GripGrab RaceThermo Waterproof Wind Shoe Covers review

With any overshoes, the question isn’t will water get in, but where and how quickly.

On these RaceThermo Waterproof Wind Shoe Covers, GripGrab removes one source of ingress with a zipless design that has a neoprene cuff to fit snuggly around the calf.

That’s let down elsewhere, though. The base is open from toe to heel, so water will quickly find its way in here.

GripGrab RaceThermo Waterproof Wind Shoe Covers specifications

The GripGrab RaceThermo overshoes are made of 4mm neoprene, so they’re slightly thicker than some of the best cycling overshoes, which typically use 3mm thickness.

All the internal seams are either taped or welded to help prevent water penetration from above. The large GripGrab logos on the sides of the overshoes are reflective and there’s a reflective fabric square at the heel, too.

There’s no zipper, which removes one potential point of failure, but does make getting the overshoes on and off more awkward.

The base of the overshoe is very open, with just a Kevlar toe cap and a Velcro strap under the midfoot to hold the two sides together. The edges are hemmed and the stitching around them is sealed.

GripGrab RaceThermo Waterproof Wind Shoe Covers performance

GripGrab’s neoprene has a shiny outer surface, so it sheds water well and doesn’t wet out as fabric overshoes can once their DWR coating has worn off.

The sturdy, extra-thick 4mm neoprene adds extra insulation relative to thinner overshoes and should see you comfortably down towards freezing.

The absence of a zip means you need to put your overshoes on before your cycling shoes, as these won’t fit through the cuff. You’ll then need to pull the overshoes down over your cycling shoes and hook the front over the toes of your shoes. It’s a slightly awkward process.

The zipless design of the uppers and the tight ankle cuff means water trickling down your leg doesn’t find its way into the overshoes.

In contrast, the open base means road spray penetrates from below, so you won’t escape wet feet. There’s little overlap at the toe, so any toe vents in your shoes let in water quickly.

The Velcro tab under the foot does a good job of keeping the two sides of the overshoes together, although this is an area susceptible to wear over time, when clipping in/out or walking off the bike.

GripGrab Race Thermo Shoe Covers bottom line

GripGrab’s zipless cuff is a clever feature that helps keep water out, although it makes the Race Thermo Shoe Covers slightly fiddly to put on.

It’s negated somewhat, though, by the open base that will let water seep into any vent holes in your shoes’ soles.