The best cycling overshoes 2023: toasty toe covers for autumn and winter riding

The best cycling overshoes will keep your feet warm so you can stay riding in the worst of the winter weather

Image shows a rider wearing the best cycling overshoes.
(Image credit: Future)

What are the best cycling overshoes?

There's no one set of best cycling overshoes, as different overshoes are designed to do different things.

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? (opens in new tab)

We've had the pleasure of fully reviewing quite a few pairs of cycling overshoes - there are more full overshoe reviews here.

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 cycling overshoes to keep out the elements and keep you riding is essential.

Here's our pick of the best cycling overshoes we've reviewed. You can read more about what to look for in our buyer's guide below.

Best cycling overshoes reviewed and rated

Image shows a rider wearing the DexShell Heavy Duty Overshoes.

(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
Best for robust protection

Specifications

Fabric: Neoprene
Sizes: S - XL

Reasons to buy

+
Price is good
+
Windproof
+
Water resistant
+
Warm
+
Reflective detailing
+
Waterproof zip
+
Easy to pull on
+
Excellent fit

Reasons to avoid

-
Nothing we could find

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. With no discernible negatives, it was easy to give these a full 10/10.

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 from 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.

Read more: Dexshell Heavy Duty overshoes full review

Image shows a rider wearing the Assos Winter Booties

(Image credit: Future)
Best for low bulk warmth

Specifications

Fabric: Cordura/softshell
Sizes: 0 - III

Reasons to buy

+
Warm, water resistant, breathable
+
Low bulk
+
Durable

Reasons to avoid

-
No zips makes getting them on harder than many overshoes
-
Pricey

The Assos Winter Booties don't have zips or velcro straps to help you get them on - a negative as they are a bit more time-consuming to put on, but a positive as these are the parts of most overshoes that break most easily. Despite their lack of bulk, they're warm and water resistant and also breathable.

A mix of thermal softshell fabric which includes a membrane and a Cordura toe make for good waterproofing and Assos claims that its overshoes are also aero. Despite raw edged hems on the underside, we didn't have any issues with wear.

As usual, Assos doesn't size in any recognisable measures, with sizes numbered from 0 to III, which you need to translate to make sure you've got the correct size, although we didn't actually find any issue with getting this right.

Read more: Assos Winter Booties full review

Image shows a rider wearing Endura's Freezing Point Overshoe IIs.

(Image credit: Future)
Best for combined warmth and waterproofing

Specifications

Fabric: Neoprene
Sizes: S-XXL

Reasons to buy

+
Fleece lining makes them very warm 
+
Very waterproof with rubberised neoprene keeping splash out

Reasons to avoid

-
Ankle cuff is cut slightly low

The Endura Freezing Point II overshoes are constructed with a neoprene outer – which has been given a waterproof coating – and is fleece lined on the inside all the way down to where the upper of your shoe meets the sole. The upshot of this is a warm overshoe that will keep you dry in the toughest conditions.


In addition to the testing out on the roads, our reviewer 'stress-tested' these overshoes in a five-minute shower, expecting the heavy flow to overwhelm them. Instead, he was surprised to find that his shoes were only slightly damp and feet were completely dry – most impressive, as this was far more water than the shoes experienced in more typical rainy conditions. In all, these overshoes are excellent, the only slight issue is that the ankle cuff is cut slightly low.

Read more: Endura Freezing Point II overshoes full review

Image shows a rider wearing the Gorewear Shield Thermo overshoes

(Image credit: Chris Marshall-Bell)
Best for hi vis warmth

Specifications

Fabric: 100% polyster exterior with Gore-Tex; inner fleece of 92% polyster and 8% elastane
Sizes (EU):: 37-39; 40-41; 42-43; 44-45; 46-48
Weight: 100 grams

Reasons to buy

+
Very warm
+
Waterproof
+
Windproof
+
Competitively-priced

Reasons to avoid

-
Poor reflectivity
-
Very hard to put on

The Gorewear Thermo overshoes are a really great pair of winter overshoes. They rebuff the wind, they repel water excellently and they keep the intense cold at bay. What's more, if the mercury rises and the thermal layers aren't a necessity, the feet do not overheat. 

They are incredibly visible thanks to the bright neon yellow colourway, although there is a lack of reflective strips. In addition, the overshoes are quite difficult to put on and off, although this lack of breathability points to the snug properties of the overshoes.

Roughly the same price as its competitors, these are brilliant winter overshoes for those riding in at or near to freezing conditions where the heavens might open at any moment.

Read more: Gorewear Shield Thermo overshoes full review

Image shows a rider wearing the Altura Thermostretch Windproof overshoes.

(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
Best value for durability

Specifications

Fabric: 100% neoprene
Sizes: S - XL

Reasons to buy

+
High level of reflective detailing
+
Sturdy full length zipper for easy on
+
Toe reinforcement

Reasons to avoid

-
Midsole fabric bridge can interfere with clipping in
-
Slightly too tight at the ankle cuff

Made of 2.5mm neoprene, the Altura Thermostretch Windproof overshoes do a good job keeping cold winds out and handle damp roads well, although they're not waterproof enough to fend off a deluge.

There's a full zip that's off centre, so it won't interfere with the tendons in the back of your heels and a full length baffle behind it helps prevent water and air ingress. The underside features a sturdy fabric with a reinforced toe segment, although we'd have liked to see the mid-sole fabric bridge positioned a bit further backwards, where it would be less likely to interfere with clipping in.

Like much of Altura's kit, its overshoes have plenty of reflectives, which wrap around the outside and the rear of the overshoes to help up your visibilty.

Read more: Altura Thermostretch Windproof Overshoe full review

Image shows a rider wearing Rapha's Winter Overshoes.

(Image credit: Rachel Sokal)
Best for the zip-haters

Specifications

Fabric: 87% polyester, 13% elastane
Size: Small (EU 36-38) to XL (EU 45-47)
Weight: 106 grams

Reasons to buy

+
Low bulk and weight
+
High quality materials and finish
+
No awkward or uncomfortable zip

Reasons to avoid

-
A challenge to get on and off

What possesses a style brand like Rapha to take on an overshoe, the most unstylish of all cycling gear? Perhaps it's the challenge of doing something a little bit different and injecting a little form into an essentially functional bit of kit. 

By removing the rear zip on the Winter Overshoe, Rapha have certainly made things a little more streamlined than the standard offering. The overshoe does a great job of keeping your feet dry and warm even as the temperatures reach freezing. As you'd expect from Rapha, the quality of materials and finishing is really high too. But doing away with the zip does make the overshoe more of an effort to get on and off which isn't going to suit the traditionalist. 

Read more: Rapha Winter Overshoes full review

Image shows a rider wearing the GripGrab Ride Waterproof shoe covers.

(Image credit: Chris Marshall-Bell)
Best for visibility

Specifications

Fabric: 100% polyester
Sizes: EU 36-49
Weight: 131 grams

Reasons to buy

+
Waterproof
+
Offer excellent visibility and reflectivity
+
Comfort fit that stays in place
+
Durable properties

Reasons to avoid

-
Scuffs and marks show up quickly

There’s little to moan about with these overshoes. The Ride Waterproofs offer excellent visibility, protect the rider from moderate rain conditions and are easy to slip on and off, as well as being light enough to pop in a back pocket.

We would question the breathability of the shoes, especially when the weather is not so cold, and we were also a little disappointed at how quickly marks showed up that we could not get scrub rid of, but an overshoe is never going to stay in perfect condition. 

Its sole job is to protect the more expensive shoes from becoming wet, and these GripGrab overshoes achieve that with aplomb - providing it's not a torrential downpour.

Read more: GripGrab Ride Waterproof Shoe Covers full review

Image shows a rider wearing the dhb Equinox Windproof overshoes.

(Image credit: Rachel Sokal)
Best for a little extra on cool and damp days

Specifications

Fabric: 100% polyester
Sizes: XS (EU 37-39) to XL (EU46-48)
Weight: 113g (small as tested)

Reasons to buy

+
Price
+
Lightweight offering for spring and autumn
+
Heel and zip pulls make getting on and off easy

Reasons to avoid

-
May foul your cleats and shoe tread
-
Not the most durable

One of the limitations of many overshoes is that they offer a bit too much protection for those days that aren't freezing but are grim enough to want a bit extra. The dhb Equinox Windproof overshoes design for exactly these times, providing just enough weather protection for your feet and shoes.

The easy and well fitting Equinox provides exactly the protection it intends and at a very good price too. As it's lightweight it isn't going to stand for heavy footed abuse so treat them with care. Whilst the extensive cover underneath may help to prevent water coming in from below it may also prevent you clipping into your pedal and foul your shoe grips so you'll need to check they work with your shoes.

Read more: dhb Equinox Windproof Overshoes full review

Images shows a rider wearing the Sportful WS Reflex 2 Bootie cycling overshoes.

(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
Best for breathability on long winter rides

Specifications

Fabric: Gore-Tex Infinium
Sizes: S-XXL

Reasons to buy

+
Breathable
+
Warm
+
Good fit around the leg
+
Well-made

Reasons to avoid

-
Misaligned heel pad opening

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. With no discernible negatives, it was easy to give these a full 10/10.

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 from 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.

Read more: Sportful WS Reflex 2 Bootie full review

Image shows a rider wearing the Sportful Pro Race toe covers.

(Image credit: Simon Smythe)
Best for practicality

Specifications

Fabric: 3mm neoprene
Sizes: One size

Reasons to buy

+
Thick neoprene is warm yet pliant
+
Sleek, minimal design
+
Durable construction
+
Reflective stripe

Reasons to avoid

-
Only available in one size

Very useful for those days when it's not quite warm enough to leave home without some sort of toe protection, Sportful's sleek half-overshoes are designed with practicality in mind and are well made. 

Supplying extra insulation by plugging the vents at the front of your shoes, these provide an excellent snug fit, and are great for use in temperatures of 5 degrees and above. And then if it does heat up on your ride, they can easily be stashed in a jersey pocket.

Read more: Sportful Pro Race Toe Covers full review

Image shows Castelli's Toe Thingy 2 on cycling shoes.

(Image credit: John Stevenson )
Best for low bulk protection

Specifications

Fabric: 3mm neoprene
Sizes: One size

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight, low bulk protection
+
Windproof
+
Very easy to use
+
Inexpensive

Reasons to avoid

-
Needs careful handling

Another lighter option for those who don't want a full overshoe is a toe cover, or a "Toe Thingy" as Castelli affectionally call it.

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.

Our tester found they do a good jub at protecting your feet, they're easy to use and are small enough to pop away into a jersey pocket if it warms up. 

Providing useful foot protection for spring and fall, you could also wear a set of these underneath full overshoes if you get really cold toes.

Read more: Castelli Toe Thingy 2 full review

Buyer's guide to the best cycling overshoes

The best cycling overshoes for cold, wet weather are generally made from thick neoprene or lighter, windproof, fleece-backed fabric. Designed to keep the cold, the wet, or wind out they come with holes at the bottom to allow your cleats to connect with the best clipless pedals.

In cold, dry weather a traditional neoprene overshoe will work as an excellent insulator, but will get waterlogged in persistent, heavy rain.

For rainy days, you can opt for a more waterproof fabric, which, similar to the Best waterproof cycling jackets , uses a DWR (durable water resistant) fabric. It's likely to be thinner, so you might take a hit on the warmth. There is much debate as to overshoes inside out outside legwear, but suffice to say, even if the overshoe itself doesn’t leak, water will eventually find its way in through the openings - top or bottom (or both).

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, it may be better to accept this as it will dry quickly.

The undersides 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 the heel and toe box, especially if you're 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 the poor light conditions of the cooler seasons. You'll often find that any reflective detailing on bib tights or leg warmers is covered up by overshoes, so it's important that the overshoe adds this detail, particularly at the rear.

Are 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 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, your feet will get pretty cold in standard trainers or office shoes. It's certainly worth considering giving a clipless pedal system a try for keeping your feet warm throughout the year, you'll also be very surprised by the difference it makes to your riding.

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 (opens in new tab) which are thermal and wind and waterproof.

Hannah Bussey

Hannah is Cycling Weekly’s longest-serving tech writer, having started with the magazine back in 2011. She has covered all things technical for both print and digital over multiple seasons representing CW at spring Classics, and Grand Tours and all races in between.


Hannah was a successful road and track racer herself, competing in UCI races all over Europe as well as in China, Pakistan and New Zealand.


For fun, she's ridden LEJOG unaided, a lap of Majorca in a day, won a 24-hour mountain bike race and tackled famous mountain passes in the French Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites and Himalayas. 


She lives just outside the Peak District National Park near Manchester UK with her partner, daughter and a small but beautifully formed bike collection.