Pearl Izumi Pro Barrier Lite Shoe Cover SS17

What are overshoes?

Overshoes are stretchy covers that you wear over your cycling shoes to protect your feet from the weather. They have holes in the bottom so your cleats can still engage with your pedals. They are also sometimes called oversocks or even Belgian booties.

Who needs overshoes?

Anyone riding in the wind, rain, or both. They really help keep your feet warm and dry.

What are the choices?

You can get overshoes for mountain biking or road. It’s important to get the right sort, as they are shaped differently to fit over road or mountain shoes and have the cleat holes shaped differently.  Overshoes are available which are windproof, waterproof, extra warm, or have a combination of these traits. Oversocks are usually thinner, lightweight and give some wind chill protection.

What should I buy with it?

If you’re cycling in really cold weather a good pair of cycling socks will really help add an extra layer of insulation.

Anything else?

Pay attention to the protective properties of overshoes – it’s no good having totally waterproof overshoes if you’re cycling in frozen, dry conditions. Likewise, there’s not much point having windproof booties if your feet are sopping wet.