Cycling Overshoes - Which Shoe Covers do you need for What type of Weather?

Cycling overshoes can make riding your bike in autumn and winter a lot more pleasant. From thin, waterproof shoe covers to thick, thermal overshoes, we’ve got them all. So what to look out for when purchasing cycling overshoes? What size shoe covers should you get, for example? And just how waterproof are shoe covers really?

Most cyclists use overshoes to protect from the cold, rain, and wind. Because if there’s anything that feels uncomfortable on the bike, it’s having to cycle with cold or wet feet.

When choosing the right shoe covers, you’ll have to consider how windproof, waterproof, and naturally how warm they are. It all starts with picking the right size covers however.

Choosing the right size overshoes

Picking the right size shoe covers isn’t always easy though. A good general rule would be to pick at least 1 size up from your regular shoe size.

The exact size varies from brand to brand and depends on whether you'll be wearing road cycling shoes or mountain bike shoes underneath.. In doubt? You can always talk to our customer service for advice!

Different types of overshoes

Cycling overshoes come in a number of varieties. From extremely warm to lightweight and highly aerodynamic. What best suits your needs is something only you know best.

Many shoe covers can be worn over both MTB shoes and road cycling shoes. MTB overshoes have a more rugged layer, often made from kevlar, underneath the cycling shoe though.

With these, you can easily walk up those last few meters of that particularly tricky climb. Road cycling overshoes are often a little more delicate and therefore less suitable to walk in.

Everyone experiences cold differently, not to mention the differences in the many cycling shoes out there. We start with the advantages of warm overshoes for winter cycling.

The warmest cycling shoe covers - Brave the frigid cold

It’ll come as no surprise that the warmest overshoes are all waterproof as well. Because if anything can cause cold feet, it’s water. The outside is often made from stretchable neoprene, sometimes with an additional water-repellent top layer.

The advantage of neoprene is that it stretches and has decent waterproof properties. In order to make them even warmer, fleece or textured fleece is often added to the inside.

This layer of fleece traps a thin layer of air which, once warmed up, acts as an extra insulating layer.

A striking new winter shoe cover is the GripGrab Arctic X. It doesn’t have a zipper, making it fit more snugly around the top. The tighter the fit at the top, the less rain can run down into the shoes. You have to put these overshoes on before you put your cycling shoes on.

Waterproof overshoes for autumn

Autumn might be the hardest season to properly dress yourself for when you’re heading out on the bike. The same applies to your overshoes. You don’t want cold or wet feet, but overheated feet are equally uncomfortable.

Fortunately you have a choice in overshoes which are slightly less hot than the real winter overshoes. They can still be waterproof and windproof if you so desire.

In this category you’ll find overshoes like the Castelli Evo, which are more breathable and slightly less waterproof. That is, particularly on changeable days where the sun does its best to shine on occasion, a lot more comfortable.

Overshoes for great days

Besides all those overshoes for cold and poor conditions, there are plenty of overshoes available for a bit more day-to-day comfort. These overshoes are often nice and thin, but still capable of withstanding a cold breeze and light shower.

These shoe covers are particularly comfortable in reasonably fair conditions, but when there’s also still a chance of mild showers. The wind in particular can cool your feet considerably on days like these. The thinner overshoes can just about keep out the wind, allowing your feet to remain warm and comfortable.

Again, you could opt for overshoes more aimed at offering waterproof performance. These shoe covers would be considerably less breathable while still being able to withstand a considerable shower with ease.

Aerodynamic overshoes

Looking for an aerodynamic overshoe? Then you’ll usually have to give up a little warmth and waterproofing. This type of overshoe was designed with lightness in mind.

These overshoes also fit tightly around your cycling shoes to hide any protruding elements on the shoes as aerodynamically as possible. Their increased vulnerability is a downside though. So if you frequently throw your equipment around, you’re probably better off going for a slightly more sturdy shoe cover.

Waterproof overshoes, but still have wet feet?

Finally you have to realise that, while many shoe covers are waterproof, water can still find its way in particularly by running down your legs and into your shoes.

This means you’ll still be getting wet feet. A waterproof overshoe is virtually always waterproof then, but not capable of preventing water from running down into the shoes.

GripGrab has added the CyclingGaiter to their line-up this year. It closes off the gap between your leg and the upper part of your shoe cover. This prevents water from finding its way down, keeping your feet dry for longer.