With the weather turning chillier it's time to start thinking about layering up for those autumn/winter rides, and toe covers are a handy bit of kit.
Acting as a barrier to more wintry conditions, with a mixture of durable and winter-proof fabrics such as neoprene, nylon and brushed linings, they help to keep the cold and wet at bay — from your feet at least! Plus, if things warm up they're easy to remove too.
Here are six we've tested…
- 10 reasons why riding in the rain is awesome
- How to maintain the right body temperature on winter rides
Castelli Toe Thingy
- Price: £15 / $TBC / AU$29
Typically stylish, these toe covers are all neoprene, with silicone print all over the sole for protection and grip.
The cutout oval cleat hole stretches easily in to position, and the highly elastic covers sit securely in place, their length covering more of the shoe than any on test, and providing a great weather barrier for most conditions.
Giro Ambient
- Price: £13 / $20 /AU$TBC
The Ambients are elevated by their durable nylon soles with good-sized, reinforced cleat holes making them easy to fit.
Without an elastic sole, the snug neoprene upper is less taut, but covers more of the shoe than most.
Its brushed fleece lining provides wind and water protection and warmth on cool days, and there’s a large reflective logo.
Endura FS260-Pro Slick
- Price: £15 / $19 / AU$23
Endura’s toe covers have a hard-wearing nylon sole and PU-coated upper with a reflective stripe. An elasticated cuff holds them in place, but the sole has limited stretch, meaning a little extra effort is needed to position them over large cleats.
They fend off water, but have no insulating backing, making them ideal for fast rides.
Mavic Toe Warmer
- Price: £20 / $30 / AU$45
Mavic’s simple two-part neoprene construction creates a toe cover that’s less bulky than the other neoprene ones here, but still fits well.
The reinforced cleat hole is easy to position, and a durable nylon patch on the toe protects against walking damage. Slightly thinner fabric reduces warmth, but they have good coverage and look slick.
VeloToze
- Price: £10 / $13 / AU$20
These latex covers are aimed at racers to keep wind and spray at bay. They stretch like a sturdy balloon, and need easing over cleats to avoid damage, but are snug with possible aero benefits.
Waterproof, non-absorbent and wipe-clean, VeloToze are easily pocketed, but with no insulation they’re best saved for temperatures above 10°C.
POC AVIP Toe Cap
- Price: £35 / $30 / AU$TBC
POC’s pliable silicone toe caps are designed to stand out. They’re supple and stretchy, with a large pull tab that makes fitting simple, and their minimal thickness conforms well to your shoe.
The toe is reinforced for durability, they’re water and windproof, and wipe clean easily, but they’re less pocketable than some and don’t add warmth.
