The dhb Extreme Weather Neoprene Overshoe offers excellent protection from the elements at a reasonable price.
It is robust, insulating, and an effective barrier against the cold and rain, and one, as the name suggests, for the worst ravages of winter.
In the mild conditions that have characterised much of our test period, we could have got away with something lighter. This is dhb’s Extreme Weather overshoe, after all. In the most recent conditions however – colder, and with the rain making an unwelcome return – they’ve proved their worth.
We’ll start with dry conditions. Neoprene is insulating as well as waterproof. In temperatures from five degrees and above, we’d be likely to reach for something in a different fabric. On early starts, however, where temperatures in the opening 45 minutes to an hour of the ride struggled to get above three degrees, these neoprene offerings proved just the ticket.
In the wet, the dhb Extreme Weather Neoprene Overshoe was in its element. Light drizzle and road spray made precisely no impression, and even heavy rain failed to penetrate its tough, neoprene hide: an elephantine 3.5mm thick.
The fit was suitably close (desirable in an overshoe) and dhb are to be taken at their word on sizing. The YKK zip stood up well during our limited acquaintance. Given our previous, and unhappy experience with overshoes and zips, we treated it with care, pinching together the runners with one hand and gently raising the zip with the other. Once in place, the Velcro tab at the top of the overshoe provided a simple, but effective seal.
The sole, reinforced with Kevlar, shrugged off short walks from bicycle to café counter. As important, we felt, was its deployment at the heel and toe, particularly the latter, where ‘kicking over’ the pedal to clip in typically creates the first sign of wear.
We’ve tested more supple and stylish overshoes, but all have been more expensive, and most have not offered the same protection. If you’re looking for a no-frills, robust shoe cover, able to shrug off the worst conditions that winter is likely to throw at you, and change from £30, the dhb Extreme Weather Neoprene Overshoe is worth investigating.
Price: £29.99
Size: XS to XL
Colour: black
Website: Wiggle
