Further reflective detail is provided by logos etc, but some of these will be hidden, if you are wearing longs. Even when raining the overshoes still perform very well. Naturally, a cut-away sole means these can’t be waterproof. However, the hems sit so snug to the sole that they come very close to being water tight. I’ve ridden in some pretty horrific conditions and it’s taken a decent amount of time for water to penetrate to the shoe (yes, I do have mudguards). The zip is waterproof, with a reflective strip on each side, plus there’s a reflective logo at the front Providing useful foot protection for spring and fall, you could also wear a set of these underneath full overshoes if you get really cold toes.

Considering the quality and performance, I’d say Altura's are decent value for money. For me, the fit wasn’t as good as with DexShell due to the tight cuff, but this won’t be the case for everyone. The reflective detailing certainly beats DexShell’s. The 90% Neoprene, 10% Nylon fabric has a ‘roughed-up’ surface. According to DexShell, this makes them more abrasion-resistant. While I haven’t been throwing myself on the tarmac to test this, I have been impressed with the seemingly untouched surface appearance despite heavy use over the last six weeks. At first getting them on seemed to be a bit of a challenge. Pulling them on in one go was not an option. I wondered how convenient they’d be at the roadside when the rain started to pelt down. In fact, they have loosened up a little with use. Moreover, pulling the toe up tight, easing the instep strap into place and pulling the rear flaps together before zipping up has become a pretty smooth operation. Similar to SealSkinz models I’ve worn. Whether that matters, of course, depends on when you’re planning to use your overshoes. It doesn’t only rain in winter… Overshoe sole design

These overshoes are warm and durable plus their generous sole openings should help prevent you damaging the material when walking around. The bike is a Christmas present and so will not see any use for about 5 weeks as we are in November now. All-weather overshoes tend to follow the same basic pattern; there’s a high ankle cuff to try to prevent rain from running down your leg and into your shoe, and a bootie-style lower section that covers your shoe. That typically has a central seam on top, which is taped to keep out wheel spray. Other seams will usually be taped too.

I was a huge fan of the length of the cuff, which is shorter than average. Some overshoes really feel stifling around the lower leg, building up moisture around the ankle in milder conditions. This wasn't an issue with here. The elastic didn't leave a mark post-ride either.is a good deal of cash to splash. Value will depend a great deal on how much you value dry, warm feet in winter and how often you use overshoes. Whilst I’d rate them as just about the best overshoes I have used, there are other considerations, too. This windproof construction slips over the front of the shoe, with a rugged underside to provide grip and a silicone print to help keeps rips at bay. The sole has two openings with reinforced elastic edges, and abrasion resistant fabric around the toe and mid-sole areas for durability. DexShell deserve recognition for a great bit of kit… does exactly what it should with no compromises in quality and without the price tag of some premium overshoes." Another lighter option for those who don't want a full overshoe is a toe cover, or a "Toe Thingy" as Castelli affectionally call it.

We researched other brands and found that they were appalling quality straight out of the box and often more expensive too.I was a huge fan of the length of the cuff, which is shorter than average. Some overshoes really feel stifling around the lower leg, building up moisture around the ankle in milder conditions. This wasn’t an issue with here. The elastic didn’t leave a mark post-ride either.