Castelli Diluvio UL Shoecovers review

The Castelli Diluvio UL Shoecovers hit the mark as a set of overshoes that provide plenty of coverage and smart features.

They’re easy to get on, while still providing a close fit that helps trap warmth.

You’ll also find plenty of reflective detailing to aid visibility. The fortified fabric on the lower sides should help with durability, although the Velcro strap under the midsole may prove a weak point.

Castelli Diluvio UL Shoecovers specifications

The Castelli Diluvio UL Shoecovers are slightly longer than many of the best cycling overshoes – around 2cm higher than the dhb Neoprene Nylon overshoes I've also tested, for example. That, along with a stretchy rubber cuff, helps to keep water out of the tops of the overshoes.

There’s a long reversed zip at the rear which, as with the Endura Road Overshoes, has a chunky metal and rubber puller for easy use.

Also similar to the Endura overshoes, there’s a broad storm cuff behind the zip to help keep water out, and a zip garage at the top to avoid irritation. However, unlike the Enduras, the zipper is not offset from the rear of the overshoe.

There’s a square reflective tab at the rear, while the massive reflective Castelli wordmark on the side further ups visibility.

All the seams in the upper are stitched tightly and sealed inside. The lower edge of the uppers is faced with Cordura fabric rather than being made of neoprene, which should up durability and abrasion resistance.

Like several other overshoes we’ve tested, there’s a Velcro strap under the instep to hold the two sides of the Diluvio overshoes together. This enables some tuning of fit, but ultimately may wear and become less effective with walking and clipping in and out, although it’s made of sturdy fabric.

Castelli Diluvio UL Shoecovers performance

The long zip and Velcro strap make it easy to get the Castelli Diluvio UL overshoes on and, unlike some overshoes, you can fit them once you’ve got your cycling shoes on.

The high, close-fitting cuff helps keep water from trickling down your legs into your shoes, although the leg portion feels quite tight against the calf.

As with other overshoes, the open bottoms allow road spray to find its way into the sole of cycling shoes if they have any vents.

But they fit closely enough around the base that even if your feet do get wet, they will stay reasonably warm from the trapped air and moisture if you’re wearing wool socks.

That close fit, the thickness of the neoprene and the overshoes’ windproofing will keep feet comfortably warm in mid single-digit temperatures.

The stitched edging to the base and the Cordura lower sides help with durability, although the Velcro tab midsole may wear more quickly if you’re not careful.

Castelli Diluvio UL Shoecovers bottom line

The Castelli Diluvio UL overshoes look stylish and there’s performance to match, too.

Their extra length and tight ankle cuff mean they do the job well, with a close, comfortable fit that keeps feet warm even when water finds its way in, principally through the open base.

These are an expensive option though and other brands' overshoes offer many of the same features for less cash. That's significant for an item of cycling clothing that can be susceptible to damage through regular use.