their ability to cope when it’s mild. Largely that’s because you can remove the toe warmers.

The biggest limitation on cold rides is heat loss through the sole, which is only lightly protected. For the coldest rides, you might also want a thermal insole or even a DIY solution such as a layer of thick kitchen foil beneath your shoe’s insoles.

On the upside, both the shin and upper foot sections stay warm. However, I do question the focus on shin insulation, as this is not an area where I typically suffer, and I really wonder how many do. Long socks, tights or leg warmers already have this well covered, while your feet are the tricky things to keep warm as they’re more exposed.

Despite the silicone strips, rain and spray still finds its way in, either from underneath or through whatever’s above the overshoes. On the wettest rides, my feet became very wet, and with no airflow they did not dry out while riding. That said, the insulation was sufficient that my feet stayed warm on almost all rides, and you could wear them directly against the skin, with tights or leg warmers on top, for a bit more protection. Worn normally it was only when it was close to freezing, or soaking wet, that I suffered.

I have used Spatz overshoes for several winters, and while most parts last very well (particularly the Kevlar-reinforced soles), the Velcro straps have consistently been the first point to wear out. While these identical straps should last several seasons, it is frustrating when the main materials remain in good condition, but the Velcro no longer holds securely.

Value

There is still very little that directly competes with Spatz when it comes to protection in the worst weather. The closest alternative comes from GripGrab, with the Arctic 2 Waterproof Deep Winter Road Shoe Covers priced at £70. These use a much thicker 5mm neoprene, but sit lower on the leg. They’re a significant upgrade on the original Arctic Overshoes we reviewed about 150 years ago, which is quite good going as those seriously impressed our tester back then anyway.

Other options include the Sportful Deep Winter Shoe Covers at £90 and the Castelli Unlimited Shoecover at £75. All of these reach to mid-calf level.

During testing, I regularly switched between the Pro Stealth and a well-used pair of Roadman 3 overshoes. There are aspects of the older design that I still prefer, and I found myself choosing the Roadman 3 for several long winter rides. In coldest and wettest conditions I found the Roadman 3 provided a similar amount of warmth and protection – the Pro Stealths are technically more versatile but feel more of a faff for it, and performance is not actually improved.

The Roadman 3 was £90, and while prices have increased across the board, the Pro Stealth’s jump to £124.99 for the Pro Stealth is significant. The Spatz Pro Stealth Overshoe System sits among the most expensive shoe coverings available.

Overall

While the quality and warmth are undeniably good, these represent a serious investment. However, while some rivals are edging closer with taller designs, very few match the protection offered here against a true British winter. If maximum warmth and coverage are your priority, the Pro Stealths – while not flawless – are a strong option. The high price and limited performance gains over previous models, though, are unfortunate.