Overshoes for mountain bikers put to the test

Stefan Frey

 · 02.10.2016

Overshoes for mountain bikers put to the testPhoto: Markus Greber
Overshoes for mountain bikers put to the test

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They are the inexpensive alternative to winter shoes. The thin neoprene or softshell skins transform normal cycling shoes into thermal footwear. We tested six models.

It doesn't always have to be a special MTB winter shoe, usually costing more than 200 euros. Bikers who only occasionally ride in the snow in winter will also be happy with warming overshoes. The neoprene or softshell overshoes cost far less and simply disappear into your rucksack or jersey pocket in mild temperatures. We have tested six models for the cold season and show for which temperature ranges the "booties" are really suitable.


BBB UltraWear Shoe Cover

Price 49,95 Euro
Weight¹ (L)/sizes 204 grams/37/38 - 47/48
Equipment (10 %) Kevlar reinforcement, reflex, zip and Velcro, sole adjustment
RATING
Processing (10 %) 7 out of 10 points
Fit (30 %) 8 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Weather protection (30 %) 8 out of 10 points
Temperature range -5 to +5 degrees


Conclusion The flexible neoprene bootie is very easy to slip on and adapts well to the shoe. The heel slides up easily. The design is simple, but fulfils its purpose. The shaft also closes comfortably. Water is blocked very well.
BIKE-URTEIl² VERY GOOD

BBB UltraWear Shoe CoverPhoto: Georg GrieshaberBBB UltraWear Shoe Cover


Bontrager RXL Waterproof MTB Shoe Cover

Price 64,99 Euro
Weight¹ (L)/sizes 144 grams/39/40 - 47/48
Equipment (10 %) Lambskin lining, backed zip, sole adjustment, abrasion protection
RATING
Processing (10 %) 7 out of 10 points
Fit (30 %) 6 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 6 out of 10 points
Weather protection (30 %) 6 out of 10 points
Temperature range -8 to 0 degrees

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Conclusion The Bontrager is very small, somewhat inflexible and difficult to slip on. The adjustment range on the shaft could be wider. The lambskin lining provides good warmth, but the shoe cannot be described as waterproof.
BIKE-URTEIl² GOOD

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Bontrager RXL Waterproof MTB Shoe CoverPhoto: Georg GrieshaberBontrager RXL Waterproof MTB Shoe Cover


Craft Siberian Bootie

Price 39,95 Euro
Weight¹ (L)/sizes 165 grams/37/39 - 46/48
Equipment (10 %) Velcro on sole, Kevlar reinforcement, reflex, pull-on aid
RATING
Processing (10 %) 8 out of 10 points
Fit (30 %) 9 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 10 out of 10 points
Weather protection (30 %) 5 out of 10 points
Temperature range -5 to +5 degrees


Conclusion With Craft, you first slip into the bootie and then put it over the shoe - it works perfectly. It fits snugly around the shoe and the high shaft is also comfortable to wear. The flexible neoprene warms well, but only keeps water out to a limited extent.

BIKE-URTEIl² VERY GOOD

Craft Siberian BootiePhoto: Georg GrieshaberCraft Siberian Bootie


Endura Freezing Point Overshoe

Price 54,99 Euro
Weight¹ (L)/sizes 249 gram/S-XXL
Equipment (10 %) Kevlar reinforcement, reflective, zip and Velcro backing
RATING
Processing (10 %) 9 out of 10 points
Fit (30 %) 9 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 7 out of 10 points
Weather protection (30 %) 8 out of 10 points
Temperature range -7 to 0 degrees


Conclusion The thick neoprene bootie with a light lining is a little difficult to put on due to the large sole reinforcement, but then sits very comfortably. Details such as the concealed zip and the protective zones are well thought out and practical.
BIKE-URTEIl² VERY GOOD

Endura Freezing Point OvershoePhoto: Georg GrieshaberEndura Freezing Point Overshoe


Mavic Crossmax Pro Thermo+ Shoe Cover

Price 85 Euro
Weight¹ (L)/sizes 152 gram/S-XXL
Equipment (10 %) zip cover, reflex, sole reinforcement, Primaloft lining
RATING
Processing (10 %) 9 out of 10 points
Fit (30 %) 7 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 6 out of 10 points
Weather protection (30 %) 5 out of 10 points
Temperature range -5 to + 5 degrees


Conclusion The extra-robust sole and the Primaloft lining make the Mavic somewhat inflexible. It is correspondingly difficult to put on. The fit on the shaft and instep is not ideal. The Crossmax barely keeps out the rain. Make sure you buy the right size.

BIKE-URTEIl² GOOD

Mavic Crossmax Pro Thermo+ Shoe CoverPhoto: Georg GrieshaberMavic Crossmax Pro Thermo+ Shoe Cover


Pearl izumi Elite Softshell MTB Shoe Cover

Price 59,95 Euro
Weight¹ (L)/sizes 115 gram/S-XXL
Equipment (10 %) Two-piece Velcro at the rear, Kevlar sole
RATING
Processing (10 %) 7 out of 10 points
Fit (30 %) 7 out of 10 points
Handling (20 %) 6 out of 10 points
Weather protection (30 %) 6 out of 10 points
Temperature range -3 to +7 degrees


Conclusion The Pearl Izumi is fastened at the rear with two pieces of Velcro, which requires a little practice. The softshell fits the shoe well, but could enclose the toes better. The cuff interferes slightly when pedalling. The Kevlar reinforcement is good.
BIKE-URTEIl² GOOD

Pearl Izumi Elite Softshell MTB Shoe CoverPhoto: Georg GrieshaberPearl Izumi Elite Softshell MTB Shoe Cover


¹BIKE test results ²The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super, very good, good, satisfactory, with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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