Assos Thermax overshoes £54.95

Choosing a pair of overshoes depends a lot on what riding you’ll be doing. Mostly dry? Mostly wet? Then there’s the huge choice in any well-stocked bike shop, and knowing where to start is not easy. For many, Assos is a starting point, with the Swiss brand having a solid reputation for premium quality clothing.

The Assos Thermax overshoes, as the name suggests, are designed to keep your feet warm. This is mostly achieved with the use of the company’s AirBlock material, placed around the front half, with a polyester material making up the remainder. These overshoes are noticeably on the thick side, with a fleece lining helping to insulate from the cold.

Fit is excellent, with three sizes available, and the material has the right amount of stretch to sit comfortably in place without shifting about. The vertical rear zip keeps it simple, with a small section of reflective material a nice touch. The holes for the cleats and the heel are lined with a double-stitched hem, for durability.

These aren’t designed for wet weather performance – Castelli’s Pioggia overshoes tended to fare better in the wet, but on dry cold rides the warmth provided is among the best on test. Even on some of the coldest rides this winter, they’ve staved off the chill to an startling level. Even if you happen to get rained on, the material sufficiently insulates that you won’t get cold toes, instead just slightly damp, warm feet.