Cyclingnews Verdict

Giro’s Xnetic H2O over socks give maximum-stretch, minimum-sweat waterproofing for milder conditions, but they’re pricey and can’t compete with neoprene in colder temps

Pros

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Snug, super-stretch fit
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Good breathability
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Easy to adjust Boa dials through the material
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Long length for extra protection
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Reflective cuff

Cons

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Lose warmth in the wet
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Delicate fabric
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High price

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Pulling old socks over cycling shoes to try and add some warmth to frozen toes dates back to well before the derailleur but the introduction of neoprene overshoes made the idea extinct decades ago. Giro has used its latest super stretchy Xnetic H2O waterproof knitted fabric to revive the classic look though and for milder rides they offer comfortable - if pricey - protection with a classic retro look.

We've been putting them to the test over the past few months to discern whether this retro design is comparable to today's best cycling overshoes, or whether it's a design that should remain in the history books.

While the soles are relatively stiff, the super stretchy upper construction makes them much easier to pull up over a shoe than a thick neoprene boot. There’s even enough stretch to be able to twist some extra tension into tightening dials if you need to cinch your shoes up mid-ride. They don’t add any blood flow constricting pressure either and the thin material can run underneath or over tights. While there’s no silicone gripper, the doubled-over cuff gives a good seal against trickles. The mid-calf height also gives more leg protection than anything else we’ve tried besides Spatz Pro 2 overshoes, and if you’re using them against bare skin, they’ve got a naturally soft and cosy feel.

While we’ve struggled with sweat levels in the Xnetic H2O gloves, reduced foot perspiration means the oversocks wick well enough to keep your feet dry from the inside out and they’re certainly a lot better than neoprene in that respect on longer rides. In addition, the rubber membrane does a really good job of keeping wind and wet from the outside getting in, so on moist-but-mild days, they do a great job of keeping your feet dry. While the cleat hole is big enough to work with the front tread blocks of most of the best gravel bike shoes, the extended sole overlap is enough to stop water seeping up and round from underneath too.

While keeping your feet dry on the inside obviously has some thermal benefit, the fact that the outer knit sucks up and holds water (rather than just shrugging it off) does mean overall heat loss is faster than a neoprene alternative. That means they’re more comparable in warmth to a thin soft-shell or aero shoe cover, and as soon as you’re starting to get concerned about there being ice on the roads, you’ll be wanting a thicker cover.

Their snug, super-stretchy fit, tall height, decent breathability and skin facing comfort make the Giro Xnetic H2O overshoes excellent protection in milder conditions. However, what they gain in reduced sweating vs neoprene, they lose in wet weather thermal protection. The knitted fabric is delicate too which makes the high price even more of an issue if you trash them accidentally, so be careful when walking.