When winter comes many things have to change, including the way certain sports are played. Accessories such as cycling shoe covers are one of the clearest examples of this. However, some people are not sure if shoe covers are really useful.
The truth is that yes, since they help keep your feet warm and dry , something that is not very easy when the weather conditions conspire against you. In this article we tell you everything you need to know about them.
What are cycling shoe covers?
Shoe covers, also known as boot covers, are complementary accessories that work like an outer sock to cover our shoes when cycling.
The effects of cycling shoe covers will vary according to the type of shoe cover in question. Some have properties capable of preventing water from reaching the feet, while others have reflectors that make the cyclist more visible in the dark or merely contribute to temperature regulation. There are also overshoes that improve aerodynamics .
Types of cycling shoe covers
The types of shoe covers that exist are very varied. Choosing the right one will depend on the type of cycling you are going to do , since, for example, shoe covers for mountain bikes are not the same as for road bikes.
The classification of the different types of shoe covers depends on the protection they are capable of providing and the fabric with which they are made . The types that exist are the following:
toe shoe covers
They are characterized by covering only the toe of the boot or shoe. They are designed to keep your toes warm , as this is the part of the body most likely to be affected by low temperatures.
The best ones are those made with a neoprene thermal cover, since this material is very effective in combating the cold . It should be noted that they offer very good support thanks to the hole they incorporate in the plant.
It is important to bear in mind that, if you are going to use them to practice mountain biking, any kind of toe shoe cover will not work for you, since for this type of cycling there are special models designed to offer high durability.
Socks
They are the simplest option of all, so they do not offer much durability . They are limited to protecting footwear against dust, mud or wear. Although they are not very resistant, they have the advantage that they are the cheapest type of shoe cover.
Lycra or latex shoe covers
They are characterized by offering aerodynamic benefits to the cyclist and by being elastic and thin. They extend the life of the shoes by preventing the need to wash them after each bike ride during the winter. In addition, its windbreak effect can improve our performance in the race.
Thermal overshoes
As its name suggests, thermal shoe covers are designed to regulate temperature, so that the cold does not affect us. Generally, they are made of neoprene, since this fabric offers protection against the rain and is excellent at retaining heat . The only disadvantage of neoprene is that it is not a very breathable material, which can be a drawback if we tend to sweat a lot.
waterproof overshoes
If you’re tired of coming home with wet feet after riding a bike on a rainy day, waterproof shoe covers are the solution. In addition, this type of cycling shoe cover is quite versatile, so you may get not only waterproof models, but also windproof ones, so they can give you aerodynamic benefits .
Likewise, there are some models aimed at reinforcing the heels, as they are made with Kevlar toecaps, which guarantees quite high levels of resistance and durability.
In addition, there are also waterproof LED shoe covers , which aim to make the cyclist more visible to drivers , something that can be beneficial if you ride a bike at night.
How to choose a cycling shoe cover?
After determining what type of shoe cover you need, you need to decide on the size you will need. The size of shoe covers varies according to the manufacturer. In some cases it will be enough for you to select the same number as your shoe, but in others it will be necessary to select measurements such as S, M, L, XL , among others.
You should always buy a size according to your shoe . It is a mistake to buy an extra number because they are placed on top of the shoes.
If you want to stop having problems with cold or humidity when you decide to go cycling during the winter, choosing good shoe covers is essential .
On the other hand, they can also be useful at other times of the year, as LED shoe covers can improve your visibility at night at any time of the year.
Likewise, the aerodynamic benefits that some models provide can help you enjoy an improved experience when you practice cycling .
