Gore Bike Wear Universal Windstopper Overshoes

Gore's Windstopper fabric is highly regarded, so it's no surprise that these Universal Windstopper Overshoes work brilliantly on those days when the temperature is low and an icy breeze is blowing. An exceptional build quality goes some way to justifying the high asking price. They're no longer to be seen on Gore's website, but are available to buy online at discount – so fill yer boots, as it were...

• Pros: Windproofing, excellent quality
• Cons: Price (though still cheaper than some out there), not fully waterproof

The entire overshoe is made from the Windstopper material, a windproof and breathable membrane, although the design uses panels of different depth around the foot. The front section, from the toe to the top of the overshoe, is much thicker than the rest, which makes sense as this is obviously the part of your foot that's going to be on the front line when it comes to the weather.

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The panel that happens to be high-vis yellow (you can buy all-black if you prefer) is fleece-backed and probably twice as thick as the side and rear panels. If conditions are especially grim you can feel the difference in protection around the foot, which is why I found the Universals best when used in temperatures above 3-4°C.

Alongside the windproofing, the Windstopper fabric also has a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment. This keeps road spray and light rain out for a decent amount of time. Heavy downpours or really wet roads will see it breached eventually, but they're better than wearing a neoprene overshoe.

The main panel is 100% polyester and contains no elastane, so there isn't a lot of stretch available here, which makes them tougher to put on and take off than the Lusso Windtex Stealth overshoes I was testing alongside these. The side and rear panels do use 8% elastane so this helps the fit remain snug, and when pulling them over your heels.

Gore doesn't use a different material for the sole, with the side panels continuing around under the bottom, but there is plenty of reinforcing around the cleat cutout and the rear one to expose the heel bumper on your shoe.

The toe uses a more abrasion-resistant fabric to stop wear and tear here.

> Buyer's Guide: 10 of the best cycling overshoes

Rather than a pull-on design, the Gores have zips, but instead of them running up the back where they can clash with those on bib tights, they sit slightly to the side, avoiding any pressure points at the ankle.

Looking at value, the Gores are reassuringly expensive, priced at £54.99, although you can get some heavy discounting online with anything up to 50% – that makes them look a lot more appealing.

They aren't quite as appealing as the Lusso overshoes I was testing alongside these, though. The Lussos would get my vote, as they perform slightly better, especially in the wet, and are easier to get on and off. With an RRP of £30 they are cheaper too, but if you can get the Gore Universals for around the same money then they are a worthy competitor. If you're happy to spend a little more, Mat declared the Shimano S-Phyres he tested "exceptionally good", but they'll set you back £59.99.

Verdict

Clever use of fabrics to create a lightweight pair of cool weather, windproof overshoes