The Endura Road overshoe is an effective barrier against the rain, even in the wettest conditions.
It has so far proved robust, even at the zip, the area of an overshoe most likely to fail in our experience, and aided in this regard by the generous sizing – a plus in an item made from a flap-free fabric and intended to offer no advantage other than protection from the elements.
We tested the Road overshoe in the midst of one of the wettest winters on record, and found it equal to the challenge of even the wettest rural roads.
By deploying a single-sided neoprene, one that retains the material’s rubberized quality on the exterior, Endura set out the stall for the Road: an overshoe intended for wet weather use, rather than solely for insulation (although it succeeded in this regard too) or aerodynamics. In this regard, it was highly successful. Light rain beaded on its surface and trickled harmlessly downwards. Heavier rain failed to penetrate: the neoprene took on a darker hue, but our feet remained dry. Impressive.
The fit, as previously mentioned, was another bonus. Overshoes, perhaps more than any other garment, are subjected to stresses simply in the putting on and taking off. Endura’s reputation for generous sizing, one likely to inspire us to a size smaller than normal when choosing a jersey, for example, was an advantage here. The on-line sizing chart recommended a size medium for shoe sizes from 40 to 42, and provided ample accommodation for our 40.5 (UK size seven) plates. The nature of the material relegates wind-flap to the pile of minor concerns, and its purpose – we weren’t seeking smoother airflow over our shoes, only to stay dry – meant the space was welcome.
Zips on overshoes tend to lead an existence possible to characterise as nasty, brutish, and short, in our experience, and while these are still early days in our acquaintance with Endura’s Road overshoe, we’ve encountered nothing so far to indicate imminent failure. Bitter experience has taught us the value of the delicate approach with overshoes, and by holding together the top of the runners with one hand while slowly raising the zip with the other, we’ve perhaps kept our side of the bargain. The zip’s snap-down puller performed as advertised and a Velcro strap across the top sealed matters.
Like the zip, the sole of an overshoe is subjected to more than usual stress, but the underside of the Road has held up well so far. Having experienced the same Kevlar-reinforced construction on our ‘go to’ overshoe – Endura’s Superstretch – our expectations were high. So far, we haven’t been disappointed. Like all wear items, however, a longer review is required to establish durability. We’ll add to this one if we experience any failures in the weeks ahead.
Once in the saddle, the Road overshoe performed well, shrugging off road spray and sealing out heavier and sustained assault from the skies. Here too the benefits of a more generous fit could be felt. Neoprene has many qualities, but suppleness is not among them. On a tight-fitting, single-lined Neoprene overshoe, the lack of flexibility can be felt at the shin and ankle when pedalling (double-lined Neoprene is a different matter, of course – as the aforementioned and aptly-named Superstretch attests), but there was no discomfort to report here.
Conclusion
The Endura Road overshoe is an effective if unsophisticated defence against the rain. Generously sized and with a robust construction in all areas, if you’re seeking a no-frills solution to keeping your feet warm and dry during even the wettest days, look no further. We’re bound to say that at £23.99 (or £25.99 if you fancy the disco-friendly silver option) it looks like good value, too.
Price: £23.99 (black); £25.99 (silver)
Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colour: black, silver
Website: Endura
