At first getting them on seemed to be a bit of a challenge. Pulling them on in one go was not an option. I wondered how convenient they’d be at the roadside when the rain started to pelt down. In fact, they have loosened up a little with use. Moreover, pulling the toe up tight, easing the instep strap into place and pulling the rear flaps together before zipping up has become a pretty smooth operation. Similar to SealSkinz models I’ve worn. The undersides of even the best cycling overshoes are prone to wear. Depending on your riding style, you may want to look for a tough, seam-free base with reinforcements at the heel and toe box, especially if you're often having to dab in gravel or stop at traffic lights.

Only after a couple of hours in continuous rain could I sense dampness. I can’t be sure where exactly it was getting in, or if it was penetrating the actual fabric. Certainly, the fabric isn’t as good as a smooth surfaced neoprene (which seems impenetrable); water will get through it. The Achilles heel of any overshoe tends to be its sole. First, it needs to have a couple of holes in it to fit over your shoe’s cleat and heel. This inevitably lets water in, which can creep into your shoe’s upper and through vent holes in its sole.While the fit was snug, it was refreshing not to have to burn calories pulling the things on. Getting dressed for a winter ride is quite an undertaking, not to mentioned the removal of it all post-ride, when it’s potentially caked in mud and wet. For me, the DexShells are genuinely the easiest-to-pull-on overshoe I’ve ever used. Providing useful foot protection for spring and fall, you could also wear a set of these underneath full overshoes if you get really cold toes.

Overall, DexShell deserve recognition for a great bit of kit that does exactly what it should with no compromises in quality - and without the price tag of some premium overshoes. Specs Keeping feet warm and dry in winter is difficult for cyclists. Wind chill is the enemy for the extremities, add spray from the front wheel and unless your feet are appropriately insulated it won’t be long before you can’t feel them any more. Can you wear cycling overshoes with trainers? The bike is a Christmas present and so will not see any use for about 5 weeks as we are in November now. Only after a couple of hours in continuous rain could I sense dampness. I can't be sure where exactly it was getting in, or if it was penetrating the actual fabric. Certainly, the fabric isn't as good as a smooth surfaced neoprene (which seems impenetrable); water will get through it.Another lighter option for those who don't want a full overshoe is a toe cover, or a "Toe Thingy" as Castelli affectionally call it. I will admit to being a bit of a photography geek when out on my bike, regularly getting on and off the bike for shots, so these have had a decent amount of walking to handle too. They aren’t showing a single sign of wear to date. Indeed, all the photos in this review were taken at the end of the test period, rather than the start. Value

This windproof construction slips over the front of the shoe, with a rugged underside to provide grip and a silicone print to help keeps rips at bay. The Altura Thermostretch Windproof Overshoe have become my preferred choice for both early morning and late evening rides; the reflective detailing is better than on any other overshoe I own. Elsewhere, it's a classic bootie that's well-made and offers excellent protection in cold, damp weather. However, I found the top edge of the cuff a little tight for my liking. Specs Sometimes, kit makers will use a less bulky fabric for the uppers, one that’s typically DWR (durable water repellent) coated to repel water, and includes a breathable membrane. It’s an alternative to neoprene that’s lighter and less stiff, but it can lose its water-resistance over time and, unless additional insulation is added, may not be as warm in cold weather. Verdict: These overshoes are warm and durable plus their generous sole openings should help prevent you damaging the material when walking around.”The robust toe and midsole areas gave enough stiffness to help the overshoes hold their shape, but had enough stretch to let you pull them in to place first time. I was a huge fan of the length of the cuff, which is shorter than average. Some overshoes really feel stifling around the lower leg, building up moisture around the ankle in milder conditions. This wasn't an issue with here. The elastic didn't leave a mark post-ride either.

Further reflective detail is provided by logos etc, but some of these will be hidden, if you are wearing longs. At the top of the overshoes is an additional 2cm elasticated cuff with an internal silicone gripper to help secure them in place. The ride The zip is waterproof, with a reflective strip on each side, plus there’s a reflective logo at the frontDexShell Heavy Duty Overshoes are described a “Water Resistant, Showerproof, Abrasion Resistant” with a “Reflective Stripe” and “Water Repellent Zipper.” They have quite a lot to live up to. The fit of the overshoes was noticeably good, not only because coming in four sizes (many brands only offer two or three) allows it to be closer to your actual shoe size, but also because the thinner elasticated gripper at the top really holds them in place throughout the ride. is a good deal of cash to splash. Value will depend a great deal on how much you value dry, warm feet in winter and how often you use overshoes. Whilst I’d rate them as just about the best overshoes I have used, there are other considerations, too. Damp feet, but by no means cold feet.TheHeavy Duty overshoes did a top-notch job of keeping my feet totally warm, providing total wind resistance, which is something Dexshell needs to shout about a bit more as for us cold feet sufferers it's often more of a selling point than anything else. Value