What are the best cycling overshoes? There are several different kinds of overshoe, ones to keep you warm, dry, or both. There are even go faster options, which aren’t covered here, but you can read more about aero clothing in Aero optimisation: you or the bike? The best cycling overshoes are generally made from thick neoprene or lighter, windproof, fleece-backed fabric. In cold, dry weather a traditional neoprene overshoe will work as excellent insulator, but will get waterlogged in persistent, heavy rain. It’s best winter cycling gloves to be thinner, so you might take a hit of the warmth. Lighter, Windstopper-type technical fabric is designed to be windproof, and will often provide water resistance and be breathable. As with neoprene, you only have a limited time before the water gets in, but unless if it’s a showery day, may be better to accept this as it will dry quickly.
The underside of even the best cycling overshoes are prone to wear. Depending on your riding style, you may want to look for a tough, seam-free base with reinforcements’ at heel and toe box, especially if your often having to dab in gravel or stop at traffic lights. Some of the best cycling overshoes will have reflective or hi-vis elements, essential when riding in poor light conditions of the cooler seasons. You’ll often find that any reflective detailing on bib tights or leg warmers are covered up by overshoes, so it’s important that the overshoe adds this detail, particularly at the rear. Are the best cycling overshoes worth it?
Keeping feet warm and dry in winter is difficult for cyclists. Wind chill is the enemy for the extremities, add spray from the front wheel and unless your feet are appropriately insulated it won’t be long before you can’t feel them any more. Can you wear the best cycling overshoes with trainers? Technically cycling overshoes aren’t designed for trainers or other non-cycling specific footwear. There will no doubt be some options for shoe protection on a bike, but even with a rain cover, you’re feet will get pretty cold in standard trainers or office shoes. If new shoes and pedals aren’t an option, you could give a standard overshoe a whirl, but you’ll need to pick a size or so bigger to take account for the larger sole on a trainer, as well as a more robust underneath. Alternatively, it might be worth investing in the best cycling socks which are thermal and wind and waterproof. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item.
This doesn’t affect the amount you pay. We were very impressed with these overshoes. They were warm, easy to put on, well-fitting, windproof and water resistant—basically all the points you want in an overshoe. Not only that, but the price is extremely competitive. A full-length waterproof zip at the back made getting them on and off a breeze. The zipper is secured by a tab at the top to stop it slipping down at an inopportune moment. Another nice touch is the elasticated cuff with an internal silicone gripper, which helps to secure the overshoes in place. The Windstopper fabric from Gore is windproof with a water-repellent treatment, which Sportful stitches to a stretchy, reinforced neoprene base that extends part way up the sides and the back.
Made from multiple panels, they fit well over shoes, although we did find that ours did rise over the shoe heel a little, which is something to watch for when off the bike and walking. Warm, good looking, well made and have intelligently placed reflective details, just watch for the sizing. The front of the C5 is made from a thick version of Gore’s Windstopper fabric. This is very windproof, having a three-layer structure with a built-in membrane. It’s water repellent although will wet out in a downpour. The rear of the upper is made of thinner Windstopper fabric. There are quite a few seams which, although not taped, they are flatlocked with wide zigzag stitching, which keeps them watertight enough.
Windstopper fabric is very stretchy and flexible. Made of 4mm neoprene, the overshoes do away zips in favour of a stretchy cuff, to allow you to get the overshoes on. Because this is quite deep, it helps keep water from trickling down your leg. There’s a Velcro tab under the instep to hold the two sides of the overshoe together. Appealing to riders wanting waterproof fabric, without compromising breathability. The material is high stretch, so the warmers go on and come off easily and they’re machine washable. Oversocks tend to be a little less resilient than overshoes, due to thinner material, but the Sealskinz version should be a good compromise. They’re made from a simple pattern of two halves, with the central seam on top of the foot taped for water and windproofing.
There’s a zip up the back. A non-abrasive fabric is used to reinforce the underside of the toe and just behind the heel. However, muck and filth from the lanes do not penetrate and they keep out showers. A good deep-winter overshoe but it’s a shame there are no reflectives. British firm Lusso has gone for fleecy-backed Windtex fabric for its winter bootie and it’s a sensible choice. Although it’s not as thick as neoprene, Windtex is obviously windproof, as the name suggests.
The manufacturers of Windtex also guarantee it waterproof. It’s also much lighter and more elastic than neoprene so has several advantages over the heavier, more traditional overshoe material. 30 it represents super value for money. This windproof construction slips over the front of the shoe, with a rugged underside to provide grip and a silicone print to help keeps rips at bay. If you get really cold toes, you can wear a set of these underneath full overshoes. If, like us, you do the majority of your riding under the constant threat of rain, a fair threat of snow and likely freezing temperatures then a set of the best cycling overshoes will keep out the elements and keep you riding is essential.
Be sure to keep checking back as the season goes on for more of the best cycling overshoes. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The best winter cycling jackets keep you warm and dry, without making you ‘boil in the bag’.
It might not be the most glamorous part of the cycling season, but winter cycling is a fact of life for most cyclists. Whether you’re racing, training or just commuting to work, the specific demands of cycling in the harsh conditions aren’t easily met, and if you want to stay comfortable out on the road, getting your clothing choices right is vital. Jackets, in particular, are a key piece of your armoury, as while your legs will generate some heat through use, protecting your core and arms from the elements is paramount to keeping you warm and in control of your bike. The choice used to be limited to fleeced long sleeve jerseys or plastic rain capes. But development and innovation in fabrics and fit means that clothing for cold and wet conditions have come on in leaps and bounds over the last few years. Our roundup of the best winter cycling jackets below will cover insulating jackets designed to keep you warm when the mercury drops. If you’re looking to ride in comfort during cold season, then chances are you’ve been recommended something from Castelli.
2 jacket sets an all-new benchmark in what a winter cycling jacket can achieve. With a double layer design, the inside sees a warm insulating layer that sits separate from the outer waterproof layer. A double cuff design means there’s no longer a choice between putting the sleeves inside your gloves or out, and the taped shoulder seams keep any rain and spray on the outside. The jacket uses Gore’s Infinium Windstopper 150 fabric, three pockets at the rear – all of which feature drainage holes, for the worst of the rainy days – with the addition of a zippered ‘security’ pocket. Reflective detailing is used to help keep you visible at night. The Assos Mille GT Jacket Ultraz Winter uses a combination of multilayer fabrics that offer brilliant breathability and stretch, but also waterproofness to over 10,000mm. Unlike DWR treated fabrics, this waterproofness is permanent, as the fabrics use a PU bonded membrane to achieve this, rather than a coating applied post-manufacturing.
There is also an internal RX fleece lining and an integrated snood for added insulation and comfort. The design is typically Assos, with the premium details and high-quality construction you would expect, and there are five colour options available including an extremely bright orange. The only downside is that this quality and performance doesn’t come cheap. As usual, dhb’s Aeron Deep Winter Softshell jacket packs in features and performance well beyond what its price tag would suggest. DWR surface treatment that would eventually wear out and need to be refreshed. The company rates the jacket as suitable for temperatures ranging from -2 to 10-degrees Celsius, so it should be suitable for the majority of winter days out on the bike. As the name suggests, the Alpha RoS 2 Light takes the popular Alpha RoS 2 jacket and uses lighter materials to offer the same construction and fit but for milder conditions.
Instead of a 3D fleecy material, the inner layer is made from a similar material to Castelli’s race jerseys, offering an extra layer of fast-wicking material between your base layer and your jacket. We’ve remained perfectly comfortable on rides up to the top end of the temperature range and expect it would be fine on even warmer days still. This means it is one of the best cycling jackets for multi-season versatility, and the fact that it will be useful for three-quarters of the year makes the high price a much easier prospect to swallow. If you were buying just one winter cycling jacket and wanted to avoid ever being left out in the cold, then the standard Alpha RoS 2 jacket is the one we’d go for, but if you live anywhere that temperatures rarely meet zero then the Alpha RoS 2 Light is a brilliant option. So good, in fact, it made it into our tech team’s Gear of the year. The Rapha Pro Team Winter cycling jacket is the British brand’s highly versatile top tier winter jacket. Like the rest of the Pro Team range, it’s designed at the cutting edge of Rapha’s fabric technologies, and performs dutifully in a range of temperatures. Designed to be worn either with a base layer or over a base layer and jersey combo on those super-cold days.
There’s a neat pocket on the chest for easy access to your essentials, and three traditional pockets at the rear to hold the bulkier items. Designed with a particularly race-ready fit, the jersey features a dropped tail for extra protection against the elements at the back. There is also a selection of high-visibility details dotted throughout to keep you lit up at night. Rapha has used thicker wind- and splash-proof fabrics on the front of the jacket, as well as a raised collar and elongated cuffs, all in the name of keeping the chill on the outside. Having refined the fit for 2020, Velocio’s Signature Softshell jacket is inspired by touring motorcycle jackets, in particular the shape of the sleeves, the articulated shoulders and chest area, and the curved shape of the back. This helps the jacket to mould nicely around the body while in the cycling position.
The fit is trim and flap-free, while also offering room for layers and full mobility of movement. Though Alé only launched in 2013, the Italian company behind the brand has actually been manufacturing professional level cycling for over thirty years. Bright, bold colours are a big part of Alé’s brand identity, and even the black versions of the Race Nordik jacket gets fluorescent detailing. The Race Nordik uses two types of fabrics to optimise protection, fit and breathability. A heavier, Thermo Winter 3L DWR covers the front of the chest, arms and shoulders, while a lighter, laminated Micro 3L DWR fabric is used on the back and under the armpits for better breathability. The fabrics are also DWR treated, for added water repellency, and there are large zippered vents on the sides of the chest, so you can easily regulate the ventilation during a ride.
Featuring a high stretch, windproof soft-shell fabric with thermal lining and high wicking side panels, the Endura SL Thermal Windproof Jacket II is designed for hard rides in cold conditions. The cut is slim but it’s not Italian, so there should be room to layer up underneath on really cold days. Endura also offers a 90-day satisfaction guarantee on its Pro SL range, meaning you can test it out and send it back for an exchange or refund if you’re not completely happy. Pro’ moniker suggests, the cut is designed for the lithe bodies of professional cyclists, and it fits best when riding in a racy position. It’s definitely one you want to consider sizing up if you’re simply a normal person or just want to be able to layer up underneath. Direct-to-consumer brand La Passione cuts out the middlemen to offer a pro-cut Prestige winter cycling jacket at a more affordable price. Designed to be used in cold temperatures, the Prestige Winter cycling jacket features a three-layer construction which thermoregulates body temperature and makes the jacket windproof and water resistant.
Fit is cut close and the stretchy materials eliminate any unnecessary flapping. The high cut collar, ergonomic cuffs and rear jacquard elastic band with silicone gripper batten down the hatches to assure that no cold weather sneaks inside the jacket. Two rear pockets provide storage plus a zipped valuables pocket that has extra waterproofing. Finished with reflective trimmings to help you stay visible in the dark, the Prestige winter cycling jacket should see you through the season comfortably. While the wind helps keep you cool and dry in the summer, it’s one of your worst enemies in the winter. Windproof fabrics do just as they say and block the wind from passing through the fabric and cooling you down. It used to be that windproof fabrics lacked breathability and you would, therefore, end up cold and wet simply from your own sweat.
But modern fabrics have vastly improved in this regard. Alternatively, some jackets, especially those which use heavier fabrics, incorporate zippered vents that can be opened and closed to further regulate ventilation. Along with lower temperatures, winter also brings rain. In constant rain, you’ll likely be better off with a fully waterproof jacket. These jackets can shrug off road spray or a short shower, but usually offer better fit, comfort and breathability than a dedicated waterproof jacket. The perfect jacket for a slightly warmer, wet day might not be best for a cold, dry day, where you really don’t want your own sweat to make you cold. As with all cycling clothing, winter jackets come in a range of fits.
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Some will be designed to be form-fitting and aerodynamic, often with racers in mind. Others will have looser fits, with consideration for fit off the bike, and the ability to layer up underneath for added versatility or protection. There are some jackets that try to do it all, but most specialise and target a specific type of rider and usage. The jackets chosen here have been selected with road use in mind, and therefore largely prioritise a close, aerodynamic fit, to varying degrees. It goes without saying that if you’re riding in the dark, you need to take a look at our guide to the best bike lights. If the clouds close in, or if you end up staying out slightly longer than planned, light levels can drop, and bright colouring or added reflective elements will help other road users spot you out on the road.
Furthermore, high-visibility doesn’t have to mean you look like you’re wearing safety equipment anymore, with many brands now offering a range of colours beyond fluorescent yellow. Sign up to the Cyclingnews Newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time. Please refresh the page and try again. You can unsubscribe at any time and we’ll never share your details without your permission. Cyclingnews is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.
The best winter gloves provide just the right blend of warmth, dexterity and breathability for your hands for even the coldest rides. As all cyclists know, in winter it’s the extremities that freeze first. No matter how warm the rest of your body, if your hands become too cold, it’s game over on enjoying your ride. Getting a pair of the best winter cycling gloves to keep your fingers functioning, will make a world of difference in the colder months. Do cycling gloves make a difference? Unlike ski gloves, the best winter cycling gloves cannot depend on super-thick padding because we need to retain sensitivity so that brakes, shifters and Di2 buttons can be operated and cycling computer screens swiped.
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Cuff design is also a key element of the best winter cycling glove design, not to mention its performance, and the sort you go for depends on personal preference. Some have zips, others have Velcro, some have an elastic gathering and it’s common for a glove to have no mechanism at all, relying on the stretch of the cuff fabric. In many ways, this is the best and most user-friendly method. But if you wear a watch or on of the best smartwatches for cycling: wrist based performance pushers , the cuff can make it awkward to wear and use. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn’t affect the amount you pay. Using the latest Gore Infinium Windstopper fabric, the Castelli Perfetto RoS gloves manage that difficult balance between adequate insulation, water repellence and windproofing on the one hand and bar feel and ride comfort on the other. With a light fleece lining, there’s enough warmth to keep the hands warm and even after hours of light rain, they stay dry.
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The most trusted name in home improvement, the second line of protection in the best winter cycling gloves is a thermal layer designed not only to keep the cold air away from your skin, there is also an internal RX fleece lining and an integrated snood for added insulation and comfort. Both gloves offer great dexterity and comfort – cyclist Shop Shop the Cyclist merchandise here. As with any all, commuting and utility riders in particular favour waterproof overtrousers that fend off the rain so you arrive at work with dry trousers.
Santini Adapt Polartec Thermal C3 bibtight, and therefore the leather requires a wax or DWR treatment to keep moisture out. Rounders like the Hestra Fall Line or Smartwool Ridgeway above, and the ankles have zips and silicone grippers. When the weather is dry — read more in our Expert bike fit advice and no how pages. More insulating fabrics, weather activities with their windproofing and waterproofing boosting their credentials. Here in the UK, quarters of the year makes the high price a much easier prospect to swallow.
Once the water does make it in, your hands stay warm and there’s enough dexterity to work the controls and keep yourself fed as you ride. Softshell main body fabric, and an Amara suede palm, the Firestorm gloves provide plenty of protection from the elements. Altura Dry Technology’ fabric is true to its word in being quick wicking. On test these gloves have kept my hands warm and mostly dry throughout the harsh winter months, and they’ve remained in good condition proving their durability. A great pair of gloves for the money, but watch the sizing on this unisex pair. On test the Santini 365 Origine Long Finger Gloves get the balance exactly right between low bulk, warmth, light weight and good dexterity. They are also comfortable thanks to stretchy fabrics, a smooth construction and a good fit. In showers they’re pretty good thanks to the lack of synthetic suede, although the Windstopper fabric does eventually wet out in heavy rain.
Lusso’s gloves look, feel and perform in a way that’s very much on par with gloves twice the price. They’re warm, breathable and comfortable to wear. The primary material is a Windtex Membrane Thermal fabric, which extends from the high cuff all the way to the fingers on the outside. It’s stretchy and the high elasticity means this fit close to the skin without needing to be so tight they’re hard to remove. The windproof gloves are water repellent and come with a snuggly fleecy liner for great warmth. Sealskinz describes its trademarked Fusion Control technology as revolutionary. It consists of three layers: a merino wool inner layer, a hydrophilic waterproof membrane, and a durable goatskin with soft-shell outer layer.
On test these provided very good protection on a cold and windy day, with a secure, but not overly tight feel. The goatskin palms were great for control of bars and shifters too. The triple layers are bulky, so best to crack out when the temperatures really plummet. The Rapha Pro Team Winter Gloves are priced high but they’re comfortable, stylish, low-bulk and perform exceptionally well at temperatures down to just above freezing. In rain, the backs keep out the water thanks to a DWR coating that makes raindrops bead off, but the synthetic suede palms absorb it. Great for chilly days with minimal rain, perfect for a winter league racing.
Assos has specific gloves for those conditions. Instead they are versatile all-rounders that should get a lot of use in milder winters. The offer great dexterity, workable touch screen fingertips and great wind blocking, but the palm foam and gel paddling arrangement might not be to everyone’s taste. C lower limit, ideal for the majority of chillier autumn and spring riding. On test we found they can happily withstand a light shower or drizzle no problem. Gore-Tex Infinium’ is a direct replacement for Gore’s venerable Windstopper range of fabrics, creating a weather proof and breathable technical kit. We found there was no denying that the Gore C3 Gore-Tex Infinium glove is completely windproof, with its fleece backing able to help your hands cope with some serious biting winds.
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