The Best Cycling Shoe Covers for Wet and Winter Rides in 2023

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Riding in cold, wet, and miserable conditions and getting cold feet?

That’s definitely not my definition of having fun while riding. While riding in these conditions are never fun, the least you can do it to make it more bearable.

I’m talking about overshoes. The question is, which type suits your needs and riding conditions?

They come in all types of sizes, coverage areas, and made from different materials that serve a specific purpose.

On this page, I’ll discuss them in more detail and share with you some of the most popular ones among cyclists.

A Quick Glance : Our Favorite Cycling Overshoes

Budget Pick

Velotoze Tall Cycling Shoe Cover

Velotoze

For Spring/Autumn

Defeet Slipstream Strada

Defeet Strada

For Winter

Fizik Winter Overshoes

Fizik

Budget Picks

VeloToze

Velotoze Tall Cycling Shoe Cover
Photo Credit : Velotoze

The Velotoze is a lightweight shoe cover because it is made from rubber. 

The material is so elastic to the point where it acts as a second skin to your cycling shoes. They are also windproof and this keeps your feet warm when you are riding at low degrees. Take note that even though the Velotoze is good in bad weather, they are not very breathable.

These are snug around the ankle area and have two holes. One is the cleat hole, and the other is around the heel to help you fit these shoes perfectly. 

  • Pros : Relatively cheaper than other models.
  • Cons : Hard to put on and not durable.

For Autumn and Spring

Defeet Slipstream Strada

Defeet Slipstream Strada
Photo Credit : Defeet

The Defeet Strada is basically a pair of durable, oversized cycling socks. While it is not as well-known at the Defeet Slipstream, this is our preferred choice.

These will keep your feet warm throughout the chilly mornings in autumn and spring. It is highly breathable because it is made from 92% nylon and 8% lycra. 

Unlike the Defeet Slipstream, these are 2″ taller, more durable, and has a cleat opening pre-cut for you from the factory, making life easier for you.

  • Pros : Made from very durable fabrics.
  • Cons : Fabrics tend to get loose and stretched overtime.

For Warmth and Winter

Fizik

Fizik Winter Overshoes
Photo Credit : Fizik

Fizik is a brand that has been around since 1966, their products today are of high quality. This pair of winter overshoes (sometimes called winter boots) are made from waterproof and windproof materials to keep your feet warm and toasty. 

The bottom part is made of neoprene, while the upper part is made of a more stretchable material. To give you a perfect fit, it comes with velcro straps that you can use to adjust the tightness.

  • Pros : Fully waterproof.
  • Cons : Expensive.

For Maximum Visibility in the Dark

Giro Knit

Giro Knit Shoe Covers Yellow
Photo Credit : Giro

Giro is a U.S. company specializing in cycling accessories and clothing. The Giro Knit comes in 2 colors; black and lime green. For increased visibility, Giro has included a reflective cuff near the top. 

Cordura, a piece of highly durable and tear-resistant fabric is used in manufacturing. It is lightweight and yet provides plenty of insulation for morning rides with a temperature range between 7ºC to 15ºC.

  • Pros : Reflective cuff provides added visibility in the dark.
  • Cons : Not waterproof nor water-resistant.

Toe Cover Pick

Sportful Pro Race

Sportful ProRace Toe Covers
Photo Credit : Sportful

If you don’t like wearing overshoes, then try toe covers. They are very easy to put on your shoes and you will be ready to go before you realized it.

These toe covers from Sportful will keep your feet warm as it is made from a lightweight, 4mm neoprene that acts as an insulator. It is windproof and waterproof to keep your shoes dry.

  • Pros : Very easy to put on.
  • Cons : Limited coverage to only the front half of the cycling shoe.

For Aerodynamics and Speed

Castelli Slicker

Castelli Slicker Pull-On Shoecover
Photo Credit : Castelli

If you’re in need of speed and trying to gain every bit of aerodynamics advantage, these Castelli overshoes would be a perfect fit for you. 

To start, it has a smooth surface, which makes it more aerodynamic. The material used is waterproof and very stretchable to make it fit perfectly. To boost the waterproof feature, this overshoe has sealed seams. As a bonus, the graphics on the surface are reflective, increasing your visibility at night.

  • Pros : Sleek and modern-looking design while maintaining full functionality.
  • Cons : Expensive. 

High Quality, Waterproof Pick

Castelli ROS 2 Overshoes

Castelli RoS Shoe Cover
Photo Credit : Castelli

The Castelli RoS is the best overshoes from the Italian brand Castelli. 

RoS is the acronym for Rain or Shine, which means that it can be used in all weather conditions. It is fully windproof and waterproof and slightly more breathable than those neoprene overshoes such as those from Fizik.

And if you are a weight weenie or serious racer, you will be glad to know that this pair weighs in at only 120g.

  • Pros : Lightweight and fully waterproof.
  • Cons : Zippers can be very tight for those with large calves.

Cycling Overshoes Buying Guide

1. Feet Coverage Area

Generally, there are 3 types of cycling overshoes. They can be categorized based on the coverage they provide for your feet.

  • Toe Covers. They are designed to protect your toes in chilly and cold weather conditions. Most models, such as the Sportful Pro Race, are made from neoprene, which is waterproof. Toe covers are easy to wear and remove.
  • Full Coverage. They cover your feet completely up to a height that’s just below your calf muscles. They can keep your feet warm and dry because there is no extra space left out that will make your feet vulnerable. Some examples include Velotoze Tall and Castelli RoS.
  • Ankle. Similar to full coverage overshoes, but the only difference is it protect your feet up to the ankles only (not your socks).

2. Materials Used

Let’s take a look at the common materials used.

Neoprene

Most overshoes are made from neoprene such as those from Fizik and Sportful.

Apart from possessing windproof and waterproof qualities, this material is also a good insulator, making it a perfect match for cold and chilly seasons. Even if it gets damp, it will still retain the warmth that was there initially on your feet. 

Insulation is also boosted by a fleece. However, neoprene overshoes are not as breathable as knitted overshoes, so they might get damp on the inside when your feet perspire.

Knit

Knitted overshoes such as the Defeet Strada and Giro Knit are some of the most breathable ones out there. You can wear them during spring and autumn because the temperatures are not so low. 

They are also light. The main setback is the non-waterproof feature they possess.

Rubber

Rubber is one of the lightest materials used, such as the Velotoze.

It is also waterproof, which makes it an ideal choice for riding in wet and cold weather conditions. Although rubber possesses such amazing features, it is not as durable as neoprene. 

You may notice some wear and tear after using it for a while. Rubber overshoes are also not breathable, so you cannot wear them during warm temperatures.

3. Sizing

Finding the right size is an important aspect.

An oversized one can leave an opening at the topmost part, and water might get into your cycling shoes through that. On the other hand, overshoes that are so tight might be uncomfortable for you. 

Hisham Mirza

Hisham is a staff writer who has been with us for the past two years. He likes writing about gravel riding, and he’s always looking for new stories to tell our readers.