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. Emma’s first encounters with a bike were in between swimming and running. Soon after competing for GB in the World Age Group Triathlon Championships in Edmonton in 2001 she saw the light and decided to focus on cycling.

We researched other brands and found that they were appalling quality straight out of the box and often more expensive too. 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). 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. Keeping feet warm and dry in winter is difficult for cyclists. Wind chill is the enemy for the extremities, add spray from the front wheel and unless your feet are appropriately insulated it won’t be long before you can’t feel them any more. Can you wear cycling overshoes with trainers? 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.

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Also, you’re going to end up walking in your overshoes at some point, and you’ll have to put a foot down at junctions or stops, all of which subjects them to wear.

Overshoes like these are aimed at cleated shoes. I have used them with brogues, but I’d be careful of damaging the hems on rat-trap pedals. These overshoes are warm and durable plus their generous sole openings should help prevent you damaging the material when walking around.Only after a couple of hours in continuous rain could I sense dampness. I can't be sure where exactly it was getting in, or if it was penetrating the actual fabric. Certainly, the fabric isn't as good as a smooth surfaced neoprene (which seems impenetrable); water will get through it. The Achilles heel of any overshoe tends to be its sole. First, it needs to have a couple of holes in it to fit over your shoe’s cleat and heel. This inevitably lets water in, which can creep into your shoe’s upper and through vent holes in its sole. 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.

At the top of the overshoes is an additional 2cm elasticated cuff with an internal silicone gripper to help secure them in place. The ride 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. 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). 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. Sometimes, kit makers will use a less bulky fabric for the uppers, one that’s typically DWR (durable water repellent) coated to repel water, and includes a breathable membrane. It’s an alternative to neoprene that’s lighter and less stiff, but it can lose its water-resistance over time and, unless additional insulation is added, may not be as warm in cold weather.The robust toe and midsole areas gave enough stiffness to help the overshoes hold their shape, but had enough stretch to let you pull them in to place first time. DexShell offer the shoes in sizes S to XL. I’m a size 8/42 so, following their size chart, opted to test a medium. It offers a very snug fit, just what I look for in an overshoe; it keeps drafts and water out and feels cosy too. Overall, DexShell deserve recognition for a great bit of kit that does exactly what it should with no compromises in quality - and without the price tag of some premium overshoes. Specs