Overshoes

Cycling overshoes are protective covers that you pull over your road cycling or mountain bike shoes for extra protection against cold, rain and mud. They extend your cycling season by keeping your feet dry and warm in conditions where you would quickly become uncomfortable without protection. At the same time they protect your expensive cycling shoes against wear, water and dirt.

The range is divided into overshoes for road cyclists and overshoes for mountain bikers, each with its own construction tailored to the use. Rain, cold and aerodynamic protection are the three primary functions. The most important selection criteria are the type of cycling shoe for which you purchase them, the weather conditions in which you most often ride and the desired combination of waterproofing and breathability.

Which cycling overshoes suit you?

The right choice depends on your cycling style, the conditions and the type of shoe you wear. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You mountain bike on wet and muddy trails and want to protect your shoes: MTB overshoes are robustly made for use in rough terrain. They have an extra reinforced front and bottom, an open walking section so you can walk on them without wearing out the overshoe quickly, and a velcro closure for a firm fit. They are made of durable material that resists mud, wet branches and rough surfaces.

You road cycle in rain or cold weather and want to keep your feet dry and warm: Choose road cycling overshoes with waterproof or thermal material. Models with a waterproof membrane or taped seams keep rainwater out. Thermal models with windstop material keep wind and cold from your feet at low temperatures. The bottom is closed with room for your cleats and heel but fits snugly for minimal air resistance.

You ride a time trial or road cycling competition and want to extract aerodynamic advantage from your overshoes: Aerodynamic overshoes are made of closely fitting, smooth materials that optimise airflow around your foot. They offer no warmth or water protection, but are lightweight and specifically designed to improve your time trial performance.

You ride road cycling in dry but misty or dirty weather and just want to protect your shoes against splashing dirt: Lycra overshoes are thin, stretchable covers that fit tightly over your road cycling shoes. They protect your shoes against dirt and splashing water from the road surface but are not waterproof and offer no warmth. The cheapest and lightest option for protection when riding dry but dirty conditions.

What to look for when purchasing?

MTB or road cycling overshoes

MTB overshoes and road cycling overshoes are constructively different. MTB overshoes have an open walking sole with a large cut-out so the walking section of your shoe remains free — you do walk regularly with your shoes on the terrain after all. Road cycling overshoes have a closed or almost closed sole with only an opening for cleats and heel, because road cyclists hardly walk on their shoes. Always use the type that matches your discipline.

Waterproof or water-repellent

As with cycling jackets, there is a difference. Water-repellent overshoes (DWR coating) keep light precipitation and drops at bay but are not suitable for prolonged rain. Waterproof overshoes with a membrane or taped seams also keep your feet dry in heavy and persistent rain. Choose based on the conditions in which you most often ride.

Thermal or non-thermal

Thermal overshoes are filled with or made of warmer material and are intended for cold weather conditions. Non-thermal models are thinner and are intended for protection without extra warmth — ideal for spring and autumn or for rain at mild temperatures. Winter overshoes generally combine warmth with windstop and a degree of water repellency.

Size selection

Overshoes are offered in standard shoe sizes (38, 39, 40 etc.) or in S/M/L with a conversion table to shoe sizes. They must fit snugly over your cycling shoe: too loose slips or pulls during pedalling, too small you cannot get over them. Always consult the size chart of the specific brand, as sizing differs between manufacturers. Mount cleats before choosing the size if the overshoe has a cleat opening.

Closure and putting on and taking off

Road cycling overshoes generally have a zip at the back or inside for easy putting on and taking off. MTB overshoes often use velcro for a firmer fit on rougher terrain. Check whether the closure is firm enough for the use and whether you can operate the overshoe with gloves on or in wet weather.

Our advice: Buy overshoes with a slightly larger size recommendation if you wear thick thermal socks in winter. The shoe size of your cycling shoe plus thermal sock can be half to a full size larger than your summer setup. Check this before choosing a size.

Road cycling overshoes or MTB overshoes?

Road cycling overshoes are tightly, aerodynamically cut and have a closed bottom that matches the clipless shoes of road cyclists. They primarily protect against weather and cold; protection against mud or the walking comfort of the sole play no role. Weight and aerodynamics are for some models just as important as the protection.

MTB overshoes are more robust, less aero-oriented and have an open walking section so the heavily treaded walking sole of a mountain bike shoe is free. They withstand the tougher conditions of off-road riding: mud, wet earth and rugged surfaces. Always choose the type that matches the terrain and the type of shoe you wear.

Who are cycling overshoes suitable for?

• Road cyclists who ride outdoors year-round and also want to keep their feet dry and warm in rain or cold.
• Mountain bikers who want to protect their shoes on wet and muddy trails without losing walking comfort.
• Cyclists who want to protect their expensive carbon or leather cycling shoes against wear from dirt and water.
• Road cyclists who ride time trials and want to gain time with aerodynamic overshoes.

Overshoes are less suitable for dry, warm summer rides where protection is not needed. They can then feel warm and uncomfortable. Store them for winter or wet conditions and do not use them on dry warm days.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy cycling overshoes but are not sure which type suits your cycling shoes and use best? Then we are happy to help. You can reach our specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about cycling overshoes

What is the difference between MTB overshoes and road cycling overshoes?

MTB overshoes have an open walking section at the bottom so the walking sole of your mountain bike shoe remains free when walking and climbing. They are more robust and resistant to mud and rough terrain. Road cycling overshoes have a closed or almost closed bottom with only an opening for cleats and heel. They are more aerodynamic and specifically designed for use on the bike without walking. Always use the type that corresponds to your discipline and shoe type.

How do I choose the right size cycling overshoes?

Look at the brand's size chart. Overshoes are offered in shoe sizes or in S/M/L with a conversion table. They must fit snugly over your cycling shoe without constricting. Overshoes that are too loose slip during pedalling; ones that are too tight you cannot get over your shoe. If you wear thick thermal socks in winter, you may need a half size larger than your normal shoe size.

Are waterproof overshoes also breathable?

That depends on the model. Simple waterproof overshoes without a membrane keep water out but also let no moisture escape, so your feet can start to sweat during prolonged exertion. Higher quality models with a breathable waterproof membrane (such as Gore-Tex or similar materials) keep water out but let sweat escape. For intensive cycling in the rain, breathable waterproof models are more comfortable in the long term.

Do I have to remove my cleats if I wear overshoes?

With most road cycling overshoes you do not need to remove the cleats. Overshoes for road cycling have an opening or slot at the bottom so the cleat can pass through. With MTB overshoes the opening in the sole is large enough for the complete walking sole including the cleat. Do check the product description of your specific model to confirm that cleats are permitted.

How do I maintain my cycling overshoes?

Rinse your overshoes after use with cold water to remove salt, mud and dirt. If necessary wash them at low temperature with a mild detergent and without fabric softener. Fabric softener affects water-repellent coatings. Dry them at room temperature, never in the tumble dryer or on a radiator. Hang them inside out for faster drying.