Bad weather shouldn’t stop you from cycling (unless you’re looking for an excuse!) but the fact is cold and wet feet are miserable. What’s the answer?
Shoe covers.
I’ve braved the elements, tested a variety of covers, and sought advice from fellow cyclists to bring you the best cycling shoe covers. Say goodbye to wet and cold toes!
In a rush and just want the top pick? Look no further than the Fizik Winter Shoe Covers. Why are they the MVPs of keeping your feet dry and warm? You’re about to find out.
So let’s look more in-depth at the offerings and what else you should know before purchasing a pair of shoe covers for wet and winter rides!
Summary of the Best Cycling Shoe Covers
- Waterproof
- Stretchy and gives you a close fit
- Sole is hard-wearing
- Waterproof and windproof
- Good height
- Durable
Detailed Reviews of the Best Winter Cycling Shoe Covers
Fizik Winter Shoe Covers
- Well designed
- Comfortable
- Reflective features
- Not suitable for Mountain bike shoes
These Fizik winter shoe covers have been designed in collaboration with professional cyclists, so straight away, you know they’re going to understand what works best for cyclists.
Fizik offers a range of covers, from toe covers to winter overshoes. After all, no single piece of kit can cover all conditions. The winter shoe covers will allow you to focus on your performance because they’ve kept your feet warm and dry.
I have to say, the design of these shoe covers is very good. They wrap around your shoes and deliver comfort. The waterproofing comes from the 3 layers bonded membrane upper.
To finish, the seams are Thermowelded; this ensures that moisture doesn’t creep in, but it makes the Fizik Winter Shoe cover very durable, too.
Then there are the YKK zippers, which are also 100% waterproof. So yeah, Fizik takes design seriously!
One thing to note is that Fizik is a racing brand, so they develop products with that ethos in mind. This means these shoe covers aren’t great for bulkier shoes, especially mountain bike shoes.
That said, you get a decent grip from the rubberized outsole and a nice touch of reflectiveness from the logo.
As you can probably tell, I like the Fizik winter shoe covers. They deliver in spades. I wouldn’t ride them when it’s seriously cold outside, but then I’m not sure I would ride when it’s super chilly!
veloToze Tall Shoe Cover 2.0
- Aerodynamic
- Waterproof
- Range of colors
- Affordable
- Breathability is a bit lacking
- Waterproof: Yes
- Temperature Range: 5-16C / 40-60F
- Material: Latex
VeloToze doesn’t complicate shoe covers. They offer a simple solution that is very effective – especially for waterproofing. So, we’re off to a positive start.
They have created a full latex membrane that is basically a swim cap for your shoe. You will notice that this is version two of the Tall Road.
Why?
Well, version one was super waterproof, but it wasn’t very durable, so it was vulnerable to tearing. VeloToze has resolved that by adding extra reinforcement at the bottom and around the toe area to provide the needed durability.
One thing to remember when I’m talking about being totally waterproof is that there are holes at the top, cleat, and heel, so you may find water still gets inside. However, this is unavoidable with every shoe cover.
One thing that I like is that a huge range of colors is available, so you can match them to almost any kit you have.
I also like that they extend far up the calf, offering a superb level of protection that many other shoe covers don’t.
Overall, I’m a big fan of the VeloToze Tall-Road 2.0 overshoes. They’re aerodynamic and as close to fully waterproof as possible.
Castelli Pioggia 3 Shoecover
- Waterproof
- Stretchy and gives you a close fit
- Sole is hard-wearing
- Doesn’t keep your feet super warm
- Waterproof: Yes
- Temperature Range: -2°-12°C / 28°-54°F
- Material: PU-coated stretch fabric
‘Pioggia’ is Italian for ‘rain, ‘ which gives you a good clue about these overshoes.
The fabric is polyurethane-coated, so water should never get through. The zip is also waterproof. Another advantage of the polyurethane fabric is that it’s very stretchy, so you get a close and comfortable fit.
To add a bit of warmth, the Pioggia is lined with a thin fleece layer. You’ll note that I said ‘thin layer’. These overshoes are good until around -2C, and then it gets too chilly.
They may not keep you warm when cold weather kicks in, but they will keep your feet dry when you’re out in the wet.
Don’t get me wrong, These overshoes are impressively durable. But they won’t last long if you plan on walking a lot in them. For general cycling, however, they should be with you for years, and that can’t always be said about overshoes.
Overall, the Castelli Pioggia 3 are the overshoes if you want some seriously waterproof overshoes.
Sportneer Cycling Shoe Covers
- True to size
- Great visibility
- Easy to put off/take off
- Not 100% waterproof
Sportneer is bringing something a bit different to the table, with no zips, these shoe covers are said to be more durable and easier to wear.
These shoe covers are all about keeping your feet toasty and dry, and they excel at this thanks to the windproof material on the exterior and the fleece interior.
Unfortunately, the thing the Sportneers don’t excel at is keeping your feet dry. If it isn’t raining too much, then you should be just fine, but if you want to ride when it’s raining a fair bit, then these aren’t the shoe covers for you.
I am a big fan of the color of these, being bright yellow, which increases visibility. Sportneer also added reflective strips along the side of the boot and a hanging tab, where you can attach a light.
The thing about overshoes is that you only tend to use them when the weather isn’t very good, which means they’re likely to get dirty. Helpfully, these shoe covers only need a wet wipe to get them back to showroom standard.
Overall, there are a lot of things to like about the Sportneer cycling shoe covers. They’re warm, durable, and visible but don’t offer 100% waterproofing.
Northwave Extreme Pro High Shoecover
- Waterproof and windproof
- Good height
- Durable
- Difficult to put on
The name Extreme Pro gives a good clue as to what to expect from these overshoes – extreme weather is welcome!
The Northwave Extreme Pro shoe covers, constructed from neoprene, do an excellent job of keeping out bad weather. They are fully windproof and water-resistant, so your feet should stay warm and dry.
The seams (which is a common weak spot) are taped, so water can’t get in that way either. While the Extreme Pro overshoes can be a little bit of a faff to get on, they give you a snug fit but don’t compromise on airflow, so your feet can still breathe. Good news if your feet sweat like mine! 🙈
These overshoes are 22cm long, giving decent coverage on the leg. Having used shorter shoe covers myself, I appreciate the extra length, as it can make quite a difference.
Alright, I mentioned that it could be a faff getting them on, but Northwave has put a little hook at the back, so you have something to grip.
The finishing touches don’t end there. With a reflective flash, you get a bit of a boost in darkness – always a bonus.
Buyer’s Guide To Cycling Shoe Covers
Like with most things in cycling, there is plenty of choices when it comes to shoe covers, so there are a few things you might want to consider before you buy!
Style Of Riding
If you ride on the road, you have plenty of options for shoe covers!
Choices start to slim down for mountain bike riders. This is because shoe covers tend to get trashed on trails, so there is little point. However, you have a few options for gravel riders, provided you don’t go out in bad weather much.
So it’s worth considering where you ride and what type of shoe cover will be best for you.
The Temperature You Ride In
If you ride a lot in cold weather, your focus should be shoe covers rated for cold weather.
However, if you’re more of a fair-weather rider (🙌) who occasionally gets caught in the rain, you should ensure your shoe covers are waterproof.
If you need any other winter cycling tips, check out our guide on layering for winter cycling.
Materials
Some manufacturers will use neoprene, and that’s great as it’s the same material wetsuits are made from, so waterproofing will be spot on. Brushed fleece on the interior is always nice, so worth looking for.
Also, consider breathable materials to prevent overheating, especially in milder conditions.
I recommend avoiding brands that only use polyester, as the waterproofing and warmth-keeping qualities will be fairly poor.
Sizing
This is a simple one, but double-check the sizing charts to ensure your cycling shoes will fit inside the covers comfortably. If you’re between sizes, go for the size up.
Additional Features
We all know that I like a few extra features on my gear, even shoe covers!
Reflective points or high-visibility colors bring an extra element of safety which is appreciated.
My top tip is to check the zipper on all shoe covers before you take them out on a ride. If they’re difficult to use the first time, imagine how difficult they will be when your fingers are cold and the zipper is wet.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Use Shoe Covers For Cycling?
Some riders wear shoe covers all year round, whatever the weather. This is for aerodynamic reasons. Aerodynamic shoe covers are made of smooth, lightweight materials that help to reduce drag.
However, if you’re not one of those riders when the temperature drops to around 10C/50F, it could be time to put on shoe covers. I also wear them when it rains.
I know some riders who wear them in higher temperatures as their circulation isn’t brilliant, and it helps to keep their toes warm throughout a long ride.
Related article – Are Cycling Shoes Worth It?
What Do You Wear Under Shoe Covers?
I’ll state the obvious first off – cycling shoes.
Socks that are suitable for the weather are a good shout, though, I’m a fan of merino wool socks as they provide plenty of warmth, particularly when it’s cold outside.
I suggest getting overshoes that are taller than your socks. If you don’t, you won’t be blocking out the rain. When the rain hits your socks, gravity will work its magic, and the rain will work downwards.
The result? You’ll have wet feet.
Overshoes take away breathability, so the rainwater has nowhere to go. So yep, overshoes taller than your socks are highly recommended!
Do Shoe Covers Go Over Or Under Your Cycling Tights?
Over! Always over.
If you put them under, they will likely stretch your tights and be uncomfortable.
Round-Up
Feeling warmer just reading about shoe covers, right? 😆
There’s more to shoe covers than meets the eye. Before buying a pair, consider your riding conditions and when you like to ride to ensure they meet your needs.
Your main focus could be staying warm, as you never ride in heavy rain, or vice versa.
I’m sure there’s no surprise, but my favorites are the Fizik Winter Shoe Covers. It’s designed in collaboration with professional cyclists, so it fits cyclists’ needs perfectly. They are wind and waterproof and do a great job keeping your feet warm. All important stuff!
What weather conditions won’t you ride in?
