When it comes to riding in wet weather, a pair of the best cycling overshoes can help keep your feet warm and dry. This helps you stay comfortable for longer, which means longer rides year-round.
So if you’re the opposite of a fair-weather cyclist and don’t baulk at a wet ride, then wearing a pair of overshoes over your cycling shoes is the way to go. Overshoes offer extra warmth and protection from the elements, which, if you’ve had frozen feet before on the bike, you’ll know are worth their weight in gold. And for those of us who feel the cold more than others, a great pair of cycling overshoes are a must.
Of course, there’s a huge range of overshoes to choose from, which can be daunting if you’re venturing into this part of the market for the first time. To simplify things, it helps to split them into two camps: heavier-duty overshoes for cold and wet weather, and lighter-weight, more specific options. Choose based on your individual needs, as different riders will have different priorities. We’ve covered most bases in this guide, recommending products that we've tested and loved ourselves, and providing clear explanations on which are best suited for different needs. We’re confident you’ll find the right pair for you.
If you really struggle with cold feet, for example, if you suffer from Raynaud’s, then consider getting a pair of the best winter cycling shoes to help you keep your extremities warm. On top of this, it’s definitely a good idea to invest in some of the best road bike mudguards, as they’ll help you to stay dry on the road.
Whether you’re after one pair of overshoes to see you through most weather or are adding additional pairs to your repertoire for more specific riding conditions, you’re bound to find something in this guide. And if this is your first pair of overshoes, then be sure to check out our handy advice on how to choose the best product for your needs at the bottom of the guide.
Last updated on 12th March 2026
It's been peak overshoe season and we have been relying on the best cycling overshoes to keep our feet warm. Over winter, we have ridden all manner of wet and cold conditions, so we know what works and what doesn't. Below, we have listed our top picks.
Best cycling overshoes
You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.
Best overall
✅ You want a good all-rounder overshoe: These are a capable, stylish and warm overshoe for all-around winter riding.
✅ You want a low-profile overshoe: Fasta is an overshoe that still offers great protection, but you don't want or need the extra bulk of the Pro Stealth system
❌ You ride in really cold temperatures: These will cover most winter needs, but when it gets really cold, I would recommend a thicker alternative.
If you’re familiar with the Spatz Legalz overshoe, you might be interested in the Fasta, which is more lightweight and aero, and comes in a one-piece construction that offers great protection with less bulk.
While the Fasta isn’t as high-cut as the Pro II or Pro Stealth, it’s similar to the Legalz and feels lighter in use. If you’re on a faster, more intense ride, or the weather is looking a little less grim than usual, the Fasta is the overshoe we’d reach for when the Pro Stealth level of protection isn’t needed.
With its one-piece pull-on design, there’s no Velcro strap underneath to contend with. This does mean they take a little longer to put on, but they’re still easier than the Velotoze overshoes.
With the thinner material at the top, Spatz designed the Fasta overshoes to provide a smooth transition with bib tights or leg warmers. Still, they’re burly enough to tolerate some pretty grim weather, so unless you’re heading out on a five-hour ride in deep winter, the Fasta will provide all the protection you need and perform very well across a range of conditions.
Read our in-depth Spatz Fasta review for more detail.
Ultimate protection
✅ You suffer from cold feet and want more protection: The Pro Stealth system offers the most comprehensive protection right now.
✅ You regularly complete long winter rides in all weather: If you're heading out for several hours of training, these will be money well spent.
❌ Your outdoor winter riders are shorter and more intense: If this is the case, the Pro Stealth may be overkill, depending on the temperatures.
If you need much more heavy-duty protection than the Spatz Fasta overshoes can offer, then look no further than the Pro Stealth. It’s an overshoe system comprising: a set of sturdy neoprene toe covers and a pair of overshoes, designed to be worn together. Wearing the toe covers beneath the main overshoes adds an extra layer of protection and insulation, though you can also use them separately in less grim conditions.
We found the toe covers to be quite tight-fitting, while the overshoes are a bit more forgiving when putting them on and taking them off, despite their high cut. They’re slightly thinner and lighter than the Spatz Pro II, which we’ve also rated highly, and rely on covered neoprene fabric across much of the foot area to minimise wear and tear. This is a great improvement on previous Spatz offerings, which we’ve seen nicked in places during testing.
The Pro Stealth system comes with a firm and snug fit, thanks to the use of silicone grippers, which should help minimise water ingress underfoot. They’ve also retained the fleece-lined inner and subtle Spatz logos on the calf and midfoot.
If you’re after some heavy-duty winter overshoes that can deal with almost anything, from long winter training rides to frosty commutes (and everything in between), these are the ones to choose. They may be priced higher than some of the other options listed here, but they’re a solid investment if you value comfortable feed on cold rides.
We’ve tested previous Spatz offerings, so if you want to read reviews that plot the brand's overshoe development, check out our Spatz Pro 2 overshoes review. We've also reviewed the Spatz Roadman 2 and Legalz Pro overshoes.
Read our in-depth Spatz Pro Stealth review for more on why we highly rate this system.
Best budget
✅ You want a solid but affordable winter overshoe: The Endura overshoes offer an impressive performance to cost ratio.
❌ You like or want an overshoe with a taller ankle: The Endura's don't have the same height as some other options, leaving more of the shin exposed to the cold.
The Endura Road Overshoe is exactly what you’d imagine from its simple name. Available in Black or Hi-Viz Yellow, it’s a competitively priced neoprene option that has been a cornerstone of the Scottish brand’s overshoe line for years.
The main body is constructed from soft neoprene, while the Hi-Viz fluoro sections stand out for improved visibility in low-light conditions. To help them stand out even more, there’s a reflective strip on either side of the zip, making these a great option if you’re commuting or riding on gloomy days. The black version doesn’t stand out quite so much in low light, but it still has reflective elements to help you stand out in the beam of a vehicle’s headlights.
The overshoes themselves are really solid and well-made, with durable aramid stitching around the neoprene underside, and our test pair is still going strong after over a year of use. The Road Overshoes provide warmth and wet weather protection for long periods of time, and fit snugly around your shoe to prevent water from getting in. The lower sections around the cleat are really durable, while the offset zip makes putting them on fast and easy.
They’re not the tallest design, though, so if you prefer your overshoes to extend a little higher up the leg, these may not be the ones for you. We did find that during testing, one got nicked quite easily with a fingernail as well, so that’s worth consideration. That said, if you want good quality that’s affordable, then these are a solid choice.
You can read our in-depth review of the Endura road overshoes for a lot more detail.
Best lightweight
✅ You are looking for a light, warm overshoe: These are perfect if you're mostly riding on milder, dry days when you want to leave the heavier neoprene at home
❌ You do lots of walking off the bike in your cycling shoes at cafes: If you do a lot of walking or just tend to be hard on your overshoes, the toe area of the B0W won't stand up to too much off-the-bike abuse.
❌ You want a lighter overshoe for wet weather: The B0W will deal with some light spray, but it isn't an overshoe for heavier rain or wet conditions.
The Nalini B0W overshoes strike a great balance between snugness and lightweight construction, with their fleece lining and sub-100g weight for the pair. They pack a surprising amount of punch.
Not only are they less bulky than some of their competitors, but they’ll keep you comfortable for both long rides on dry but cold days and short, intense rides in anything but the wettest weather. For some of us here at Cyclingnews, they’re a go-to choice, offering deceptive warmth in the right conditions.
A wide elastic gripper at the top helps them to stay in place, while a large reflective tab at the heel helps you to stay visible in low light. Meanwhile, the YKK-sealed zipper keeps them watertight, and the snug fit with zero slippage or sagging makes them an excellent pair of overshoes for mild weather riding.
Nalini makes their overshoes in Italy, and the construction is high quality. After comprehensive testing, the reinforced toe section on our test pair is still looking pristine too.
They’re quite similar to the Assos GT Ultraz Winter booties that are now discontinued, so if you’re missing those, the Nalini B0W overshoes might be the substitute you’re looking for.
Take a look at our in-depth review of the Nalini B0W overshoes if you want all the juicy details before you buy.
Best aero
✅ You want an overshoe for training and racing: If you like the idea of one inexpensive option for training and racing that can do a lot well.
✅ You want to stay aero and fast on the bike: If you don't slow down for winter but still need protection from the weather, the ultra-tight Velotoze are a great option.
❌ You don't enjoy putting on tight-fitting overshoes: These are the trickiest overshoes to get on and off and may not be worth the effort for some. I don't think they are too bad, it just takes some practice.
The Velotoze Road 2.0 overshoes comprise a full latex membrane to encase your cycling shoes tightly, like a swimming cap.
It’s a simple, yet very effective solution for keeping your feet dry on wet rides, and the sealing they deliver is just about the best on offer in this whole guide. The fit is too tight for water to penetrate, which keeps the rain out, but it’s worth noting that this also reduces their breathability. That means you’ll still end up with slightly damp feet if you’re working hard, due to the sweat that will form instead. It’s to be expected, though, and the difference is you’ll be wet but warm, which you won’t get with water ingress in the rain.
The Velotoze overshoes, while very effective at sealing you off against the elements, aren’t designed to be worn in colder temperatures over a prolonged period. That’s why we wouldn’t recommend them for deep winter riding. However, they do offer a lot for the price, so if you’re looking to expand your cycling kit wardrobe, it’s worth getting a pair for what they can do in the rain.
Compared to the original version, the Road 2.0 overshoes are much easier to put on, and they’re a very popular choice for racers and time triallists because of their lightweight and aero fit. So if you’re riding or racing hard in foul weather, then the Velotoze Road 2.0 overshoes are an affordable and effective way to keep water at bay.
For more information, we’ve got an in-depth review of the Velotoze Road 2.0 overshoes.
Best wet weather protection
✅ You want lightweight, wet-weather protection when riding or racing: The Aquashield covers will feel like a secret weapon under your leg warmers or bibtights.
❌ You feel the cold: These overshoes deal with water well, but are thin and won't keep your feet warm for hours on end when riding at lower intensities
GripGrab’s Aquashield Shoe Covers are a great option if you’re after well-designed and lightweight wet-weather shoe protection. They offer good resistance to road spray and rain, without adding much bulk or extra weight. Compared to the Velotoze listed above, the Aquashields are much easier to put on and take off, and offer a lot more breathability thanks to the outer material and thin fleece lining.
The Aquashields are among the tallest on this list, sitting only a centimetre or two lower than the Spatz Pro Stealth. That said, unlike many of the options listed in this guide, they’re specifically designed to sit beneath your tights or leg warmers, rather than above. This is meant to minimise the amount of water finding its way in and running down your legs, into your shoes (which no one wants). The photos we’ve provided above are just to illustrate what they look like, and not how to wear them.
Of course, you can wear most overshoes in a similar way if you want, but experience tells us that nearly all cyclists opt for wearing them as an outer layer. Interesting, really, since the opposite would minimise water ingress into your shoes! Another benefit from wearing them as an underlayer is that you can enjoy the snugness of soft fleece against your skin.
The bottoms are more open, designed for use with road cleats, and if you were to spend hours in them out in the rain, you’d likely end up with wet and cold feet. So if you’re pushing for longer in grim conditions, you’re better off with a heavier neoprene option to keep you warm while you’re wet for hours.
All in all, the Aquashields are definitely more suited to shorter or harder wet rides, where your body still generates some heat, plus they look neat and won’t break the bank.
Best showerproof
✅ You are looking for overshoes for wet but mild temperatures: These offer good all-around protection from wind and rain whilst still being breathable.
✅ You want an overshoe to race in: Whether you're competing or just riding a little bit harder, these are a great option with weather protection and low bulk.
❌ You want a warm waterproof overshoe for freezing temperatures: For that, perhaps look to the Spatz Fasta model
If wind protection is just as much a priority for you as waterproofing, then the Sportful Fiandre Booties are a great choice, with their Gore-Tex Infinium fabric. They’re a thinner construction designed to block the wind as well as resist water ingress, and they’re ideal in inclement conditions where the temperature doesn’t drop too low. Compared to the GripGrab Aquashields and the Velotoze Road 2.0s, the Fiandre Booties are more about all-rounder protection.
They’re a solid option for riding in foul weather conditions where you need rain and wind protection without the bulk of a heavier neoprene overshoe. The Gore-Tex Infinium material offers excellent breathability as well as soundproofing, so your feet won’t sweat either. We’d recommend these for riding conditions where it’s more windy and less wet. Think spring and autumn days with standing water or light showers.
The cuff extends a good way up past the ankle, held in place securely by a wide, elastic gripper. It works well if you’re only wearing shorts and overshoes for a race as well, or perhaps an intense spring ride where you’re working hard but there’s a chill in the air.
The zipper is off to the side, keeping it away from the spray, and it features an internal neoprene guard to stop water from working its way in. Aesthetically, they look good as well as feeling high-quality. While we’d like to see a slightly tighter fit overall, as there is a bit of wrinkling, this is just part and parcel of using Infinium fabric, and a small price to pay for the protection it offers against wind and rain.
Take a look at our review of the Sportful Fiandre bootie overshoe to read more about what makes them great.
Best deep winter
✅ You want a solid, heavy-duty all-rounder: Heavy-duty neoprene overshoes, zipperless design and decent coverage keep the cold out.
✅ You plan on riding at night: If you ride at night, you can attach a clip-on rear light to these overshoes, plus there are reflective details.
❌ You want a lighter, racier overshoe: These are bulkier deep winter overshoes.
The BBB UltraWear Zipperless overshoes are a great heavy-duty winter option made from neoprene that extend well up to mid-calf height and don’t cost as much as the Spatz options.
They offer an excellent fit and cut, combined with heavier-duty protection, thanks to the thick neoprene fabric and reinforced toe and heel sections. They’re more rugged and durable, perfect for colder weather where you’re likely to get wet, and they don’t sag either. It’s also worth mentioning that, because of the zipperless design, you need to pull these on before you put on your cycling shoes, and then pull them down over the shoes.
On the sole, the openings are fairly large. These could be used off-road with MTB shoes and cleats if you wanted, though you’d need to keep walking to a minimum so as not to damage the fabric.
Temperature-wise, BBB rates them as suitable between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius, but combined with a well-ventilated pair of cycling shoes, you could use them for a much wider range. During testing, we found them to work well up to around 10 degrees Celsius and remain comfortable.
Another nice feature that you don’t see offered anywhere else in this guide is the small loop on the heel that allows you to fit a small clip-on light. Anything that improves your likelihood of being seen in traffic is a plus!
How to choose the best cycling overshoes
- What temperatures are you riding in? Cycling overshoes can cover a broad range of temperatures, from mild temperatures, where you will want a thinner material, to deep winter, where thicker is better.
- Do you ride in the rain? Nothing chills the toes faster than wet shoes. To fend off wheel spray or rain, opting for a water-resistant overshoe will massively boost warmth.
- What materials should I choose? Overshoes come in loads of different materials. Neoprene is a common material and comes in different thicknesses based on how warm you need them to be. Other fabrics may be used and can be bolstered with additional coatings.
- How much coverage do you need? The taller the cuff, the more coverage and protection you will get. However, this could cause overheating and make getting them on generally more difficult.
- How should they fit? Overshoes should have a snug fit, and most overshoes will come in a couple of different sizes. We recommend checking the brand's size charts when choosing which size.
- How durable do you need your overshoes to be? Obviously, you don't want your overshoes to fall apart after a couple of uses; however, more durable materials and reinforcing panels add weight and bulk. If you're doing a lot of walking, consider some toe and heel at a minimum. If you're riding off-road, you will probably want to consider a more durable option than you would for the road.
- Are you riding in poor conditions or at night? Look for an overshoe with reflective detailing to catch the attention of other road users.
Everything you need to know about cycling overshoes
If you're shopping for your first pair of overshoes, try to spend at the top of your budget. Generally, you'll just end up with a better quality product. I'd recommend purchasing a heavier-duty set of overshoes first and filling that main wardrobe gap. They will serve you well across all conditions, and it's better to have feet that are a little too warm than freezing cold. Then if you want to add additional, more specific pairs later on down the line, you can. Any of the Spatz models or the BBB option would be a great place to start to kick off and get yourself protected for winter.
Are overshoes waterproof?
This is a key point for me. Lots of overshoes are marked as 'waterproof', but in reality, I'd argue no overshoe is 100% waterproof at the moment. If you are riding for a prolonged spell in rain or taking on a lot of road spray, water will eventually find its way in. A major culprit here is other riders' rear wheels, your own front wheel, or a badly designed front mudguard/fender that catches the water from the rear wheel and funnels it outwards onto your feet. This is especially problematic if they are badly angled or on the shorter side.
One of the best things you can do in the fight against wet feet is get a decent front mudguard that offers good coverage. Straight away, it will prevent a good amount of water from being sprayed at your feet and make a big difference.
The key difference between having soaked, freezing feet or wet but warm-feeling feet is overshoe material and construction. A thicker neoprene overshoe should help keep your feet wet but warm if compromised by water, which aids comfort.
A thinner overshoe could potentially leave you with cold feet if it's soaked through and subject to hours of wind chill or rain. That's when things start feeling uncomfortable.
If you're doing lots of longer rides in cold conditions, this point is important to consider. If you do mostly shorter, more intense road rides, it's amazing how much heat you generate and how little kit you can get away with wearing.
What else can I do to keep my feet warm?
We would also recommend fitting some of the best road bike mudguards to your bike, which will help minimise road spray over your feet and protect your bike.
Like the Spatz system here, layering toe warmers and overshoes also offers another way of adding another layer of protection over your toes, which can be most susceptible to the cold.
You can also try winter cycling socks and some brands offer windproof, insulated socks, which will also add warmth. Shoes that aren't super tight or on the small side will also help with circulation and air flow to keep your feet comfortable. Some warm-up balm or embrocation on your feet may provide a sensation of warmth that may help you feel a bit more comfortable.
Another way of keeping your feet warm out on the bike is riding at a higher intensity to keep the blood pumping to your extremities and your core warmer. If you struggle outside, why not keep your rides shorts and a bit more intense, you will stay that bit warmer on the bike.
Are cycling overshoes worth it?
Yes, cycling overshoes are worth buying. Anything over around an hour on the bike in the cold and wet and there's a fair chance you will have soaking and cold feet. Yes, you can tough this out and ride for hours but I can promise it won't be comfortable, and you'll be using energy trying to stay warm that could be used elsewhere.
I have ridden for hours in winter with frozen feet and it's miserable. A pair of overshoes will protect your feet and keep them warmer, and if water eventually does work its way in, you will be 'wet but warm' instead of frozen to the bone. My advice is to invest in a set of neoprene overshoes first, put some time in with them on the bike and get an idea of what you like, and what you don't.
Whether you’re new to cycling in bad weather, or always looking to increase your comfort levels, we’ve got a complete guide to layering, so you can dress for success.
Should I get overshoes or toe covers?
Just as you may not need full winter boots, full shoe covers might be too warm. Toe covers, as the name suggests, only cover the toe box of your shoe, ending just past the cleat, which helps to hold it in place. They tend to be fairly cheap, but for the usually reasonable price can fill a useful gap in your wardrobe for spring and autumn cool conditions.
Cycling overshoes, on the other hand, engulf your whole shoe and have a cuff that will continue up the calf, the length of which varies by brand and model. Of course, the further up the leg, the greater the protection against the elements, and with the additional coverage, it should come as no surprise that full overshoes are considerably warmer.
Read more in our overshoes vs winter boots feature.
How do you wear cycling overshoes?
As the name suggests, cycling overshoes are worn over your cycling shoes, and most pull on after you have put your shoes on. For some of the tighter options, you need to pull them onto your leg before you put your shoe on, and then pull the overshoe back down over the shoe. Most are on in seconds and are easy to get on with a bit of practice.
Most cyclists will wear their overshoes on top of their bib tights or legwarmers, but you can wear them underneath against your skin, and some are even designed to be worn this way. This may prove a bit tricky with big, bulky overshoes, but it means the water that soaks into the fabric of your tights doesn't then just seep downward into your shoes, but instead downward on the outside of the waterproof membrane.
Hopefully, it goes without saying, but if you are wearing winter overshoes, you should wear leg warmers or bib tights too, it's not very smart keeping your feet nice and warm and then bleeding body heat from your exposed legs and knees. The more heat you can retain, the better; it will help you put all of your energy into pedalling the bike.
What are the warmest cycling overshoes?
The thicker the shoe cover, generally the warmer it's going to be. An overshoe that also extends higher up your ankle and calf will really help promote warmth and help keep your ankles and shins warm. One thing to keep in mind is how much of the bottom of your shoe it covers.
The warmest overshoes in this guide are the Spatz Pro Stealth, which offer internal insulation, great lower leg coverage and additional toe covers.
Also, it's worth noting that thick neoprene overshoes can scuff against your cranks as you ride, and the overshoe is likely to wear through more quickly. You should also stay on top of cleat and pedal wear, as worn-out cleats and pedals can exacerbate this problem.
How should cycling overshoes fit?
Cycling overshoes should have a snug fit. If they're too loose, you could find them slipping and letting in all the elements, or even rubbing your nice shiny crank arms. Check your shoe size against the size guide for overshoes, and that should give you a good starting point. Most cycling overshoes have enough stretch to accommodate your feet. All of the overshoes in this guide fit well and don't sag or fit too loosely when properly sized.
How long do overshoes last?
Hopefully for years, if you look after them. Try not to walk around too much in your overshoes and rinse or wash them after wet, mucky rides and if the build quality is good, they should last several years.
Other overshoe reviews
You can read our in-depth review of the Castelli Estremo overshoes here.
Associate Editor Josh Croxton rates the Specialized high cut neoprene shoe covers, and praised them in this feature of cycling tech we love.
- Velotoze Toe Covers review
- Le Col Toe cover
- Castelli Toe Thingy 2 shoe cover review
- Sportful WS Reflex 2 Bootie overshoes review
- Pearl Izumi Pro Barrier WxB overshoes review
- Shimano S3100X NPU+ Shoe Cover review
- Assos GT Ultraz Winter booties
- Galibier Arctic 3 overshoes
I'm a lifelong cyclist who has been racing and riding on the road for over twenty years. I have experienced frozen and wet feet plenty of times and remember when the choice of cold and wet weather overshoes on the market was not nearly as strong as it is today.
I'm up and out training on the bike every Saturday morning whatever the weather to put every pair of overshoes I test through their paces.
