Winter cycling is a tough one to dress for. Luckily, there’s tonnes of gear out there that will keep you warm when riding in the cold. Your feet are one of the main parts of your body that will suffer the most from the temperature drop and this is why you need a good pair of cycling overshoes to keep them warm.
Why do your feet lose warmth quickly when cycling in the cold? One reason is that capillaries are smaller in the feet so are one of the first places to get a lack of blood flow as a result feel colder. Another is that your feet will always be in the same position on the bike; they’ll always be the closest part of your body to the ground and catch all of the spray, cold wind and lack of movement whilst riding.
There are multiple ways to ensure you keep your feet warm and combat the inevitable curse, including thick socks, a good diet to help circulation and loosening your straps on your shoes. Cycling overshoes however are one of the best solutions to keeping the feeling in your feet this winter. They don’t just do the job, but they also protect your current cycling shoes as they are windproof, waterproof and very thick – so instead of buying two pairs of shoes, you can wear your best ones with a simple cover. There is also the option of winter boots. Northwave have a number of these that are well worth the buy, as with Shimano.
Some overshoes, covers and boots are reflective as well which gives you some high visibility points!
The Best Cycling Overshoes, Covers and Winter Boots:
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Castelli Reflex Shoe Covers
Buy now with free deliveryThese shoe covers have an all-over reflective design to ensure that you can be seen when cycling on night and early morning rides. They are waterproof and windproof providing you optimal protection from cold temperatures.
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Shimano MW7 Gore Tex SPD Cycling Shoes
Buy now with free deliveryThe Shimano Goretex winter cycling shoes are tough, insulated, waterproof and comfortable. They have an insole with a fleece liner to keep your feet extra warm and also have a 360 degree reflectivity for high visibility when out on the road.
As well as all of these features, they have a rubber outsole which improves grip in wet and slippery conditions.
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Castelli Tempesta Shoe Covers
Buy now with free deliveryThe Castelli Tempesta Shoe Covers are made from 4-way stretch water-repellent fabric to shield from wet weather and provide full freedom of movement. Again, these have a reflective element for increased visibility and they’re very easy to slip on and off with a waterproof zipper.
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Northwave Farenheit Arctic 2 GTX Winter Boots
Buy now with free deliveryThese winter cycling boots from Northwave are specifically for cycling in cold conditions. They’ve been constructed with a Gore-Tex® Koala membrane which provides you with winter boots that are breathable and protect against rain, wind and snow.
Like all of the others, the Northwave Farenheit Arctic 2 GTX winter boots also feature reflective details to improve visibility and safety on a ride.
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Shimano S1000 H20 Road Overshoes
Buy now with free deliveryWith a waterproof coating, the Shimano S1000R H20 road overshoes will protect your cycle shoes from bad weather conditions. They’re ideal for wet or windy conditions when temperatures are low, so there’s no excuse not to get out on the bike!
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Castelli Belgian Bootie Shoe Cover
Buy now with free deliveryThe Begian Bootie from Castelli is a durable shoe cover that combines a highly flexible material which assists with performance. They have also been constructed with a cleat and heal cut-out, allowing a flush contact with the surface of the pedal to help aid with performance without creating aerodynamic drag.
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Sidi Hydro-goretex Cycling Shoes
Buy now with free deliveryBe assured that your feet will stay warm and dry with the Sidi Hydro Goretex cycling shoes. A waterproof and windproof Gore-Tex® upper and membrane will protect your feet from elements that you face in winter cycling.
These winter boots have a slightly roomy fit for the purpose of thick winter cycling socks.
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Shimano S3000R NPU Neoprene Road Overshoes
Buy now with free deliveryThe Shimano S3000R NPU Neoprene overshoes are ideal for the harshest conditions. They are reflective covers with an excellent fit and no creasing or bunching of the fabric.
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SealSkinz Halo Overshoes
Buy now with free deliveryNew to PBK is the SealSkinz range which includes the Halo cycling overshoes. These are designed to provide extra warmth and safety for road cycling or commuting. They have been manufactured with Kevlar heels and toes to provide endurance, as well as silicone leg grippers to prevent drafts.
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Northwave Celsius 2 GTX Winter Boots
Buy now with free deliveryThe Northwave Celsius 2 GTX winter boots are designed and made to offer maximum protection against the weather, without compromising on breathability or efficiency of movement.
With a waterproof Goretex membrane, you are guaranteed total protection against water, wind and snow.
Make sure you invest in a pair of cycling overshoes to keep you warm this winter!
Feature image source: Sportful AW16