Over Shoes

[Arjimlad]

I had the Shimano waterproof overshoes in your first post last winter, they were very good but are now falling to bits in that the edging round the main fabric is all falling off. I had done a running repair midwinter last year but I think they are now very much on their last legs !

They weren't as warm as I would have liked on the coldest days but overall apart from the fact that they only stood up to a year's use, they were OK, kept the shoes reasonably dry and feet reasonably warm.

To replace them for this winter/autumn, I've bought some of the BBB Hardwear shoe covers again linked to above. They are thicker, warmer and reasonably waterproof - recently, after over an hour cycling in heavy rain, the water began to leech in and the outsides of my shoes were a little damp - which I think is fine, no overshoe is going to be 100% waterproof what with the holes top & bottom. The overshoes needed drying out under a radiator as the neoprene had absorbed plenty of water.

They aren't showing any signs of wear after about 6 wearings..I was half expecting them to be scuffed or show stretched seams but nothing yet. They pull on OK too after the first couple of times.

I don't think I'd like to wear them on a warm day because my feet would get too hot !

Can't help you with sizing, I'm afraid.

 

[VamP]

Waterproof overshoes are a bit of a misnomer, in heavy rain water runs down your legs and straight into your shoes. What you want is wind insulation, and some water resistance.

Edited to say: ...and some good technical socks.

 

[ColinJ]

My overshoes came this morning. They look well made and functional. I'll report back after doing a ride in them.

 

[fossyant]

BBB Hardwear Aquasheild. Nuf said. Old 4 year old tatty pair for MTB and mud, my new pair for the commute.

 

[fossyant]

Thanks for all the advice, I'll certainly go for a size bigger and on advice from Vickster and looking at other websites which have 'average' reviews on the Shimano covers I have found a pair of BBB covers.

BBB BWS-02B

47-48 shall hopefully fit ... and hopefully being "Heavy Duty" will ensure they stand up to the weather.

Those aren't the waterproof ones.

The BWS-04 are

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/bbb-hard-wear-overshoes-bws04/rp-prod45051

 

[Spoked Wheels]

Two pairs of these came in the post this morning. They were well recommended over the Bike Radar Forum.
It was either these or some BBB but it seems the BBB don't last well at all if you have to .do any amount of walking in them
I wouldn't think these would be fully water proof but I haven't put them to the test yet. Some people think they are great though.
I'm looking to keep my feet warm and if they keep my feet dry then that's a bonus as I try to avoid wet rides anyway

 

[VamP]

Those aren't the waterproof ones.

The BWS-04 are

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/bbb-hard-wear-overshoes-bws04/rp-prod45051

I have these. They are pretty hardcore, and very warm, but on truly wet days, water still gets in.

 

[fossyant]

I have these. They are pretty hardcore, and very warm, but on truly wet days, water still gets in.

Only from the top, but if it's hammering down I wear overtrousers. Nice and dry feet and shoes. Works for me. Bit sweatty, but keeping the shoes dry is more important (wet = stinky).

 

[fossyant]

BBB's are fine. I've had mine 4 years for commuting. I don't walk far in them though !

 

[VamP]

Only from the top, but if it's hammering down I wear overtrousers. Nice and dry feet and shoes. Works for me. Bit sweatty, but keeping the shoes dry is more important (wet = stinky).

Never occurred to me to wear overtrousers

 

[ColinJ]

My overshoes came this morning. They look well made and functional. I'll report back after doing a ride in them.

I tried them out this afternoon. They are size L and I take UK size 10 shoes. They needed a slight stretch to do up, but did not feel stupidly tight, so fine for 9/10. Buy XL if your feet are bigger than mine.

They are made from a mid-weight neoprene, which was just thin enough not to rub on my cranks when I pedalled, unlike the heavy-duty pair that I bought last time.

Good reflective strips at the back.

Sturdy velcro fasteners.

There is a reinforced plate at the front of the underside where wear is normally a problem. Hopefully the overshoes will last a bit longer than the last pair that I bought.

Conditions were dry today, but there was a cold wind on the hills. The overshoes kept my feet warm, even on fast descents.

So far, so good!

 

[Octet]

Thanks again for all the feedback and responses,

I think the two main competitors are the BBB HardWear Covers and the Vaude Shoecovers (which ColinJ linked to)
Simply because of practicalities in buying I think I will be going for the HardWear covers.

Again, thanks for the advice, and I'll be sure to order on the larger size instead of the smaller!

 

[Accy cyclist]

I bought a pair of these. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/altura-airstream-overshoe-1/ from my LBS so i could try 'em on and feel the quality. Although they're not as reflective as the other Altura,they seemed thicker than the ten pound more ones and the bits that'll make contact with the soles of my shoes and my peddles seemed thicker and stronger.

 

[Octet]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll keep that in mind.

 

[uclown2002]

Two pairs of these came in the post this morning. They were well recommended over the Bike Radar Forum.
It was either these or some BBB but it seems the BBB don't last well at all if you have to .do any amount of walking in them
I wouldn't think these would be fully water proof but I haven't put them to the test yet. Some people think they are great though.
I'm looking to keep my feet warm and if they keep my feet dry then that's a bonus as I try to avoid wet rides anyway

What size shoe are you and what size overshoe did you go for?